via I-10
The drive from New Orleans to Austin takes approximately 9h 56min, covering 596 miles via I-10. 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 is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
For a long drive like New Orleans to Austin, 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.
✈️ 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.
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
Heading from New Orleans to Austin? This 596-mile long road trip via I-10 takes roughly 9h 56min in typical traffic. Budget around $69 for gas, and aim to leave during late evening (8-10 pm) to minimize delays and enjoy a stress-free drive.
At 596 miles, this cross-country journey deserves careful planning. Consider breaking it into two or more days, booking hotels along the route, and mapping out fuel stops in advance — especially through rural stretches. Popular stopping points include Baytown, La Porte, Channelview — great options for grabbing a meal, fueling up, or stretching your legs.