Planning a road trip through Texas is exciting—but figuring out the best route can quickly feel overwhelming. With a state this large, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you’re zipping through on an interstate or taking the slow road through scenic backcountry, your ideal route depends entirely on your goals, travel style, and timing. Do you want to hit major cities for live music and food? Explore remote parks and stargazing spots? Or discover small-town gems off the beaten path? The road you choose will shape every mile of your experience.
Texas offers an incredible mix of driving options, from high-speed interstates like I-35 and I-10 to lesser-known scenic byways that wind through wineries, wildflowers, and historic landscapes. This guide compares the most popular and practical road trip routes across Texas—highlighting what makes each one special, what to expect along the way, and how to align them with your travel vision. Whether you’re planning your first Texas road trip or refining your next one, you’ll find the clarity you need right here.
How to Choose the Right Route for Your Trip
The “best” route in Texas depends on what you’re looking to get out of the journey. Before opening the map or entering a destination into your GPS, it helps to define your road trip goals. Texas is so vast and diverse that the difference between two routes can completely transform your experience—from the speed of travel to the kind of memories you’ll create.
Define Your Road Trip Goal
Are you road tripping to get somewhere fast—or to make the drive the main event? Travelers who want quick access to big cities like Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio will likely stick to I-35, while those heading east-west might prefer I-10. But if your goal is to explore, discover, and meander, scenic alternatives like FM 170 or TX-16 will offer more flavor, photo ops, and local character. Define your trip style first: are you focused on scenery, culture, speed, or comfort?
Factor in Trip Length and Season
A long-haul, cross-state journey will need different routing than a 3-day weekend getaway. I-10 is ideal for traversing the entire state from El Paso to Houston, while US-290 or TX-21 are great for short loops through Hill Country or East Texas. Also consider the time of year. In spring, routes like Willow City Loop are breathtaking with wildflowers. In summer, shaded East Texas byways may offer relief from the heat. In winter, you might avoid icy roads in the Panhandle by heading toward the coast.
Interstates vs. Backroads vs. Themed Routes
Texas interstates offer speed and reliability, but they often lack scenery and charm. Backroads and FM (Farm-to-Market) roads, on the other hand, lead to hidden diners, quirky shops, and historic towns. Themed routes—like the Texas BBQ Trail, El Camino Real, or the Texas Wine Trail—are perfect for travelers who want a curated experience around food, history, or landscapes. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—combine fast interstates with scenic loops for the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, the right route isn’t about what’s fastest or most popular—it’s about what best matches your purpose. Start with your travel goal, then choose the road that brings it to life.
I-35 – The Urban Corridor Route
If you’re looking to connect quickly between Texas’s biggest cities—Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and even down to Laredo—I-35 is your go-to route. It’s one of the most heavily traveled highways in the state, and for good reason. Along this single north-south corridor, you’ll experience Texas’s economic engines, cultural hubs, and a rich mix of history, music, and food. It’s the ideal route for urban explorers, first-timers, and travelers short on time who still want a taste of Texas’s signature cities.
Best for Quick Access to Major Cities
I-35 links several of Texas’s largest and most visited destinations. From the shopping and skyline of Dallas, to the music and creative energy of Austin, to the historic missions and River Walk in San Antonio, this route delivers nonstop access to iconic urban experiences. There’s also Waco, home to Magnolia Market, and New Braunfels, where you can float the river or explore German heritage—all just a short detour from the main interstate.
Highlights: Culture, Food, and Music
For travelers interested in Tex-Mex cuisine, barbecue joints, museums, art, and live shows, I-35 is unbeatable. Austin offers everything from food trucks to fine dining and legendary music venues like The Continental Club. San Antonio has rich Hispanic culture, historic architecture, and world-class attractions. Even the smaller cities along the route—like Temple and Georgetown—have charming downtowns and solid food scenes. If your goal is to pack in diverse cultural experiences without veering too far off course, this route delivers.
