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Texas

Texas Road Trip

Dallas - Austin - San Antonio - Fort Davis - Terlingua - Marathon - Laredo - Corpus Christi - Galverson Beach - Houston

Expect on your itinerary

Road conditions Road conditions
Comfort Comfort
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Landscape Landscape
Beach Beach
Texas Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages10 km3,446 h/stage4.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Texas Road Trip in Texas?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 630EUR drive & more 463EUR sleep & more 1,111EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,582EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,212EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 756EUR drive & more 625EUR sleep & more 1,661EUR eat & more 1,512EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,798EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,554EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,260EUR drive & more 838EUR sleep & more 2,772EUR eat & more 2,016EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 5,626EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 6,886EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,150EUR drive & more 925EUR sleep & more 770EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,703EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,853EUR
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Texas Itinerary

Experience the best of Texas with a road trip that takes you through the heart of the Lone Star State! Starting in Dallas, the route takes you to Austin, Fort Davis, Marathon, Corpus Christi, and Houston, covering a total distance of 3446km. Along the way, you’ll experience some of the best attractions and landmarks in Texas, such as the Alamo in San Antonio, the Big Bend National Park, and the Padre Island National Seashore. The best time to take this road trip is between March and November, when the weather is warm and the roads are in excellent condition. You should set aside about two weeks for the trip, to ensure you have enough time to take in all the sights. This road trip is suitable for every driver, and can be managed with a moderate budget. With its unique culture, scenery, and attractions, this Texas road trip will provide you with a high level of experience and memories that will last a lifetime!
number of days 14 number of days
route length 3,446 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Dallas

Distance 3,446 km Driving time 39.9 h Pace: fast 1,033.9 kWh Airports DFW
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Dallas, the fourth largest city in the United States, is the perfect starting point for the "Texas Road Trip". It is a vibrant city with lots of interesting sights to explore. The Dallas Museum of Art is a great place to start. It features over 24,000 pieces of art from around the world, including works by Matisse, Monet and Picasso. The Dallas Zoo is another great attraction, with over 2,000 animals, including African elephants and giraffes. There are also plenty of shopping and dining experiences, from the Dallas Farmers Market to the West End Historic District. For those flying into the city, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the closest international airport. There are several car rental services available at the airport, making it easy to begin the "Texas Road Trip" without delay. From Dallas, you can explore the rest of Texas, from the beaches of South Padre Island to the deserts of Big Bend National Park. With so much to see and do, Dallas is the perfect place to start a road trip around the Lone Star State.

1 Dallas - Austin

Distance 343 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: fast 102.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on a wonderful journey from Dallas to Austin! With a distance of 213 miles and a driving time of fewer than 4 hours, you'll be able to explore the best of both cities in no time. Start your trip in Dallas and visit the iconic Reunion Tower, where you can admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Then, head to the Sixth Floor Museum to learn about the history of the city and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. After that, take a stroll through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to enjoy the beautiful nature. Your next stop is Austin, the state capital of Texas. Here, you can explore the Texas State Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Don't miss out on the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can spot the famous Mexican free-tailed bats at dusk. Afterward, take a walk along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the city. Make sure to keep an eye out for historical sites along the way. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Start your journey now and enjoy the road trip from Dallas to Austin!

2 Austin - San Antonio

Distance 127 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 38.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Austin to San Antonio! This 79-mile journey will take you less than 2 hours to complete, but along the way, you'll find plenty of interesting sites to explore. Start with the State Capitol building in Austin, then head south to the Alamo in San Antonio. On the way, you'll pass by the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also find many other historical sites and attractions to explore. Whether you're looking for a place to stay, a restaurant to enjoy, or a campsite to relax, you'll find it all along the route. Be sure to check the Itinerary for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy your road trip from Austin to San Antonio!

3 San Antonio - Fort Davis

Distance 676 km Driving time 6.5 h Pace: fast 202.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey takes you from San Antonio to Fort Davis, a 420mi drive that should take no more than 7 hours. Starting in San Antonio, you can explore the San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo. From there, you can drive to Uvalde, where you can visit the Uvalde County Courthouse and the Uvalde Memorial Park. Then, you can head to Del Rio, home of the Val Verde Winery. From there, you can drive to Langtry, where you can visit the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center. Finally, you can arrive at Fort Davis, where you can explore the Fort Davis National Historic Site and the Davis Mountains State Park. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road-trip!

