Road Trip from Austin to Arlington, Texas: What's Your Fastest and Slowest Route?

Are you excited for a road trip from Austin to Arlington, Texas? Before you pack your bags, let's talk about driving time and routes. We all know that driving can take more time than expected, especially during peak hours. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the fastest and slowest routes to get to your destination.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest way to Arlington from Austin is to take the I-35 N route, which is approximately 190 miles. Under ideal conditions, it would take you around 3 hours. However, this route can be congested with traffic, especially during the peak hours, so your driving time may be different. You also have the option to take the 183 N and TX-360 S route, which can take about 4 hours, but it offers scenic views.

On the other hand, the slowest route is the TX-21 E and US-77 N route, approximately 215 miles. Although this route can bypass some major cities, it can be a bit slow, taking around 4-5 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way. This route can also have traffic if you take it during peak hours, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns

The best time to drive from Austin to Arlington would be during off-peak hours, but sometimes we don't have a choice. Rush hour in Austin is between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. On the other hand, rush hour in Arlington is between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

According to Google Maps, during peak traffic, the drive from Austin to Arlington using the I-35 N route can take you around 4 hours and 15 minutes, while taking the TX-21 E and US-77 N route can take around 6 hours. However, if you decide to travel during off-peak hours, the drive using the I-35 N route can take around 3 hours and 5 minutes, while taking the TX-21 E and US-77 N route can take around 4 hours and 35 minutes.

Conclusion

When planning your road trip, it's important to consider the distance and driving time, especially based on traffic patterns. While the I-35 N route is the fastest, there are still different factors that could make the drive longer than anticipated. If you have time to spare, taking the longer route can offer beautiful scenic views and breaks to stretch your legs. However, if time is of the essence, sticking to the main highways during off-peak hours would be your best option. Whatever route you decide to take, enjoy the ride!