06/06/2023 • 9 Mins
Austin driving guide
Get to know the driving rules and roads in Austin ahead of your visit to this dynamic city.
Austin, Texas is a vibrant destination, renowned for its live music scene, rich heritage and typically Texan character. We’ll look at all the important info, from toll roads to parking locations to help ensure you know how to drive in Austin when you arrive.
Size of Austin in square miles | Total length of roads (in miles) | Longest road |
Loop 275 (9 miles) |
In this guide:
- Driving rules in Austin
- Speed limits in Austin
- Toll roads in and around Austin
- Austin’s driving license requirements
- Parking in Austin
- Electric car charging in Austin
- Quick driving tips for Austin
- Frequently asked questions
Driving rules in Austin
Before you arrive in Austin, it’s important to know the rules of the road, to ensure you’re not breaking the law. Some key rules and regulations to remember include:
- At an intersection, you must give way to traffic approaching from the right.
- Headlights must be used when visibility is below 1,000ft, or within thirty minutes of sunrise and sunset.
- It is illegal to use your mobile phone to text while driving in Austin. You are permitted, however, to use hands-free calling.
- When using an intersection to turn left, you must give right-of-way to vehicles heading in the opposite direction.
- You must move into a free lane and reduce speed to 20 mph to allow an emergency vehicle to pass.
Speed limits in Austin
Speed limits in Austin vary depending on the road type. For the most part, they follow state driving limits and can also be different depending on the type of vehicle you are driving.
| Cars | Trucks |
Residential roads | 30 mph | 30 mph |
Urban highways/Interstate | 55 mph | 55 mph |
Rural highways/Interstate | 75, 80, 85 mph depending on specified signage | 75, 80, 85 mph depending on specified signage |
School zones | 20 mph during active school hours | 20 mph during active school hours |
Toll roads in and around Austin
Austin has a network of toll roads that require payment depending on which section you enter and exit at. Before you drive in Austin, it can help to know where these toll roads are so they don’t take you by surprise. It’s also a good idea to ensure you have enough cash or another payment method with you so you don’t face further delays.
SH130 Pickle Parkway Segments 1 - 4
The SH130 loops around the eastern edges of Austin’s center. Heading north to south, this route allows drivers to avoid busy inner-city traffic, though it does come at a price.
From: 1-35, Georgetown
To: 183SE, Austin
Cost for car: Costs vary across different segments but range from $0.53 to $5.58.
Cost for truck: Costs vary across different segments but range from $1.10 to $9
SH45 Southeast
The southeast stretch of SH45 joins the SH130 with Interstate 35.
From: SH130
To: I-35, Buda
Cost for car: Charges differ depending on where you enter and exit the road, but you should expect a fee in the range of $0.78 to $1.79.
Cost for truck: As with cars, fees are dependent on where you enter and exit SH45 SE. Prices vary from $1.56 to $5.57.
SH45 North
The northern stretch of SH45 runs for 13 miles around the northern end of Austin.
From: 183 NW, Cedar Park
To: SH130, Pflugerville
Cost for car: Costs depend on where you enter and exit the highway but vary from $0.80 to $1.82.
Cost for truck: Fees differ based on entry and exit ramps used but range from $1.60 to $9.10.
Loop 1 / Mopac Expressway
The ‘MoPac’ runs for four miles through downtown Austin.
From: Parmer Lane, Austin
To: SH45N, Austin
Cost for car: Loop 1 fees range from $0.80 to $1.82 depending on where you use the road.
Cost for truck: Charges range between $1.60 and $9.10 depending on where you use the road.
SH130 Extension Segments 5 - 6
The extended stretch of SH130 loops around the south suburbs of Austin.
From: Mustang Ridge
To: Seguin
Cost for car: Prices differ but range from $0.97 and $7.42.
Cost for truck: Truck fees depend on where you access the road but range from $1.92 to $24.62.
183A Toll Road
This toll road runs for 11 miles through the northeast of the city.
From: RM620
To: Leander
Cost for car: Fees range from $0.47 to $2.52 for cars.
Cost for truck: Truck costs start at $0.94 and end at $12.60.
183 Toll Road
The seven-mile route connects northern Austin to the wider Texas state.
From: Lampasas
To: Georgetown
Cost for car: Prices range from $0.62 to $1.95 depending on which stretch of road you use.
Cost for truck: Prices range from $1.24 to $9.75, based on where you enter and exit the road.
SH45 SW
The southwest loop of SH45 is a recent edition to Austin’s toll road system.
From: Loop 1
To: Farm to Market Road
Cost for car: Fees vary but will range between $1.06 to $1.59 based on road usage.
Cost for truck: Fees vary depending on what part of the road you use, but range from $2.12 to $7.95.
