When it comes to road tripping through Texas, the highway you choose makes all the difference. With the state’s vast size and wildly different landscapes, your route can shape everything from the pace of your drive to the kinds of experiences you’ll have along the way.
Three of Texas’s most iconic road trip corridors—Route 66, I-10, and I-35—each offer their own flavor of adventure. Route 66 delivers retro Americana and scenic solitude. I-10 stretches from desert to coast, serving up diversity in culture and terrain. I-35 is the high-energy heart of Texas, connecting major cities with food, music, and events.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each highway so you can choose the perfect corridor for your next Texas journey—whether you’re after history, nature, urban energy, or scenic open roads.
Route 66 in Texas: Nostalgic and Scenic
Though it covers only about 178 miles through the Texas Panhandle, Route 66 is packed with character and charm. It’s a must for travelers drawn to history, retro Americana, and a slower-paced, scenic drive that feels like a step back in time.
Where it runs:
Route 66 cuts across the Panhandle, entering from the east at Shamrock and exiting near Glenrio at the New Mexico border. The highway parallels I-40 but includes original segments that wind through small towns.Top attractions:
• Amarillo – The unofficial capital of Texas Route 66, featuring the famous Cadillac Ranch, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and a historic Route 66 Historic District filled with antique shops and diners.
• Shamrock – Home to the beautifully restored U-Drop Inn, an art deco gas station that now serves as a visitor center.
• Adrian – The exact midpoint of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, marked with signage and a nostalgic café.Scenery and road experience:
Expect wide skies, open plains, abandoned motels, vintage signage, and stretches of old road untouched by time. It’s peaceful and photogenic, especially at sunrise or golden hour.Drive quality:
The route is made up of drivable frontage roads, well-preserved segments, and connectors from I-40. Traffic is light, but road conditions vary, with some older segments being rougher than modern highways.Ideal for:
Travelers seeking a unique blend of solitude, history, kitsch, and photography opportunities. Best for those who enjoy taking their time and exploring small-town Texas charm.
I-10 in Texas: Diverse and Expansive
Interstate 10 is the longest continuous highway in Texas, stretching over 880 miles from El Paso in the west to Orange on the Louisiana border. It’s the ultimate cross-state route, offering a wide range of landscapes, attractions, and cultural experiences. If you’re looking for variety, I-10 delivers in every sense.
Where it runs:
I-10 spans from the deserts of West Texas through Hill Country and major cities like San Antonio and Houston, eventually connecting to the Gulf Coast and beyond.Top attractions:
• El Paso: A cultural blend of Texas and Mexico with scenic mountain views.
• Big Bend National Park (detour): A stunning side trip from I-10, offering some of the most remote and breathtaking natural landscapes in the state.
• San Antonio: Home to the Alamo, River Walk, and vibrant Tex-Mex culture.
• Houston: A sprawling metro with museums, dining, NASA’s Space Center, and diverse neighborhoods.
• Hill Country towns: Places like Kerrville, Boerne, and Seguin offer detours for wineries, bluebonnets, and riverside beauty.Scenery and road experience:
I-10 transitions dramatically from desert mesas in the west to rolling hills in Central Texas, then flattens into bayous and pine forests in the east. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see multiple sides of Texas in one trip.Drive quality:
I-10 is a well-maintained interstate, offering smooth driving but long stretches without services—especially west of San Antonio. Speed limits can reach 80 mph in rural zones, so it’s important to fuel up in advance.Ideal for:
Long-haul road trippers, national park visitors, cultural explorers, and anyone wanting a true east-to-west cross-section of Texas.
I-35 in Texas: Urban and Event-Packed
I-35 is the most urbanized and dynamic of Texas’s major highway corridors. Running north to south from Laredo on the Mexican border to Gainesville near Oklahoma, this interstate connects a chain of Texas’s largest and liveliest cities. If you want nonstop access to food, music, nightlife, shopping, and festivals, I-35 is your highway.
Where it runs:
I-35 travels through some of Texas’s most visited cities: Laredo, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Fort Worth, and Dallas. It also intersects several major east-west highways, making it a powerful central route.Top attractions:
• San Antonio: The Alamo, River Walk, and missions offer a mix of culture, history, and family-friendly fun.
• Austin: A haven for live music, food trucks, tech culture, and nightlife.
• Waco: Known for Magnolia Market, Baylor University, and the Dr Pepper Museum.