4 Fort Davis - Terlingua

Distance 232 km Driving time 3.5 h Pace: fast 69.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome to the Fort Davis - Terlingua road trip! This scenic drive will take you through the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, a vast and beautiful landscape. You'll start in Fort Davis, a small town with a rich history, and end in Terlingua, a charming ghost town. The total distance is 144mi and the estimated driving time is fewer than 4 hours. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Davis Mountains State Park to take in the stunning views of the Davis Mountains. You'll also want to check out the historic Fort Davis National Historic Site, a 19th-century fort that served as a military post for the US Army. You can also take a short hike along the scenic trails of the Balmorhea State Park. When you reach Terlingua, you'll want to explore the town and its many attractions, including the famous Terlingua Trading Company and the old ghost town of Lajitas. You'll also want to take a short drive to Big Bend National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Texas. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along this route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy your road trip!

5 Terlingua - Marathon

Distance 257 km Driving time 4.0 h Pace: fast 77.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on an adventure through the stunning landscapes of Texas! Start your journey in Terlingua, a small town located in the Big Bend region, and let the beauty of nature take you away. Drive through the Big Bend National Park, a place of breathtaking views, where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning sights of the Chisos Mountains. Take a hike through the trails of the park, and don’t forget to take some pictures of the Rio Grande. After 159 miles and less than 4 hours, you will reach Marathon, a small town full of character. Take a stroll around the town and discover its history. Make sure to visit the Gage Hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and admire the beautiful artworks. If you’re looking for more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find it in the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

6 Marathon - Laredo

Distance 573 km Driving time 6.3 h Pace: fast 172.0 kWh View map Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Marathon to Laredo? This stage of your journey will take you through some of the most interesting places in Texas! The total distance is 356mi, and you can cover it in less than 7 hours. Your journey starts in Marathon, a small town in the heart of Big Bend Country. Here you can visit the famous Gage Hotel, an iconic destination for visitors from all over the world. You can also explore the nearby Big Bend National Park, known for its stunning desert landscapes and wildlife. As you drive west, you'll come to the charming city of Del Rio, where you can visit the beautiful Val Verde Winery. Here, you can sample some of the finest wines in the state, and take in the breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley. Your next stop is Eagle Pass, a small town on the banks of the Rio Grande. This is a great place to explore the local culture, and you can also take a boat ride on the river. Finally, you'll arrive in Laredo, a vibrant city on the Texas-Mexico border. Here, you can visit the historic downtown area and explore the many shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Laredo Community College, which offers a variety of educational opportunities. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

7 Laredo - Corpus Christi

Distance 240 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: fast 71.9 kWh View map Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Laredo to Corpus Christi? This 149mi journey will take you less than 3 hours and you will get to visit some of the most interesting places in Texas. In Laredo, make sure to visit the historic San Agustin Cathedral, built in the 19th century and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, a great place to learn about the history of the area. When you arrive in Corpus Christi, don’t miss the USS Lexington Museum, a WWII aircraft carrier, and the Texas State Aquarium, a great place to learn about the marine life of the Gulf of Mexico. Before you start your journey, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!

8 Corpus Christi - Galverson Beach

Distance 377 km Driving time 4.8 h Pace: fast 113.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Are you a road-tripper looking for a fun and exciting adventure? Then the Corpus Christi to Galveston Beach stage is the perfect choice for you! This stage of your tour will take you on a 235 mi journey in fewer than 5 hours. You'll be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the United States, starting with Corpus Christi. Here you'll find the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington Museum, and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. As you travel along the coast, make sure to stop by the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, the Galveston Island State Park, and the Moody Gardens. Finally, you'll arrive in Galveston Beach, where you can visit the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

9 Galverson Beach - Houston

Distance 195 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: modest 50.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Galveston Beach, United States to Houston. This stage of the journey is 121 miles and can be completed in under 4 hours. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and stop at some of the most interesting places. Start off your trip at Galveston Beach, where you can take a stroll along the shore and admire the vast beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Then, head to the Kemah Boardwalk, a popular amusement park that offers plenty of fun activities for the whole family. As you drive further inland, you will come across the San Jacinto Monument, a towering memorial dedicated to the Battle of San Jacinto. Continue your journey towards Houston and make a stop at the Houston Zoo, where you can explore its wide variety of animal species. Then, head to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where you can learn about the history and culture of the city. Finally, make your way to the Houston Space Center, a great educational experience for all ages. This stage of the road trip is full of fascinating places to visit. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

