David Steiner put out this work on March 13, 2023.
Texas is the second biggest state in the US and has a lot to offer tourists. Five states and Mexico are all right next to it. No matter which path you take, getting from one side to the other only takes a few days. This means that you don’t have to make any long-term plans for this road trip.
From the border of Louisiana to the border of New Mexico, you’ll be going for up to 12 hours. To avoid feeling rushed and to make sure you have time to enjoy all that Texas has to offer, we suggest you give yourself at least a few days.
Find out about the different ways to get around the state by reading on. In the Lone Star State, you can find everything you need to plan your next trip
How long does it take to drive across Texas?
Like states that are square, Texas is not a simple shape, so there is no simple answer to this question. There are five choices to think about, and each one changes the number of miles and time needed to make the trip.
The good thing about this is that it gives you a lot of choices that can meet your exact needs. You can pick any route from the table below. I-10 in the south and I-40 in the north are the most common paths.
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
| Erick to San Jon | 180 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Texarkana to San Jon | 560 miles | 8 hours 30 minutes |
| Shreveport to San Jon | 600 miles | 8 hours 30 minutes |
| Shreveport to El Paso | 820 miles | 11 hours |
| Texarkana to El Paso | 830 miles | 11 hours |
When people go on a road trip across Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., they see a huge area with different scenery, busy cities, and cute small towns. You can see some of Texas’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty while driving across the state. This makes the trip memorable for both adventure seekers and people just on a road trip.
Well-known ways to drive across Texas
From east to west: Going from east to west across Texas is one of the most common ways to get there. This road goes from cities like Houston or Beaumont in the east all the way to El Paso or even further, all the way to the border with New Mexico. It covers hundreds of miles of different landscapes, from flat plains to rolling hills to deserts.
From north to south: From the border with Oklahoma in the north to the border with Mexico in the south is another popular route. This road goes from cities like Amarillo in the north to cities like Brownsville or Laredo near the southern tip of Texas. It shows off the state’s varied landscape, from the plains of the Panhandle to the beaches of the Gulf Coast.
Distance and Route Options:
From Houston to El Paso: Depending on the path taken, the trip from Houston in the east to El Paso in the west is about 750 to 850 miles long. People who want to travel can take Interstate 10, a major east-west highway that goes through the middle of Texas quickly and freely.
From Dallas to San Antonio: From Dallas in the north to San Antonio in the south, you can drive about 270 to 300 miles. This is a shorter but more scenic path. People who want to travel between these two big cities can take Interstate 35, a busy highway that goes through beautiful towns and farmland.
From Austin to Corpus Christi: If you want to see a lot of different parts of the state, a car trip from Austin to Corpus Christi is about 200 to 220 miles long. This route gets people through the Texas Hill Country and down to the Gulf Coast. It has both the excitement of the city and the charm of the coast.
When planning a trip across Texas, tourists can choose from a huge number of different routes, each with its own unique sights, sites, and activities that show off the Lone Star State’s unmatched charm and friendliness. Taking a road trip across Texas, whether going from east to west or north to south, will leave you with memories that you will remember forever. Inspiring travel quotes
There are several ways to drive across Texas
You can drive across Texas in a number of different ways.
There are five different ways in Texas, as shown in the table above. The most popular route is from Shreveport, Louisiana, to El Paso, Texas, which is close to the border with Mexico. It is also the busiest route. You’ll need to stop for gas, food and water along this path, which takes about 11 hours.
Don’t worry about the 11-hour time window. During the day, you can just switch drivers, or you can stop somewhere overnight to rest up before going back on the road the next day.
You could instead choose one of the less often used paths in the north. The trip from Erick to San Jon takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The trip from Texarkana to San Jon, on the other hand, takes over 8 hours.
You can drive across Texas from the Mexican border
Coming from Mexico, you can drive across Texas.
There are 29 places where you can cross from Mexico into Texas. Depending on where in the US you want to go, you should use the other. The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge or Laredo are the main ways that people enter the state.
You can drive through the Texas Panhandle across Northern Texas
Once you get to Texas, you’ll need to figure out how to get out of the state. Most people choose to leave through Arkansas or Louisiana. I-30 is the best way to get into Arkansas, while I-10 is the best way to get into Louisiana.
It takes 6 hours and 30 minutes to get from Laredo to the border with Louisiana. This is two hours faster than the trip for people entering Arkansas.
Don’t forget to think about how long it will take to cross the border. This can change from day to day, but being ready for anything will make the day less stressful.
How to drive across Texas as fast as possible
In northern Texas, you can drive through the Texas Panhandle.
There are a few easy ways to drive across Northern Texas. From Arkansas, you can get to all three entrances by going through Texarkana, along I-20 from Shreveport, Louisiana, or on I-40 from Oklahoma.
From Amarillo or El Paso, you can get to the most popular exits from Texas into New Mexico on I-40 or I-10.
Are you nervous about the trip? Here are our best tips for getting across Texas as quickly as possible.
Having two drivers who can switch off at different times will make the trip less stressful. This will cut down on the time you need to stop and make your trip take longer.
Also, you shouldn’t drive at night because Texas law says you can’t go as fast. Because there is so much less traffic on Sundays, they are the best days.
