Route from Houston to Austin - Cedar Park area (Katy: construction, moving)

[RandyAH]

What is the Fastest route from Houston to Cedar Park area?
I am looking for folks that drive this route all the time, or recently driven it...

Either I-10 to 71 into Cedar Park

or 290 into Cedar Park...

Also, any road construction, or anything that would cause a delay etc...

AAA is wanting me to take 290 so just want to verify this is a good route...

TIA

[TexasHorseLady]

For speed, I'd take 290 to SH 130, then 130 to 45, and 45 across, if you're okay with toll roads, or 290 to I35 then I35 to 183 and 183 to Cedar Park, if you're not.

10 to 71 is the long way and takes you all the way through Austin from southeast to northwest.

[RandyAH]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

For speed, I'd take 290 to SH 130, then 130 to 45, and 45 across, if you're okay with toll roads, or 290 to I35 then I35 to 183 and 183 to Cedar Park, if you're not.

10 to 71 is the long way and takes you all the way through Austin from southeast to northwest.

Thanks, that's what I was looking for...

I have to pick up Parmer from 290, so that looks to be the most direct route...

Less than 4 weeks to go!! I can't wait to be a Texan again!!

[CarnivalGal]

We take I-10 to 71. 71 to 183 North. And then 183 into Cedar Park. But we are always going to and from the Memorial area, which is right next to I-10.

What part of Houston are you coming from? That will make a difference. If your not near 290, then you'll probably want to use I-10, and vice versa.

[RandyAH]

I will be coming from Baton Rouge via I-10....AAA says to take 290 then Parmer Lane, as my destination is on Parmer Lane, near 620...

I will either be driving a small moving truck towing a Honda, or just driving the Honda...still up in the air right now...

[TexasHorseLady]

I've done both ways often, and it takes a lot longer the 71 way.

I'll grant you, in some areas it's prettier the 71 way!

[love roses]

290 is faster, at least for us....We go to both Katy and Clear Lake.

[robino2001]

Originally Posted by RandyAH

I will be coming from Baton Rouge via I-10....AAA says to take 290 then Parmer Lane, as my destination is on Parmer Lane, near 620...

I personally have never driven that entire length of Parmer, but I would imagine 290 to 130N to 45W (turns into 620) to Parmer would be quicker than Parmer all the way up from 290. Someone who's driven Parmer all the way could confirm that.

[TexasHorseLady]

You're right. Parmer the whole way is a LOT slower. Maybe shorter, but with all the stop lights and such, slower.

[atxcio]

290 is shorter mileage wise, but there are a few more 55 mph speed limits on the way. Also, and this is why I avoid it, there is quite a bit of undivided 2-way @70mph... not fun if you have to drive in the left lane with just a yellow stripe separating you from oncoming traffic. Especially on a Friday or Saturday night, or holiday, etc, when people have been drinking.

I make the trip between Houston and Austin 3-4 times each month, and I-10 to 71 to 183N would be my preference. I10 coming in/out of Houston all the way to Katy is incredible now that the construction is complete -- a mega highway. That stretch alone make the trip faster than 290. It's like 14 lanes; 2 HOVs each way and 5 regular lanes. I've driven it during rush hour and with all that traffic it is still moving at 60 mph in many places.

After that, there is only one 55 mph tiny stretch on 71, in Ellinger. Until you reach Bastrop. After that, the intersections right by 130 are a bit slow, but they can be slow around 290 and 130 also. 130 adds too much mileage to Cedar Park, IMO. But if you are coming in and want to avoid 183 during rush hour, that would be an alternative...