Downsides: Traffic, Construction, and Less Scenic
Despite its advantages, I-35 has its share of frustrations. It’s known for heavy congestion, especially between Austin and San Antonio, and ongoing construction projects can lead to delays. The views along the route are largely urban or suburban—if you’re seeking wide-open spaces, you won’t find them here. For beginners, the heavy traffic and aggressive drivers may feel overwhelming. If you’re not in a rush, consider alternate roads like US-281, which run parallel but offer a calmer, more scenic experience.
In summary, I-35 is efficient, direct, and rich in city-based attractions. It’s not the most peaceful drive in Texas, but it is one of the most dynamic and connected—making it ideal for travelers who want to hit all the big stops in one smooth sweep.
I-10 – The Cross-State Adventure
Stretching more than 870 miles across Texas, Interstate 10 (I-10) is the ultimate east-west road trip route. From the mountain deserts of El Paso to the urban energy of Houston, this interstate delivers an ever-changing backdrop of Texas at its widest and wildest. It’s ideal for long-haul travelers, RV adventurers, and anyone wanting to experience the full geographical and cultural sweep of the state.
Best for Long-Haul Trips Across Texas
I-10 is perfect for those driving cross-country or coast-to-coast and passing through Texas along the way. But even if Texas is your main destination, this interstate offers incredible reach—from El Paso, through Fort Stockton, San Antonio, Columbus, and into Houston, with optional spurs to the Gulf Coast or Big Bend National Park. It’s the best route for seeing the full east-west diversity of Texas in one trip.
Highlights: Desert, History, and National Parks
West of San Antonio, I-10 delivers raw, dramatic landscapes—desert mesas, wide-open skies, and towering wind farms. Stop in Fort Stockton or Sonora to experience old frontier towns, and detour south to visit Big Bend, one of the country’s most remote and stunning national parks. Further east, San Antonio offers rich history and culture, while Houston serves as a sprawling finale with world-class food, museums, and nightlife. Along the way, you’ll also encounter quirky roadside attractions and wide-ranging regional food—from mesquite-smoked brisket to Tex-Mex and Cajun fusion.
Downsides: Sparse Services and Long Stretches
I-10 can feel endless and empty in parts of West Texas. Gas stations, rest stops, and towns can be up to 100 miles apart, so fueling up in advance is essential. Also, weather shifts—especially in summer—can bring dust storms, high winds, or intense heat in the western regions. Driving for hours across flat desert may not appeal to everyone, and fatigue can be a factor if you’re not breaking up the trip. Eastern I-10 near Houston often has traffic bottlenecks, especially at major interchanges.
Despite its challenges, I-10 is a classic American road trip through the heart of Texas. If you’re up for a big drive and want to explore both the wild and the urban, I-10 delivers an unforgettable, panoramic experience that’s as vast as Texas itself.
Scenic Alternatives to Major Interstates
If you’re craving a road trip that’s more about the journey than the speed, Texas offers plenty of scenic alternatives to the major interstates. These routes wind through rolling hills, historic towns, river valleys, and open landscapes, offering a deeper, more intimate experience of the state’s culture and natural beauty. Whether you want wildflowers, quiet rivers, or authentic small-town charm, these byways bring Texas to life in ways highways cannot.
US-281 – The Hill Country Bypass
US-281 runs roughly parallel to I-35 but takes you through the heart of Hill Country. This route passes through towns like Marble Falls, Burnet, and Fisher, offering stunning views of lakes, rolling hills, and wildflower fields. It’s a favorite among travelers who want to explore vineyards, historic main streets, and hidden swimming holes without battling interstate traffic.
FM 170 – The River Road near Big Bend
Known as one of Texas’s most breathtaking drives, FM 170 hugs the Rio Grande through the rugged canyons of Big Bend Ranch State Park. The road is narrow and winding but rewards drivers with dramatic desert cliffs, wildlife sightings, and a deep sense of solitude. If you’re heading to Big Bend National Park, this route is a must for anyone who loves off-the-beaten-path adventures.
