How far is Buchanan Dam, TX from Austin, TX?
The driving distance from Buchanan Dam, TX to Austin, TX is about 67.7 miles (108.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 52.4 miles (84.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 34m 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 01h 17m.
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 Williamson County, Texas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buchanan Dam and Austin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buchanan Dam and Austin.
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1
Start on Island Lodges Drive
43 m · 11 sec · Island Lodges Drive
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2
Turn left
36.2 mi · 47 min
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3
Turn right onto North US Highway 183
1327 ft · 21 sec · North US Highway 183
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4
Take the ramp slight left
1729 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto 183A Toll Road
13.3 mi · 13 min · 183A Toll Road
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6
Continue straight
7.5 mi · 9 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard
2127 ft · 52 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South
2119 ft · 52 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto North Mopac Expressway
2.4 mi · 3 min · North Mopac Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight left toward Express 1 Toll
129 m · 10 sec
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11
Merge slight left
3.9 mi · 4 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
1.1 km · 1 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on West 5th Street
1602 ft · 39 sec
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14
Turn straight onto West 5th Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · West 5th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buchanan Dam and Austin.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Longest stretch
Turn left
36.2 mi · 00h 47m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Buchanan Dam and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Austin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buchanan Dam to Austin?
The road trip is about 67.7 miles (108.9 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Liberty Hill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 33.6 miles from Buchanan Dam and 34.1 miles from Austin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 52.4 miles (84.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.3 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 3:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.03 one way or $18.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 21.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Buchanan Dam and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Austin.
Stop Ideas Near Liberty Hill
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 Liberty Hill.
Austin
Taylor
Killeen, Texas
Fort Hood, Texas
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buchanan Dam and Austin. Straight-line distance: 52.39 mi (84.31 km).
#1 Buchanan Dam
Place in Texas
| Population | 1,519 |
| Coordinates | 30.7399000, -98.4311400 |
| Altitude | 318 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: East 5th Street (-97.743073, 30.267115)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 109 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $9.03 | $18.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.16 | $20.32 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $10.97 | $21.94 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $9.54 | $19.09 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.