Lincoln, NE to Austin, TX

State capital to state capital route

17h 17m
Drive Time
951
Miles
$110
Gas Cost
7
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Lincoln Ne to Austin Tx?

The drive from Lincoln Ne to Austin Tx takes approximately 17h 17m, covering 951 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $110 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 24–25+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
14h 41m
🔵 Typical
17h 17m
🔴 Heavy traffic
25h 4m

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

Route Details

Distance951 miles
Drive Time17h 17min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$110
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$125-$160

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 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Lincoln Ne to Austin Tx

For a long drive like Lincoln Ne 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
17h 17m
~$110 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 24m
~$143–$333 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 54m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
17h 17m
~$110
🚌 Bus
21h 8m
~$76–$171
🚂 Train
17h 17m
~$114–$285

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 Lincoln, NE to Austin, TX?
The drive takes approximately 17 hours and 17 minutes covering 951 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 31 gallons of gas, costing approximately $110 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.