The drive from Austin, TX to Waco, TX covers roughly 101 miles and typically takes 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr 10 min, mainly on I-35 North. Below you'll find the recommended route, major highways, worthwhile stops, airport alternatives, and a button to open live, current directions in Google Maps.
Distance and typical drive time
Austin, TX to Waco, TX is about 101 miles. A typical drive takes 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr 10 min, though your actual time depends on traffic, weather, and construction — these are typical estimates, not live traffic.
Getting out of Austin is usually the slowest part of this drive. Once north of Georgetown, I-35 opens up and the run into Waco is straightforward.
Best route and highways
Primary route: I-35 North. Main highways on this trip: I-35.
Alternate route: SH-130 (toll) north to bypass central-Austin traffic, then rejoin I-35 near Georgetown.
Toll information: Escaping Austin northbound you may choose SH-130 or MoPac toll lanes, but I-35 to Waco is toll-free.
Where to stop along the way
Good places to break up the Georgetown, Salado, Temple corridor include:
Georgetown — Williamson County’s “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.”
Salado — A pleasant creekside stop for a meal or a stretch.
Temple — Midpoint services and the Texas railroad heritage museum.
Flying instead of driving
If you'd rather fly, the most relevant airports for this trip are: Waco Regional Airport (ACT), Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS).
Waco Regional Airport (ACT) offers limited commercial service, so many travelers to and from the Waco area also use larger airports in Dallas–Fort Worth or Austin.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Austin, TX from Waco, TX?
It's approximately 101 miles by road via I-35 North.
How long does it take to drive from Austin, TX to Waco, TX?
A typical drive takes 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr 10 min, depending on traffic, weather, and construction. Use the live directions button for a current estimate.
What is the best route from Austin, TX to Waco, TX?
Most drivers take I-35 North. A useful alternate is SH-130 (toll) north to bypass central-Austin traffic, then rejoin I-35 near Georgetown.
Are there tolls between Austin, TX and Waco, TX?
Escaping Austin northbound you may choose SH-130 or MoPac toll lanes, but I-35 to Waco is toll-free.
Last verified September 19, 2026
Details like hours, prices, routes, boundaries, and availability can change. This page is provided for general information — always confirm current details with the official source before you rely on them.