10 Houston - Dallas

Distance 427 km Driving time 4.2 h Pace: fast 128.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Houston to Dallas! This 266 mile drive will take you less than 5 hours to complete, and it is packed with interesting places to visit. In Houston, make sure to check out the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, and the Space Center Houston. Then, head to the city of Galveston, where you can visit the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and the Moody Mansion Museum. The next stop is in Ennis, where you can explore the Texas Motorplex and the National Polka Festival. As you drive towards Dallas, you will pass through Corsicana, where you can visit the Cook Center Planetarium and the Pearce Western Art Museum. Finally, you will reach Dallas, where you can explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the Dallas World Aquarium, and the Dallas Museum of Art. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Houston to Dallas!

  Dallas

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The end of the Texas Road Trip is Dallas, a bustling city in the Lone Star State. Home to a major international airport, Dallas offers an exciting range of attractions and activities for visitors. The city boasts a vibrant art and cultural scene, with the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The city is also home to some of the best nightclubs, bars and restaurants in the state. For those looking to explore the outdoors, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a must-see. It features 66-acres of gardens, sculptures, and a variety of plants. Adventure seekers can also take a thrilling ride on the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, which offers a 360-degree view of the city. No visit to Dallas would be complete without a visit to the iconic Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The plaza has been preserved as a national historic landmark and is open to the public. For those traveling by car, Dallas is easily accessible from points throughout the state. For those flying in, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the closest international airport. Dallas is the perfect destination to end a Texas Road Trip. With its vibrant art, culture, and outdoor attractions, the city offers something for everyone.

Texas at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on a captivating Texas Road Trip spanning approximately 2,141 miles (3446 km) from Dallas to Houston. Along the way, immerse yourself in the state's diverse offerings, from the bustling cityscapes to the tranquil deserts. With stops in Austin, Fort Davis, Marathon, and Corpus Christi, you'll encounter Texas's rich history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Dallas: Begin your adventure in a city rich with history and culture, including the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, commemorating the assassination of President JFK, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, a 66-acre urban oasis.
  • Austin: Revel in the city's reputation as the `Live Music Capital of the World,` tour the grand Texas State Capitol building, and enjoy outdoor activities at Lady Bird Lake.
  • San Antonio: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the historic Alamo and the enchanting San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Stroll along the famous River Walk, lined with shops and restaurants.
  • Fort Davis: Step back in time at the Fort Davis National Historic Site, one of the best-preserved frontier military posts in the American Southwest, and experience the area's storied past.
  • Marathon and Big Bend National Park: Witness the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and partake in hiking, bird-watching, and stargazing in one of the least light-polluted areas in the United States at Big Bend National Park.
  • Corpus Christi: Unwind on the shores of Padre Island National Seashore, the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, and delve into naval history aboard the USS Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier turned museum.
  • Houston: Conclude your journey by exploring Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA's astronaut training and flight control complex, and the diverse Houston Museum District, offering 19 different museums.

Best Time to Go:

The best time to embark on this Texas Road Trip is from March to November when the weather is typically warm, and the Road conditions are favorable for travel.

Potential Risks:

  • Texas is known for its extreme weather, including thunderstorms and the potential for hurricanes along the coast between June and November.
  • The expansive nature of the state means long distances between stops, requiring careful planning to manage driving fatigue.
  • Rural areas may have wildlife crossings; drivers should be cautious, particularly during twilight hours when animals are more active.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S., meaning Roadtrippers should be prepared for extended drives through diverse landscapes.
  • Fuel costs can fluctuate significantly across the state, so it's wise to budget accordingly and fuel up in larger towns.
  • Sampling the local cuisine, including barbecue and Tex-Mex, is an essential part of the Texas experience.
  • Accommodation options are varied, from rustic campgrounds in national parks to opulent hotels in the state's cosmopolitan centers.
  • Remote areas, such as Big Bend National Park, might have limited cell phone reception, so plan ahead for offline navigation and communication.

A good choice for:

A Road Trip through Texas offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from witnessing the legacy of historical events to marveling at the natural beauty. This journey is sure to create lasting memories and provide a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and spirit of the Lone Star State.

Facts for safer driving in Texas

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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