Saint Paul, MN to Austin, TX

State capital to state capital route

24h 42m
Drive Time
1359
Miles
$158
Gas Cost
11
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Austin Tx?

The drive from Saint Paul Mn to Austin Tx takes approximately 24h 42m, covering 1359 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $158 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 34–35+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
21h
🔵 Typical
24h 42m
🔴 Heavy traffic
35h 49m

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

Route Details

Distance1359 miles
Drive Time24h 42min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$158
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$173-$208

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 3 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Austin Tx

For a long drive like Saint Paul Mn 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
24h 42m
~$158 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 13m
~$204–$476 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 43m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
24h 42m
~$158
🚌 Bus
30h 12m
~$109–$245
🚂 Train
24h 43m
~$163–$408

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 Saint Paul, MN to Austin, TX?
The drive takes approximately 24 hours and 42 minutes covering 1359 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 45 gallons of gas, costing approximately $158 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.