The drive from Austin to New Orleans takes approximately 9h 56min, covering 596 miles via I-35. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $69 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 13–14+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
8h 27m
🔵 Typical
9h 56min
🔴 Heavy traffic
14h 24m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance596 miles (959 km)
Drive Time9h 56min
RouteI-35
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~19.9 gallons
Est. Cost$69
Route Tips: I-35
Runs through the heartland from Texas to Minnesota. Watch for construction zones in urban areas.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Austin to New Orleans
For a long drive like Austin to New Orleans, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
9h 56min
~$69 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 42m
~$89–$209 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 12m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
9h 56min
~$69
🚌 Bus
13h 15m
~$48–$107
🚂 Train
10h 50m
~$72–$179
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Baytown
📍 La Porte
📍 Channelview
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Austin to New Orleans?
The drive from Austin to New Orleans takes approximately 9h 56min covering 596 miles via I-35. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Austin to New Orleans?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $69 on gas for this 596-mile trip. You'll need about 19.9 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Austin to New Orleans?
Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Austin to New Orleans route?
Yes, expect approximately $17 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a TxTag transponder for faster toll payment.