MoPac Express Lanes
These fast lanes are located on Loop 1 and usually have reduced levels of traffic due to their paid nature. If you’ve got a date to make, you might want to pay the toll to avoid the congestion.
From: Cesar Chavez
To: Parmer Lane
Cost for all vehicles: Charges vary depending on traffic levels, starting from just $0.45.
71 Toll Road
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is located along this route.
From: President Blvd
To: SH130
Cost for car: Charges range from $0.99 to $1.49.
Cost for truck: Charges range from $1.98 to $7.45.
290 Toll Road
This toll road lies in eastern Austin.
From: President Blvd
To: SH130
Cost for car: Depending on what part of the road you use, prices range from $0.63 to $1.94.
Cost for truck: Entry and exit ramps used will dictate the price, ranging from $1.26 to $9.70.
Paying your fees for toll roads in Austin
Depending on which toll roads you use, paying can be very easy. You can pay your fees online using the TxTag system before a set due date after you’ve used the toll. Alternatively, you can also pay by mail or over the phone. Not paying your toll charges can result in further fees and potential legal repercussions.
Parking in Austin
Paid parking lots offer you the extra security of knowing your car is safe and secure in a garage or other space. Parking spots can be found at many private and public locations across the city with differing prices depending on location and duration of your stay there.
LAZ Parking
This branch of LAZ parking sits on ‘The Drag’, the retail center on Austin’s Guadalupe Street. This is prime University of Austin territory and a great spot if you’re visiting the facilities or meeting friends on campus.
Location: LAZ Parking - Lot #353, 510 Guadalupe St
Cost (per hour or per day): $10
How to pay: You can book online or pay on the day using the lot facilities.
600 Congress Avenue
All day parking with flat rates in a downtown location. There’s plenty of spaces, with 871 bays.
Location: Premier Parking, 600 Congress Ave, TX 78701
Cost (per hour or per day): $13
How to pay: You can book online or pay on the day using the lot facilities.
Brown Building Garages
This Premier Parking spot has 220 spaces with a flat rate of $12 for the day. The lot does shut in the early hours of the morning, however.
Location: Premier Parking, Brown Building Garage, 209 W 8th St, TX 78701
Cost (per hour or per day): $12
How to pay: You can book online or pay on the day using the lot facilities.
Street parking in Austin
Paid parking is available throughout Austin, with meters running from Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 3AM. Parking is charged by the hour and differs by the time of arrival. Prices start at $3p/h.
Parking is free on Sundays.
Austin parking app
Park ATX is the official mobile app for finding a parking lot in this Texas city. You can easily find parking near you, pay via the app and extend your sessions on-the-go. The app also grants users discounts and free parking sessions in certain locations, so it pays to get set-up with a Park ATX account.
Alternatively, there are several unofficial apps and websites for finding and paying for parking in Austin.
Electric car charging in Austin
There are just under 900 public charging stations across central Austin. Most of these ports are paid Level 2 stations, though some do offer free charging for certain vehicles.
The city is on a green drive and is increasing the availability of charging stations throughout the city limits over the next few years. There is also a local pilot program that offers a monthly subscription to residents who use the city charging stations regularly, with discounts for doing so.
Find out more about driving your EV in Austin.
Quick driving tips for Austin
- Always leave a one-lane gap between your vehicle and law enforcement or TXDOT vehicles. You can be charged for sharing the same lane as an emergency vehicle with lights on.
- Construction is common, so have a backup plan and alternative route if you need to get somewhere fast.
- The toll roads follow a grid format which can result in you getting stuck on a route with multiple tolls.
- Pedestrian numbers are high in Austin, so be sure to stay attentive to crosswalks and stop signs.
- Some central roads are blocked in the evenings for pedestrian traffic – check ahead before you set off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to drive in Austin?
Driving in Austin can vary in terms of how busy it is, but it does tend towards being a busier location. Rush hour, between 7AM and 9AM and 4PM and 6PM are peak traffic hours. It’s best to check local reports and live congestion information on the day before you explore the city.
Is it difficult driving in Austin?
It can be difficult to drive in Austin during peak times. Congestion is an issue as people head to and from work. Austin is also an expanding city, so construction and roadworks can be an issue on certain routes.
When is rush hour in Austin?
Rush hour is typically between 7AM and 9AM and 4PM and 6PM on weekdays. Traffic can also be busy during festivals or if popular events are on across the city center.
How much is a speeding ticket in Austin?
Speeding ticket fines can differ depending on a person’s driving record, the location of the crime and the speed at which they are driving when caught.
Now you’re all set for your Austin adventure. Heading further afield? Read our Texas driving guide to prepare yourself for exploring the Lone Star State.
Get ready for your trip to Austin
Get to know this hip and happening destination with Austin city guides from Hertz.
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