Best Texas Road Trip - Austin to San Antonio

Uncover a whole different world of missions, churches, romantic river strolls, vibrant, bustling nightlife, and delicious cuisine with Tripshepherd.

What is the Drive Like from Austin to San Antonio?

How Long is the Drive?

Driving from one popular Texan city to another is an about 80-mile route that will take you roughly 1.5 hours.

What will I see on the drive?

When taking the I-35 you, unfortunately, won’t experience the most scenic view, rather one that consists of general interstate views paired with suburban sprawl but if you choose to take the backroads you will discover small towns along the way.

Just beyond the unremarkable highway view and small towns lie some of the best attractions and visitor experiences Texas has to offer.

When is the best time to start the drive?

To escape the bumper-to-bumper traffic that often occurs on the I-35 between Austin and San Antonio, we suggest avoiding leaving at rush hour as much as possible.

Tips for the drive?

- Avoid rush hours as much as possible

- Aim to make at least one stop along the way

- Plan food carefully

- get the best of the Tex-Mex cuisine offered and avoid the chain drive-thrus

- Go to the washroom before you leave

- Dress comfortably

- Bring water

- Better safe than sorry and make sure you have enough gas and a spare tire

Where to Stop when driving from Austin to San Antonio

New Braunfels

Founded in 1845, New Braunfels is a high city in Texas known for its German Texan heritage and its Comal and Guadalupe rivers winding past leafy parks.

Thousands of visitors flock to this charming oasis offering unique shops, quiet cafes, and lively bars lined with tree-shaded streets. While here you can also stop in one of their fascinating museums or take a walking tour to learn more about the city's history.

The city is also known for its thriving art scene offering people galleries, studios, concerts, and plays. The Guadalupe River is even a lure for amateur fly fishers so don’t forget to pack your fishing gear!

Lockhart

Known as the little city with a big heart, Lockhart is a favorite in Texas for great day trips. This small city is a great scenic place to make a stop and enjoy the local history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant art scene.

While here we recommend stopping at the Caldwell County Courthouse, Caldwell County Jail Museum, and the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, all offering rich history and beautiful architecture.

What to do once you make it into San Antonio?

Best of San Antonio Tours

You have made it to the enchanting River City now relax and let us do all the work for you! Join us on our Best of San Antonio Tour where our fun, friendly, and knowledgeable guide will lead you on a small-group tour to visit the very best sights and experiences of the city.

We will even give you a break from driving and will pick you up and drop you off at any downtown hotel or location. The tour experience also includes skip-the-line ticket entry, all admission tickets included, all while driving in an air-conditioned Mercedes Metris Van.

River Cruise

Immerse yourself in the city’s culture, history, and architecture while on the River Walk, cruising on GO RIO’s silent barge and viewing several major points of interest along the way including the city’s very first neighborhood - La Villita, the Old Mill Crossing, and the Selena’s Bridge where Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla Perez was proposed to in the biopic ‘Selena’ starring world-famous actor/singer Jennifer Lopez.

Tower of the Americas

Enjoy the best view of the city while 750 feet atop the Tower of the Americas. The Observation Deck showcases the most spectacular panoramic view of the sprawling cityscape below while the lower level offers a 4D theatre show, great for families & children.

While here, you can also enjoy delicious cuisine atop Tower of the America’s award-winning revolving restaurant - Chart House, offering a fantastic panoramic view while you dine.

The Alamo

No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Alamo! Explore the 1836 battlefield where heroes fell, walk among legends, and explore the grounds. Stand in awe of the Shrine of Texas Liberty, get up close and personal with some of the Alamo’s largest weapons and fortifications, and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the lush gardens shaded by oak trees.

Admission is free at the Alamo but you also have the opportunity to pay for a guide to show you around.

Missions

Step back in time and learn even more about the rich & intricate history of Texas at any one of the four Missions; San Juan, San Jose, Espada, and Concepcion forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a whole.

Visiting at least one of these Spanish colonial beauties that have been standing there for more than 300 years is a strong recommendation!