The drive from Waco, TX to Austin, TX covers roughly 101 miles and typically takes 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr 10 min, mainly on I-35 South. 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
Waco, TX to Austin, 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.
The Waco-to-Austin leg is heavily traveled and often slowed by long-running I-35 construction through Temple, Belton, and Georgetown. Midday and early-morning departures usually move best.
Best route and highways
Primary route: I-35 South. Main highways on this trip: I-35.
Alternate route: SH-95 through Taylor and Elgin to bypass the worst of the I-35 construction between Temple and Georgetown.
Toll information: I-35 itself is toll-free. Toll roads (SH-45, SH-130, MoPac Express) ring Austin if you want to skip downtown congestion.
Where to stop along the way
Good places to break up the Temple, Salado, Round Rock corridor include:
Temple — Roughly the midpoint; plenty of fuel, food, and the Czech Heritage of Temple.
Salado — Village of Salado — boutiques, galleries, and Sirena statue on Salado Creek.
Round Rock — Home of the famous Round Rock Donuts as you approach the Austin metro.
Flying instead of driving
If you'd rather fly, the most relevant airports for this trip are: Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), Waco Regional Airport (ACT).
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 Waco, TX from Austin, TX?
It's approximately 101 miles by road via I-35 South.
How long does it take to drive from Waco, TX to Austin, 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 Waco, TX to Austin, TX?
Most drivers take I-35 South. A useful alternate is SH-95 through Taylor and Elgin to bypass the worst of the I-35 construction between Temple and Georgetown.
Are there tolls between Waco, TX and Austin, TX?
I-35 itself is toll-free. Toll roads (SH-45, SH-130, MoPac Express) ring Austin if you want to skip downtown congestion.
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.