How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Austin?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Austin takes approximately 23h 15min, covering 1396 miles via I-80. 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-80
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~46.5 gallons
Est. Cost$162
Route Tips: I-80
Crosses the country through the northern states. Mountain passes in Wyoming and Utah can see winter closures.
You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Salt Lake City to Austin
For a long drive like Salt Lake City 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.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 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 Salt Lake City to Austin?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Austin takes approximately 23h 15min covering 1396 miles via I-80. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Salt Lake City to Austin?
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 Salt Lake City to Austin?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Salt Lake City to Austin route?
Yes, expect approximately $41 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a TxTag transponder for faster toll payment.
