From Jacci Howard Bear,
Your Guide to Austin.
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There is no interstate highway directly connecting Houston to Austin although two of the primary routes utilize a portion of Interstate 10. The routes described below are an overview of the main roads and may not include all the little zigs and zags. Use one of the online map services (sidebar) to map out a precise door-to-door route.

1. From the North side of Houston, take US 290 west through Giddings and Elgin and on into Austin. This brings you in on the east side of town.

2. Take Interstate 10 west to Columbus. Take Highway 90 a short distance to Highway 71. Stay on Highway 71 heading northwest and continue through La Grange to Bastrop and west into Austin, past Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to US 183. This route brings you in on the southeast side of town and is about a 4 hour drive. (At various points throughout this route Highway 71 shares a roadway with Highways 95 and 21)

3. To stick with major highways the entire route, take IH10 west out of Houston and follow it all the way to the US 183 intersection (north of Gonzales). Stay on US 183 heading north from Luling on through Lockhart and into Austin.

Noteworthy Central Texas Stops Along the Way

Route 1:

• Giddings - The county seat has a beautiful old courthouse. Soak in that small town feeling as you're passing through.

• Elgin - You're almost in Austin but don't keep going on an empty stomach. Make a pitstop at the Sausage Capital of Texas.

  Route 2:

• La Grange - Steeped in history and Czech-German heritage, visit the Heritage Museum, eat kolaches, see historic old churches, and stop by Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Park.

• Bastrop - When you reach the Home of the Lost Pines you're only about 31 miles from Austin. Stop to enjoy the wildflowers, museums, and historic sites in one of the oldest towns in Texas.

  Route 3:

• Luling - Go thump a watermelon and admire the unique, colorful artwork decorating the oil pumps throughout the area.

• Lockhart - Plan your trip to arrive here at dinner time in the BBQ Capital of Texas.