How far is Temple from Austin?
Temple is about 68 miles from Austin by road — a drive of roughly 1 hr 15 min in normal traffic via I-35 North. Distance figures below come from live road-network routing between the two downtowns; drive times are typical, and rush hours in Austin add 30–45 minutes at peak.
The route between Temple and Austin
The trip runs I-35 North out of Austin through Round Rock and Georgetown, past Salado into downtown Temple.
Distance and drive-time snapshot
Distance: about 68 road miles between the two downtowns. Typical drive time: 1 hr 15 min in normal traffic. Add 30–45 minutes for metro rush hours around Austin. Door-to-door from a specific address adds a few minutes on either end depending on your exact pickup and drop-off points.
Driving times to nearby cities
All figures below from the same live road-network routing (distances are road miles from Austin, times are typical driving minutes in normal traffic):
| City | Distance from Austin | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown, TX | 27.8 miles | 33 min |
| Round Rock, TX | 18.9 miles | 24 min |
| Killeen, TX | 69.9 miles | 78 min |
Shuttle between Temple and Austin
Texas Shuttle runs private, door-to-door shuttle service on this corridor 24/7 — pickup at any address in Temple, drop-off at any address in Austin, flat rate, no surge pricing at any hour.
Fares on this corridor scale with your exact addresses and vehicle — enter your addresses in the booking tool for an instant flat quote, no surge at any hour. Round trips save 10% off each way.
Group travel on this corridor
Shuttle vans seat up to 8 with luggage, so a family or group traveling together pays one flat vehicle price, not per head — often beating per-person rideshare pricing on a corridor this long.
Why travelers book this route
Corridor trips like this one are our bread and butter: a fixed pickup time, a named driver, and a flat price quoted before you book. Business travelers use the ride as working time between cities; families book the van so luggage, car seats, and grandparents ride in one vehicle; airport connections get a buffered pickup time matched to the flight. Every completed trip is tracked, and the fare statistics on this page come from that same trip history — not from a rate table that nobody audits.
How Far Is Temple from Austin? The Quick Answer
Temple, Texas is approximately 65 miles north of Austin, and the drive along Interstate 35 typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes in normal traffic. Temple sits in Bell County, roughly halfway between Austin and Waco on the I-35 corridor, making it one of the easiest day trips or commuter runs out of the Austin metro area.
Of course, that headline number can shift depending on where in Austin you're starting, what time of day you leave, and which route you choose. Below, we break down the exact mileage, route options, travel times, and everything else you need to plan a smooth trip between the two cities.
Driving Distance and Travel Time: Mile by Mile
The most common route — I-35 North out of downtown Austin — covers roughly 65 miles. Here's how the drive typically unfolds, using approximate mileposts from downtown Austin:
| Landmark / Town | Approx. Miles from Austin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round Rock | ~20 miles | First major suburb; heavy traffic during rush hours |
| Georgetown | ~27 miles | Historic courthouse square; I-35 and TX-130 junction nearby |
| Salado | ~40 miles | Charming village just off I-35; popular stop for food and shops |
| Belton | ~55 miles | Home of the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor; near Belton Lake |
| Temple | ~65 miles | Total trip time typically 60–75 minutes |
Keep in mind these are estimates based on typical conditions. Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, and ongoing I-35 construction can easily add 20–30 minutes or more to the trip.
Best Routes from Austin to Temple
Route 1: I-35 North (The Standard Route)
I-35 is the direct, no-toll route and the one most travelers use. You'll pass through or near Round Rock, Georgetown, Salado, and Belton before reaching Temple. The highway is well-maintained but famously congested — the Austin-to-Georgetown stretch is one of the busiest corridors in Central Texas, and construction projects are a near-permanent feature. Budget extra time during morning (7–9 a.m.) and evening (4–6:30 p.m.) rush hours.
Route 2: TX-130 Toll Road (The Traffic Dodge)
If I-35 is backed up, Texas State Highway 130 — the tolled highway that arcs east of Austin — is a smart alternative. Take TX-130 North past Pflugerville and Hutto, then connect back toward I-35 near Georgetown to continue on to Temple. This adds a few miles and toll costs (check current toll rates on the CTRMA website), but it can save significant time when I-35 is a parking lot. Tolls vary by vehicle class and time of day, so treat any cost figure as an estimate until you check current rates.
Route 3: The Scenic Stop in Salado
There's no meaningful shortcut through Salado — the village sits right along I-35 between Georgetown and Belton — but it's worth planning a stop. Salado is known for its historic Stagecoach Inn, art galleries, glassblowing studios, and creekside dining. If you're not in a hurry, breaking up the drive here turns a commute into a proper Central Texas day trip.
Driving from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Temple
If you're flying into Austin and heading to Temple, the trip is longer than the downtown-to-Temple drive. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport sits on the southeast side of the city, so you'll first cross the metro area before hitting the highway north.
The drive from AUS to Temple is approximately 75 to 80 miles and takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The most common routing is US-183 North from the airport, connecting to I-35 North or TX-130 North through the metro area. Because the airport-to-Temple leg crosses the entire Austin metro, rush-hour timing matters even more here than it does for the downtown drive — a trip that takes 80 minutes at midday can stretch past two hours at peak times (estimates; actual times vary).
Travelers without a car often book a shuttle or private car service for this route, since it avoids the hassle of a one-way rental and lets you rest after a flight. Texas Shuttle provides ground transportation between Austin-Bergstrom and Central Texas destinations, including Temple — contact us directly for current availability and rates.
