How far is Austin, TX from Dripping Springs, TX?
The driving distance from Austin, TX to Dripping Springs, TX is about 23.5 miles (37.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 21.2 miles (34.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 34m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Austin and Dripping Springs.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Austin and Dripping Springs.
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1
Start on East 5th Street
127 m · 16 sec · East 5th Street
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2
Turn left onto Brazos Street
109 m · 23 sec · Brazos Street
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3
Turn left onto East 6th Street
1.9 mi · 5 min · East 6th Street
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4
Turn left onto Atlanta Street
71 m · 7 sec · Atlanta Street
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5
Take the ramp straight toward Loop 1 South
1065 ft · 26 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto South Mopac Expressway
3.9 mi · 5 min · South Mopac Expressway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 290 West, TX 71 West: Johnson City, Llano
1 km · 1 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on US 290 West, TX 71 West
97 m · 8 sec
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9
Merge slight left
3.7 mi · 4 min
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10
Continue on West US Highway 290 Frontage Rd
136 m · 6 sec · West US Highway 290 Frontage Rd
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11
Continue on West US 290 Frontage Rd
1525 ft · 24 sec · West US 290 Frontage Rd
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12
Turn straight onto West US 290 Bypass Lanes
2551 ft · 33 sec · West US 290 Bypass Lanes
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13
Continue on West US Highway 290
115 m · 5 sec · West US Highway 290
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14
Continue on West US Highway 290
11.7 mi · 16 min · West US Highway 290
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15
Turn left onto Ranch Road 12
850 ft · 19 sec · Ranch Road 12
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16
Turn left
32 m · 13 sec
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17
Turn left
101 m · 24 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Austin and Dripping Springs.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
West US Highway 290
Continue on West US Highway 290
11.7 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Austin and Mostly Sunny near Dripping Springs.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Austin to Dripping Springs?
The road trip is about 23.5 miles (37.8 km) and usually takes 00h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Barton Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.7 miles from Austin and 11.7 miles from Dripping Springs.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 21.2 miles (34.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.14 one way or $6.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Austin and Mostly Sunny near Dripping Springs.
Stop Ideas Near Barton Creek
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 Barton Creek.
Austin
San Marcos Station
Taylor
Killeen, Texas
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Austin and Dripping Springs. Straight-line distance: 21.19 mi (34.1 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 Dripping Springs
City in Texas
| Population | 6,587 |
| Coordinates | 30.1902100, -98.0866800 |
| Altitude | 350 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dripping Springs (-98.08668, 30.19021)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 38 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $3.14 | $6.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.53 | $7.06 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $3.81 | $7.62 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $3.31 | $6.63 |
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 · May 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.