TX-16 – Bandera to Llano for Rustic Charm
TX-16 offers a slower-paced, historic drive from Bandera—the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World”—to Llano, nestled in the Hill Country. This route is lined with ranches, wildflowers, and vintage gas stations. Stop for barbecue, explore local art galleries, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the Llano River. It’s a great option for those seeking Texas authenticity with a laid-back vibe.
El Camino Real de los Tejas – The Historic Trail
Part of the National Historic Trails system, this route follows the path Spanish explorers took through Texas. Stretching from the Louisiana border through East Texas and down to San Antonio, it offers travelers a glimpse into early Texas history with preserved missions, quaint towns, and roadside markers. It’s ideal for history buffs and travelers wanting a meaningful, scenic drive.
Willow City Loop – Wildflower Season Must-See
Famous for its spectacular spring wildflowers, the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg is a 13-mile scenic drive through limestone hills and sprawling ranches. Bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and other native blooms blanket the roadside from March through April, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. This loop is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace and outside peak weekend traffic.
Route Suggestions by Region
Texas is vast and varied, so the best road trip routes often depend on the region you’re exploring. Whether you’re headed north, central, east, west, or along the coast, there are favorite highways and byways that capture the spirit and scenery of each area. Here’s a regional breakdown to help you pick the perfect roads for your Texas adventure.
North Texas: US-82 and TX-114
In North Texas, US-82 offers a charming east-west drive with stops in historic towns like Paris (known for its Eiffel Tower replica) and Sherman. For a more urban route with scenic detours, TX-114 runs through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, connecting suburbs and small towns with parks and lakes. These routes combine a mix of city and countryside, ideal for travelers wanting diversity without long drives.
Central Texas: US-290 and TX-71
Central Texas is road trip royalty, and US-290 is the classic route through rolling Hill Country hills, vineyards, and towns like Dripping Springs, Johnson City, and Fredericksburg. TX-71 links Austin to Bastrop and beyond, featuring scenic river crossings and wooded areas. Both routes are excellent for foodies, wine lovers, and nature seekers.
East Texas: TX-21 and US-59
For lush forests, charming small towns, and historic sites, East Texas is best explored via TX-21 and US-59. TX-21 follows part of the historic El Camino Real and passes through Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. US-59 travels through towns with deep cultural roots and access to lakes and state parks. These routes offer a slower pace and plenty of hidden gems.
Gulf Coast: TX-35 and Bluewater Highway
Along the Texas Gulf Coast, TX-35 runs near the water with stops in Port Lavaca and Rockport, showcasing coastal marshes and seafood shacks. The Bluewater Highway (TX-87) follows the coast closely and is great for birdwatching and beach visits. These scenic routes are perfect for travelers seeking salt air, fishing spots, and relaxed coastal towns.
West Texas: US-90, TX-118, and FM 170
West Texas offers vast desert landscapes and rugged mountain views. US-90 is a historic route running through towns like Marfa and Alpine, famous for art installations and cowboy culture. TX-118 connects Alpine to Fort Davis with mountainous scenery and access to the Davis Mountains State Park. FM 170—the River Road—runs along the Rio Grande and is considered one of the most scenic drives in Texas. These routes suit adventurers looking for solitude and dramatic vistas.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Route
Choosing the best route for your Texas road trip comes down to what kind of experience you want to have. If your priority is speed and urban exploration, interstates like I-35 and I-10 offer efficient connections between the state’s major cities, cultural hubs, and landmarks. On the other hand, if you want to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty, historic towns, and unique local culture that Texas is famous for, taking the scenic byways and lesser-known routes will offer a richer, more memorable adventure.
Remember, there’s no single “right” road trip route in Texas—there’s only the route that fits your personality, schedule, and goals. Whether you’re cruising down a bustling interstate or meandering through wildflower-filled Hill Country backroads, every path brings its own charm and surprises. The best advice is to plan thoughtfully, stay flexible, and embrace whatever the Texas road throws your way. After all, sometimes the journey is the destination.