Getting from Austin to Temple Without a Car
Not everyone wants to drive I-35, and thankfully you have real options:
| Mode | Approx. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Driving (I-35) | ~60–75 min | Flexibility, luggage, family travel |
| Driving (TX-130 toll combo) | ~65–80 min | Beating rush-hour congestion |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | ~1 hour | Stress-free travel; arrives at Temple's historic depot |
| Intercity bus service | ~1–1.5 hours | Budget-conscious travelers |
| Shuttle / private car service | ~70–90 min | Airport transfers, door-to-door convenience |
| Rideshare | ~60–75 min | Spur-of-the-moment trips (expect premium pricing on long routes) |
Amtrak: The Texas Eagle
One of the best-kept secrets for this route is Amtrak's Texas Eagle, the daily long-distance train running between Chicago and San Antonio. The Eagle stops at both Austin's downtown station and Temple's historic railroad depot, making the trip in roughly an hour — often faster than driving at peak times, since the train bypasses I-35 entirely. Temple's depot is a destination in its own right: the restored station houses the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, celebrating the city's origins as a railroad town. Check Amtrak.com for current schedules and fares, as departure times and availability change.
Shuttle and Private Transportation
For travelers arriving at AUS with luggage — especially medical travelers heading to appointments, families, or groups — a pre-booked shuttle or private car offers door-to-door service without parking fees or rental car counters. Texas Shuttle specializes in exactly this route; reach out for a quote tailored to your schedule.
What to Know Before You Drive: Traffic, Weather, and Timing
A little planning goes a long way on this corridor:
- Avoid peak rush hours. The Austin-to-Round Rock stretch of I-35 is consistently rated among the most congested highways in Texas. Leaving before 6:30 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. makes a noticeable difference.
- Watch for construction. I-35 improvements have been ongoing up and down the corridor for years. Check TxDOT's DriveTexas.org for current lane closures before you leave.
- Factor in event traffic. Austin festivals (SXSW, ACL), University of Texas home football games, and events at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton can all clog your route.
- Fuel up in Austin or Georgetown. The 65-mile drive is easy on a tank, but gas stations are sparser in the Salado–Belton stretch than you might expect for an interstate.
- Weather matters in winter. Central Texas occasionally sees freezing rain and ice on I-35 in the winter months. When ice is forecast, delay travel or consider the train.
Why People Travel Between Austin and Temple
Understanding the Austin–Temple connection helps explain the traffic. Temple is one of Central Texas's major healthcare and medical hubs, anchored by the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, one of the largest hospitals in the region and a major teaching and research institution. Many patients, visiting specialists, and medical students make the Austin–Temple run regularly. Temple is also home to Temple College and a campus associated with Texas A&M University's health science programs.
The trip flows both ways. Austinites head north for outdoor recreation at the nearby Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake — both U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs popular for boating, fishing, and camping — as well as for Temple's quieter pace and lower-key dining scene. Meanwhile, many Temple residents commute south to the Austin metro for work, contributing to the steady flow of traffic on I-35 in both directions.
What to Do in Temple Once You Arrive
Temple rewards travelers who stick around. A few local highlights:
- Downtown Temple: The historic district around Avenue A and Main Street features restored early-20th-century architecture, local restaurants, and independently owned shops.
- Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum: Located in the historic Santa Fe depot, this museum covers the railroad history that literally built the city — Temple was founded as a railroad town in the 1880s.
- Leon River and local parks: Temple's park system includes greenbelts, trails, and sports complexes along the Leon River.
- Day-trip to Belton and Salado: Both are within 15 minutes of Temple. Belton offers the university town square and lake access; Salado delivers historic inns and artisan shops.
- The Bell County Expo Center: Rodeos, concerts, and trade shows draw visitors from across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions: Austin to Temple
How far is Temple, TX from Austin, TX?
Temple is approximately 65 miles north of downtown Austin via I-35. The straight-line (as the crow flies) distance is somewhat shorter, roughly 55–60 miles, but driving distance is the figure most travelers need.
How long does it take to drive from Austin to Temple?
Under normal conditions, expect 60 to 75 minutes. During Austin rush hour or heavy I-35 construction, the drive can stretch to 90 minutes or more. Estimates vary by starting point — trips from North Austin are naturally shorter than those from South Austin.
Is there a train from Austin to Temple?
Yes. Amtrak's Texas Eagle, which runs daily between Chicago and San Antonio, stops in both Austin and Temple. The rail trip takes about an hour and drops you at Temple's restored historic depot downtown. Schedules and fares are available at Amtrak.com.
How far is Temple from Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS)?
Roughly 75 to 80 miles by road, with typical drive times of 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic through the Austin metro area. A pre-booked shuttle is a popular option for this airport transfer.
What is the halfway point between Austin and Temple?
Salado, located about 40 miles from Austin, is the most popular midway stop. It sits directly off I-35 and offers historic restaurants, shops, and galleries — ideal for a lunch break. Georgetown, at about 27 miles, works as an earlier stopping point.
Is there a lot of traffic between Austin and Temple?
The stretch from Austin through Round Rock to Georgetown is frequently congested, especially during weekday rush hours. North of Georgetown, traffic eases considerably. Check real-time conditions on Google Maps or TxDOT's DriveTexas.org before departing.
Is Temple, TX a good day trip from Austin?
Absolutely. At about an hour each way, Temple is well within day-trip range. Pair it with stops in Salado and Belton — or a visit to Belton Lake or Stillhouse Hollow Lake — for a full day of Central Texas exploring without ever straying far from I-35.