How far is Waxahachie, TX from Austin, TX?
Fastest route
The route from Waxahachie, Texas to Austin, Texas is approximately 167 miles long and takes around 2 hours and 29 minutes via I-35 S. This route avoids the road closure on E 6th St.
Directions
Here are step-by-step directions for the route:
- Head northeast toward Water St.
- Turn left onto US-77 S/N Elm St.
- Continue to follow US-77 S.
- Take the ramp onto I-35E S.
- Continue on I-35E S.
- Take I-35 S to S I-35 Frontage Rd in Austin.
- Take exit 234A from I-35 S/US-290 W.
- Keep left at the fork to stay on I-35 S.
- Pass by Motel 6 Austin, TX (on the right in 52.9 mi).
- Keep left at the fork to continue on I-35 S/US-290 W/N Interstate 35, following signs for 32nd St.
- Take exit 234A toward Cesar Chavez St/Holly St.
- Follow E 1st St/E Cesar Chavez St to Congress Ave.
- Merge onto S I-35 Frontage Rd.
- Turn right onto E 1st St/E Cesar Chavez St.
- Turn right onto Congress Ave.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Start early to avoid heavy traffic during peak hours.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 📱 Use a navigation app like Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and alternative routes.
- 🍴 Pack some snacks and drinks for the road.
- 🚫 Observe and follow traffic rules and regulations.
- 🛣️ Stay alert and watch out for road signs and markers.
- 🚧 Be prepared for construction or detours along the way.
- 🚗 Take breaks if needed to stretch your legs and refresh yourself.
- 📞 Have emergency contact numbers and a roadside assistance service handy.
- 🗺️ Familiarize yourself with the route beforehand to have a general idea of the major highways and exits.
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 32m.
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 McLennan County, Texas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waxahachie and Austin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waxahachie and Austin.
-
1
Start on the route
30 m · 9 sec
-
2
Turn right onto North Elm Street
42 m · 7 sec · North Elm Street
-
3
Turn left onto Water Street
77 m · 16 sec · Water Street
-
4
Turn left onto North Monroe Street
2667 ft · 47 sec · North Monroe Street
-
5
Turn slight right onto South Highway 77
1 mi · 2 min · South Highway 77
-
6
Keep slight right
534 ft · 9 sec
-
7
Take the ramp straight toward I 35E South: Waco
1352 ft · 33 sec
-
8
Merge slight right
60.5 mi · 1 hr 1 min
-
9
Continue on North Jack Kultgen Expressway
6.6 mi · 8 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway
-
10
Continue on Purple Heart Trail
37.9 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail
-
11
Keep slight left
55.8 mi · 59 min
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on Purple Heart Trail
2.4 mi · 3 min · Purple Heart Trail
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson University
1096 ft · 27 sec
-
14
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
948 ft · 27 sec · North Interstate 35
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15
Turn right onto East 6th Street
2578 ft · 1 min · East 6th Street
-
16
Turn left onto Congress Avenue
109 m · 18 sec · Congress Avenue
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17
Turn left onto East 5th Street
8 m · 1 sec · East 5th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waxahachie and Austin.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 35E South
Merge slight right
60.5 mi · 01h 01m
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 Sunny leaving Waxahachie and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy near Austin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waxahachie to Austin?
The road trip is about 166.6 miles (268.1 km) and usually takes 02h 32m 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?
Bruceville-Eddy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.3 miles from Waxahachie and 83.3 miles from Austin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155.7 miles (250.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.9 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.22 one way or $44.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waxahachie and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy near Austin.
Stop Ideas Near Bruceville-Eddy
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 Bruceville-Eddy.
McGregor
Temple
Waco, TX
Killeen, Texas
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waxahachie and Austin. Straight-line distance: 155.67 mi (250.52 km).
#1 Waxahachie
A city in Ellis County, Texas.
| Population | 39,797 |
| Coordinates | 32.3865300, -96.8483300 |
| Altitude | 170 |
| 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: 268 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $22.22 | $44.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.00 | $50.00 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $27.00 | $53.99 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $23.48 | $46.96 |
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.