If you’re looking for a road trip that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, look no further than the drive from Dallas to San Antonio. This route will take you past rolling hills, clear lakes, and rustic villages. If you’re up for a challenge, make the drive in a single day – but be sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss any of the best sights along the way.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
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Dallas to San Antonio Drive Hours
Driving from Dallas to San Antonio will take you 4.5 hours approximately. The fastest way to get from Dallas to San Antonio is to take I-35E S, which will drive past cities like Denton, Hillsboro, and Waco – which, according to Google Maps, will get you to San Antonio in 4 hours and 7 minutes.
The reason to take the I-35E S highway is that it’s the most direct route and will get you to your destination in the shortest amount of time. However, if you’re looking to take in some of the sights along the way, consider taking one of the scenic routes listed below.
Dallas to San Antonio Flight Time
The flight time from Dallas to San Antonio is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. If you’re looking to save some time on your road trip, consider taking a flight instead.
There are several flights that depart from Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) and arrive at San Antonio International Airport (SAT), so be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early.
Dallas to San Antonio Drive – Rent A Car In Dallas
Here are rental car companies to rent a car from in Dallas:
- Alamo: starts at $63 per day
- Avis: starts at $63 per day
- Budget: starts at $53 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $63 per day
- Hertz: starts at $63 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $39 per day
- Dollar: starts at $43 per day
Dallas to San Antonio – Driving Stops Along The Way
Here are some stops you can make along the way:
- Roadside America Museum (Hillsboro, TX)
- The Waco Mammoth (Waco, TX)
- Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown, TX)
- J. Lorraine Ghost Town (Manor, TX)
- Texas State Capitol Building (Austin, TX)
- Mount Bonnell (Austin, TX)
- San Marcos (San Marcos, TX)
- World’s Largest Pecan (Seguin, TX)
- Natural Bridges Caverns (San Antonio, TX)
- The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
#1 Roadside America Museum (Hillsboro, TX)
Roadside America Museum is a great place to stop if you’re interested in Texas history. The museum has a collection of artifacts that date back to the early days of Texas settlement.
The museum is a quick detour off I-35 but visits/tours are available by appointment only – so make sure you call ahead and book one.
#2 The Waco Mammoth (Waco, TX)
The Waco Mammoth is a must-see for any dinosaur lover. This site is home to the remains of 24 Columbian mammoths – which were discovered in 1978 by two workers who were digging a water line.
The best way to see the Waco Mammoth is on a guided tour, which lasts about an hour. Tours are offered daily and can be booked online.
#3 Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown, TX)
Inner Space Cavern is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. This cavern is one of the largest in Texas and is known for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Tours of Inner Space Cavern are offered daily, and you can book them online or by calling the visitor center.
#4 J. Lorraine Ghost Town (Manor, TX)
J. Lorraine Ghost Town is a great place to visit if you’re interested in Texas history. This town was once a thriving community, but now it’s a ghost town.
The best way to see J. Lorraine Ghost Town is on a guided tour, which lasts about an hour. Tours are offered daily and can be booked online.
#5 Texas State Capitol Building (Austin, TX)
The Texas State Capitol Building is a must-see for any history buff. This building is the tallest state capitol in the country and is home to the Texas Legislature.
Take your time to visit some of the many historical exhibits inside the Capitol, and be sure to take a picture outside with the building in the background.
#6 Mount Bonnell (Austin, TX)
Mount Bonnell is a great place to stop and take in the scenery. This spot offers stunning views of Austin and the surrounding area.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike to the top of Mount Bonnell – it’s a moderate hike but the views are worth it.
#7 San Marcos (San Marcos, TX)
San Marcos is a great place to stop for lunch or a quick break. This town is home to many restaurants and cafes, as well as some unique shops.
If you’re looking for something to do, consider visiting the San Marcos River or one of the many parks in this little town.
#8 World’s Largest Pecan (Seguin, TX)
The World’s Largest Pecan is a must-see for any pecan lover. This giant pecan is located in Seguin, Texas and is a popular photo spot.
If you’re looking for something to do in Seguin, consider visiting the Texas State Railroad or one of the many parks and museums.
#9 Natural Bridges Caverns (San Antonio, TX)
Natural Bridges Caverns is a great place to stop and explore. This cavern is known for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Tours of Natural Bridges Caverns are offered daily, and you can book them online or by calling the visitor center.
#10 The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
Last but not least, no visit to San Antonio would be complete without a stop at The Alamo. This historic site is home to the famous Battle of the Alamo, which took place in 1836. This battle was a pivotal moment in Texas history.
Today, The Alamo is a popular tourist destination, and there are many things to see and do here. Be sure to take a tour of the Alamo complex, and don’t forget to take a picture in front of the famous mission.
Dallas to San Antonio Road Trip Tips
Here are some tips to consider when driving from Dallas to San Antonio:
- Make time for breaks
- Plan your route in advance
- Avoid rush hour driving in the big cities
- You can avoid toll roads, but sometimes you shouldn’t
Make time for breaks
While the drive from Dallas to San Antonio is a beautiful one, it’s important to take breaks along the way. Plan to stop for gas every 200 miles or so, and be sure to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat at one of the many rest stops along the way.
Plan your route in advance
The drive from Dallas to San Antonio is a pretty straightforward one, but it’s always a good idea to plan your route in advance. This will help you avoid any traffic delays or road closures that might pop up along the way.
Avoid rush hour driving in the big cities
If at all possible, avoid driving during rush hour in the big cities. This can add a lot of time to your drive, and it’s not always worth the hassle.
You can avoid toll roads, but sometimes you shouldn’t
There are a few toll roads between Dallas and San Antonio, but you can usually avoid them if you’re willing to take a slightly longer route. However, sometimes the toll roads are the best option – especially if you’re trying to avoid traffic.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, the drive from Dallas to San Antonio is a great option. This route takes you through some of Texas’s most beautiful scenery, and there are plenty of stops along the way to keep you entertained. So, what are you waiting for? Gas up the car and hit the road!