How far is Austin, TX from Center, TX?
The driving distance from Austin, TX to Center, TX is about 142.4 miles (229.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116.1 miles (186.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 37m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 48m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Bell County, Texas
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Austin and Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Austin and Center.
-
1
Start on East 5th Street
1836 ft · 52 sec · East 5th Street
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2
Turn left onto Red River Street
711 ft · 20 sec · Red River Street
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3
Turn right onto East 7th Street
757 ft · 17 sec · East 7th Street
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4
Turn left onto North Interstate 35
928 ft · 27 sec · North Interstate 35
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5
Take the ramp slight left toward I 35 North, US 290 East
906 ft · 22 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Purple Heart Trail
2985 ft · 42 sec · Purple Heart Trail
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Purple Heart Trail
93.8 mi · 1 hr 39 min · Purple Heart Trail
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8
Take the exit slight right toward TX 6 South, Loop 340 North: Marlin
1 km · 1 min
-
9
Turn straight onto South Interstate 35
2683 ft · 44 sec · South Interstate 35
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10
Turn slight right onto TX 6 South, Loop 340 North: Marlin
1924 ft · 1 min
-
11
Turn straight onto South Loop 340
2453 ft · 45 sec · South Loop 340
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12
Take the ramp slight left toward TX 6 South, Loop 340 North
1154 ft · 28 sec
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13
Merge slight left
5.6 mi · 7 min
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14
Take the exit slight right
1317 ft · 34 sec
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15
Continue on East State Highway 6
6.7 mi · 7 min · East State Highway 6
-
16
Turn slight left
32.3 mi · 48 min
-
17
Turn right onto Lcr 800
118 m · 17 sec · Lcr 800
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lcr 800
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Austin and Center.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight right to continue on Purple Heart Trail
93.8 mi · 01h 39m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Austin and Mostly Cloudy near Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Austin to Center?
The road trip is about 142.4 miles (229.2 km) and usually takes 02h 48m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Troy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.3 miles from Austin and 71.1 miles from Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116.1 miles (186.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.97 one way or $37.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Austin and Mostly Cloudy near Center.
Stop Ideas Near Troy
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Troy.
Temple
McGregor
Killeen, Texas
Waco, TX
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Austin and Center. Straight-line distance: 116.16 mi (186.94 km).
#1 Austin
The eleventh most populous city in the United States and the center of the Austin metropolitan area.
| Population | 995,484 |
| Coordinates | 30.2671500, -97.7430600 |
| Altitude | 149 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Center
City in Shelby County, Texas, United States
| Population | 5,043 |
| Coordinates | 31.5107300, -96.4247000 |
| Altitude | 131 |
| Country | United States |
End: Center (-96.4247, 31.51073)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $18.97 | $37.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.35 | $42.69 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $23.05 | $46.09 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $20.04 | $40.09 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Texas · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.