The Quick Drive: How Long Does It Take to Drive From Carrollton, Texas to Austin, Texas?

When planning a trip from Carrollton to Austin, it's important to take note of the different routes available and how long it may take. Traffic is a common issue when traveling between cities in Texas, and traffic patterns can greatly affect the amount of time it takes to travel even small distances. Here's a guide to the fastest and slowest routes, distances, and travel times when driving from Carrollton, Texas to Austin, Texas.

Fastest routes

If you need to drive to Austin in a hurry, then the fastest route to take is via Interstate 35. This route is relatively straight and the distance is roughly 197 miles. It normally takes about 3 hours to complete the journey in moderate traffic, although this can increase to around 3 hours and 45 minutes during peak traffic times. If you happen to be driving during non-peak traffic hours, you can shave off up to 30 minutes of the journey time.

Another fast route you can take is via Highway 183 to Highway 290. This is a distance of about 206 miles, and the journey can take around 3 hours and 30 minutes. While the time taken to travel on this route can be shorter than the I-35 route during times of heavy traffic, it’s important to keep in mind that this route may not be the best choice in terms of fuel costs.

Slowest routes

The slowest route would be to take the Old San Antonio Road. While it’s a very scenic drive, it takes the longest time to travel and is around 230 miles from Carrollton to Austin. It can take almost 5 hours to complete the journey, depending on traffic conditions. During peak traffic times, you may find yourself sitting in your car for up to 6 hours, making this route the worst choice in terms of time.

Another route that would take longer is to take Highway 380 to US-281 South before switching onto Highway 71. The distance of this route is around 231 miles and it can take up to 4 hours and 15 minutes to reach Austin. It’s important to remember that this route can take longer during times of heavy traffic on Highway 71 near Austin.

Which route should you take?

If you're driving from Carrollton to Austin for the first time, the I-35 route is the best option. This is because it's the most direct route, traffic is easier to navigate, and there are several places to stop for food and rest along the way.

However, if you're looking for a slower and more scenic route, then the Highway 183 to Highway 290 route would be a good choice. Make sure to keep in mind that this route may incur more fuel costs, so be sure to fill up your tank before taking on this route.

Overall, no matter which route you choose, estimated times can vary depending on traffic conditions, so it’s always best to give yourself extra time when driving between these cities.