How Long Is the Drive from Austin to Salt Lake City?
The drive from Austin to Salt Lake City takes approximately 23h 15min, covering 1396 miles via I-35. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $162 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 32–33+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
19h 46m
🔵 Typical
23h 15min
🔴 Heavy traffic
33h 43m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1396 miles (2246 km)
Drive Time23h 15min
RouteI-35
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~46.5 gallons
Est. Cost$162
Route Tips: I-35
Runs through the heartland from Texas to Minnesota. Watch for construction zones in urban areas.
You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Austin to Salt Lake City
For a long drive like Austin to Salt Lake City, 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
23h 15min
~$162 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 18m
~$209–$489 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 48m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
23h 15min
~$162
🚌 Bus
31h 1m
~$112–$251
🚂 Train
25h 23m
~$168–$419
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:
📍 Santa Fe
📍 Taos
📍 Taos Ski Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Austin to Salt Lake City?
The drive from Austin to Salt Lake City takes approximately 23h 15min covering 1396 miles via I-35. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Austin to Salt Lake City?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $162 on gas for this 1396-mile trip. You'll need about 46.5 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Austin to Salt Lake City?
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 Salt Lake City route?
Yes, expect approximately $41 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a TxTag transponder for faster toll payment.