• Dallas–Fort Worth: Museums, stadiums, arts districts, and global dining make this a top destination for all types of travelers.Scenery and road experience:
While not as scenic as Route 66 or I-10, I-35 still offers pockets of beauty—especially in the Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin. The route is highly developed and dense with stops, but it also comes with urban congestion.Drive quality:
Expect traffic, especially near Austin and Dallas during rush hours or major events. The highway is wide, fast, and efficient, but can be stressful in peak times. Ongoing construction in multiple sections may affect timing.Ideal for:
Travelers interested in events, food, festivals, museums, and urban energy. It’s also a strong choice for first-time Texas visitors or weekenders hopping between cities.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how Route 66, I-10, and I-35 stack up when compared side by side across key travel factors:
Length in Texas:
Route 66 covers only about 178 miles through the Panhandle. I-10 stretches an impressive 880 miles from El Paso to Louisiana. I-35 runs about 500 miles from Laredo to Gainesville, connecting nearly every major metro area in Texas.Scenery:
Route 66 offers vintage charm, quiet plains, and desert skies—ideal for slow travel and roadside nostalgia. I-10 delivers variety with deserts, Hill Country, rivers, and Gulf Coast scenery. I-35 is more urban, with pockets of natural beauty, especially between San Antonio and Austin.Top attractions:
Route 66 is best for travelers who want quirky landmarks and historical stops like Cadillac Ranch and U-Drop Inn. I-10 gives you access to cultural hubs like San Antonio and Houston, plus detours to Big Bend. I-35 shines with city-based highlights including the River Walk, Austin’s music scene, Waco’s Magnolia Market, and Dallas’s arts districts.Traffic and road quality:
Route 66 is lightly traveled with a mix of smooth and weathered segments. I-10 is generally in great shape, though traffic builds near big cities. I-35 is fast-moving but often congested, especially near Austin and Dallas, with ongoing construction in several areas.Food and lodging access:
Route 66 has limited options but offers nostalgic diners and motels. I-10 offers consistent choices in larger towns, with fewer stops in remote stretches. I-35 provides near-constant access to restaurants, hotels, and gas stations due to its urban nature.Best for:
Route 66 is perfect for history buffs, photographers, and those who enjoy vintage Americana and relaxed drives. I-10 suits long-distance travelers looking to experience multiple ecosystems and cultural regions. I-35 is ideal for city lovers, foodies, and festivalgoers who want action-packed days and nights.
Tips for Choosing the Right Texas Road
Choosing between Route 66, I-10, and I-35 depends on your goals, timeline, and travel style. Each route offers something special—here’s how to pick the one that fits your trip best.
For a short, themed road trip:
Choose Route 66 if you want a nostalgic, slow-paced journey with iconic Americana stops and vintage photo ops. Ideal for long weekends or focused scenic drives.For a diverse, cross-state adventure:
Pick I-10 if you’re planning a multi-day trip and want to experience Texas from desert to Gulf Coast. It’s great for travelers seeking a mix of natural parks, culture, and quiet detours.For a city-based getaway or first-time visit:
Go with I-35 if you want to explore Texas’s major cities in one trip. From live music in Austin to food tours in San Antonio and museums in Dallas, this route is packed with things to do every few hours.Consider your vehicle and group:
Families with kids or pets may prefer I-35 or I-10 for easier access to amenities. Route 66 is best suited for couples, solo travelers, or small groups with a flexible schedule.Think seasonally:
Route 66 is ideal in spring and fall when the Panhandle weather is pleasant. I-10 offers good year-round travel but gets hot in summer. I-35 is accessible year-round but can be affected by holiday traffic and event congestion.Mix and match routes if time allows:
Create a loop by starting on I-10, swinging north through Hill Country, and returning via I-35. Or connect Route 66 with nearby destinations like Palo Duro Canyon for a deeper dive into the Panhandle.
Your perfect Texas road trip starts with the right route—so choose based on what kind of scenery, pace, and experience you’re after.
Conclusion: Choose the Corridor That Matches Your Style
No single Texas highway is better than the others—it all comes down to the kind of trip you want to take. Each corridor delivers a different experience, from the open skies and roadside nostalgia of Route 66 to the cultural diversity and geographic variety along I-10, to the urban excitement and nonstop entertainment of I-35.
If you’re drawn to vintage charm, roadside oddities, and quiet scenic stretches, Route 66 is a time capsule worth exploring. For travelers seeking a wide-ranging journey across ecosystems, cultures, and landscapes, I-10 offers one of the most diverse drives in the country. And for those who thrive on food, music, nightlife, and events, I-35 connects Texas’s biggest attractions in one action-packed route.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full-on cross-state adventure, let your interests and travel rhythm guide your route. With thoughtful planning, any of these highways can lead to an unforgettable Texas road trip.
