You can make Dallas to San Antonio in about 4.5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 275 miles on I-35, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the park gates.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Dallas
Aim to clear Dallas before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 94 miles to Waco.
The headline stop on this route is Magnolia Market in Waco. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Waco
Waco sits about 94 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Austin's live music is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Austin, the last stretch
Austin sits about 196 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Rolling into San Antonio
The final 79 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for The Alamo and River Walk; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Magnolia Market in Waco, Austin's live music and The Alamo and River Walk, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Austin, TX is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-35 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
