Bismarck, ND to Austin, TX

State capital to state capital route

27h 16m
Drive Time
1500
Miles
$175
Gas Cost
12
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Bismarck Nd to Austin Tx?

The drive from Bismarck Nd to Austin Tx takes approximately 27h 16m, covering 1500 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $175 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 38–39+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
23h 11m
🔵 Typical
27h 16m
🔴 Heavy traffic
39h 32m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1500 miles
Drive Time27h 16min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$175
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$190-$225

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Bismarck Nd to Austin Tx

For a long drive like Bismarck Nd to Austin Tx, 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)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
27h 16m
~$175 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 30m
~$225–$525 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 0m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
27h 16m
~$175
🚌 Bus
33h 20m
~$120–$270
🚂 Train
27h 16m
~$180–$450

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Bismarck, ND to Austin, TX?
The drive takes approximately 27 hours and 16 minutes covering 1500 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 50 gallons of gas, costing approximately $175 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.