If you want to avoid having to stop too often for petrol, use a car that can save you money on petrol. Stopping at the petrol station often will slow you down and take away from your time to enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery.
Things to keep in mind while driving across Texas
When making plans for your trip, try to think about how often you’ll need to stop. For example, cars that use less petrol will need to stop for petrol less often. You’ll also want to stop for a while because most routes take at least eight hours.
In Texas, it can be really crowded if you’re taking one of the more common roads, like the southern route across the state. The reason for this is that lorries use it to move things all over the United States. If you have to, it’s best to avoid rush hours and take routes that are less busy.
You should get ready for the I-10 road we talked about earlier. It can get very busy since it has 26 lanes. Go when traffic isn’t as bad to avoid getting stuck in it. Also, pay close attention to the speed limits, since they change from part of the state to part of the state.
Factors Affecting Travel Time in Texas
When embarking on a road trip across Texas, several factors can influence travel time and the overall experience of the journey. Understanding these factors can help travelers better plan their route and manage their expectations along the way.
1. Traffic Congestion:
Traffic congestion, especially in metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin, can significantly impact travel time. Rush hour traffic, accidents, and construction zones can cause delays and affect the overall pace of the journey.
2. Weather Conditions:
Texas is known for its diverse weather conditions, ranging from scorching heat in the summer to occasional winter storms in the northern regions. Severe weather such as thunderstorms, heavy rains, or snow can lead to road closures, reduced visibility, and hazardous driving conditions, potentially slowing down travel time.
3. Road Construction:
Road construction projects are common on Texas highways and interstates, particularly during the warmer months. Detours, lane closures, and reduced speed limits in construction zones can cause delays and require travelers to adjust their route or factor in extra time for potential delays.
4. Stops for Food and Rest:
Taking breaks for food, rest, and refueling is essential for driver safety and comfort during long journeys. Planning stops at rest areas, gas stations, or roadside eateries allows travelers to rejuvenate, stretch their legs, and stay alert on the road. However, frequent stops can add to the total travel time.
5. Distance Between Destinations:
The sheer size of Texas means that distances between major cities and attractions can be substantial. Travelers should consider the total distance to be covered and plan their itinerary accordingly, accounting for the time needed to reach each destination.
6. Speed Limits and Driving Conditions:
Texas has varying speed limits on highways, with some stretches allowing for faster travel while others have lower limits through urban areas or construction zones. Adhering to speed limits and adjusting driving speed based on road conditions can impact travel time and overall safety.
By being aware of these factors that can affect travel time, road trippers can better prepare for their journey across Texas, allowing for flexibility in their schedule, making informed decisions regarding route adjustments, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the road. Planning ahead, staying informed about weather and traffic conditions, and allowing for extra time for unforeseen delays can help travelers navigate the challenges and make the most of their adventure through the Lone Star State.
Conclusion
From the border with Louisiana to the border with New Mexico, the trip can take up to 12 hours, if you don’t get stuck or need to stop for more than a few short breaks.
Problems along the way could be stressful if you don’t plan for them ahead of time and spread out the trip over two or three days.
By adding an overnight stop, you’ll have time to check out the restaurants and bars in the area and get a good night’s sleep before the next day’s drive.
FAQs: How Long Does it Take to Drive Across Texas?
1. How long does it take to drive across Texas from east to west?
The drive from the eastern border of Texas to the western border can take anywhere from around 10 to 14 hours, depending on the specific starting and ending points, traffic conditions, and chosen route.
2. How long does it take to drive across Texas from north to south?
Driving from the northern border of Texas to the southern border can take approximately 12 to 16 hours, depending on the starting and ending locations, road conditions, and stops along the way.
3. What is the total distance of driving across Texas from east to west?
The distance of driving across Texas from east to west can range from about 800 to 900 miles, depending on the specific route taken and starting and ending points.
4. Are there any scenic routes for driving across Texas?
Yes, Texas offers several scenic routes for drivers, including highways that pass through the Hill Country, along the Gulf Coast, and through the desert landscapes of the west, providing picturesque views and memorable stops along the way.
5. How can I estimate my travel time across Texas?
To estimate travel time across Texas, consider the distance to be covered, average driving speed, expected stops for food and rest, and potential delays due to traffic, weather conditions, or road construction. Online mapping services can also provide estimated travel times based on your route.
6. What are the best times to travel to avoid traffic congestion in Texas?
To avoid heavy traffic congestion, it is advisable to travel during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening. Additionally, avoiding major cities during rush hours can help minimize delays and make for a smoother journey.
7. Are there any tips for making the drive across Texas more comfortable and efficient?
Some tips for a more comfortable and efficient drive across Texas include planning your route in advance, staying updated on weather and road conditions, taking regular breaks for rest and refreshment, and staying alert and focused while driving.
Hi, I’m Linda Milone, a travel enthusiast and safety advocate. I created Safe Travel Quest to share my passion for exploring new destinations while staying safe and informed. When I’m not planning my next adventure, you can find me researching the latest travel trends and tips. Follow safetravelquest along for practical advice and inspiring stories to help you travel with confidence.