Lincoln, NE → Austin, TX
732 mi · 14h 38m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Lincoln
45°
Marion County
49°
35.5°
54°
32.9°
60°
Austin
65°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 732 mi · 14h 38m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
49°F, wind 12 mph
Rest Stops
6
Truck svc, Restrooms, WiFi
Cameras
2 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Sapp Brothers Travel Center
- ● Love's Travel Stop 🚻
- ● Petro Stopping Centers
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 32 construction zones on route
32 Construction Zones on Route
KS 148: Construction work. Between US 81 and Republic County Line/Washington County Line.
US 81 in both directions: Lane closed. Between Cloud County Line/Ottawa County Line and Cloud County Line/Republic County Line.
US 81 southbound: Intermittent lane closure. Between Cloud County Line/Republic County Line and US 24.
I-135 in both directions: Lane closed. Between KS 4 and KS 140.
KS 4 in both directions: Automated traffic signals are in place. Between KS 104 and Dickinson County Line/Saline County Line.
KS 4 in both directions: Construction work. Between KS 104 and Dickinson County Line/Saline County Line.
+ 26 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via US-6 West → I-80 → ... → I-35W South → US-290
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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US-81 north of Belleville
KS ·
US-81 and US-24
KS ·
Southern Terminal MP 4
KS ·
IH 35 SVRD / GRAND AVENUE PKWY
Austin, TX ·
IH 35 SVRD / ANDERSON LN SVRD (view 1)
Austin, TX ·
IH 35 SVRD / ANDERSON LN SVRD (view 2)
Austin, TX ·
IH 35 SVRD / ST JOHNS AVE
Austin, TX ·
IH 35 SVRD / 290 HWY SVRD (E Koenig LN)
Austin, TX ·
IH 35 SVRD / N IH 35 SVRD SB AT 41ST TRN
Austin, TX ·
IH 35 SVRD / 32ND ST (view 1)
Austin, TX ·
CAMERON RD / 290 HWY SVRD (view 2)
Austin, TX ·
CAMERON RD / 290 HWY SVRD (view 1)
Austin, TX ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
87 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 87
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We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 12: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 10: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 7: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Lincoln, NE to Austin, TX covers 732 miles in roughly 14h 38m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 87 rest areas and 1 reported incident along this corridor so you can plan around them. On a drive this length, weather can change dramatically between stops. Use the segment-by-segment forecast below to time your route.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 14
45° / 40°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
50° / 29°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
54° / 35°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
53° / 41°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
58° / 48°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
56° / 46°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
57° / 46°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination
Sunday
Use Caution⚠️ Hazardous conditions expected - Violent rain showers
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Lincoln, NE
45°F
Wind: 10 mph
Austin, TX
65°F
Wind: 9 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Lincoln, NE to Austin, TX
The 732-mile drive from Lincoln, Nebraska to Austin, Texas takes approximately 14h 38m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Nebraska into Texas, connecting Lincoln and Austin. Covering 732 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Lincoln to Austin
For long drives like this 732-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.
Driving Strategy
Covering 732 miles from Lincoln to Austin is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Lincoln to Austin?
The drive is approximately 732 miles and takes about 14h 38m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Friday, Nov 20 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Lincoln to Austin today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Lincoln to Austin route?
Yes, there are 87 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses US-81, I-35, US-290. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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