How Far is Dallas from Austin by Plane – Time and Distance

While some believe it uncommon for cats to have personal travel preferences, this is simply not the case. Speaking as a well-traveled cat, I know that traveling from Austin to Dallas via plane is the quickest and easiest way to go. Whether for business meetings, family visits, or leisure trips, all cats know this quick and easy flight offers an efficient alternative to driving.

So, exactly how far is Dallas from Austin by plane? The distance is approximately 182 miles, with 1 hour and 10 minutes of flight time from gate to gate. Of course, many factors contribute to the time and distance for your trip from Austin to Dallas. Let’s pounce into the details.

Average Time to Fly from Austin to Dallas 

Assuming you fly into DFW, the largest airport in Dallas, your flight will cover 182 miles as the crow flies. If there are no delays, you can expect an average flight time of 1 hour and 10 minutes, from gate to gate. 

Suppose you are curious how long this flight is actually in the air. In that case, you’d need to take into account on-ground activities like boarding and deplaning, departing and arriving at the gate, and taxiing on the runway. Once you account for the work to get off and back onto the ground, you are left with 38 minutes of in-air travel time.

However, if you are looking to calculate the true time investment in flying from Austin to Dallas, you need to consider the time it will take you to get through security at Austin Bergstrom and to get from your gate in Dallas to the ground transportation area of the airport. Adding in these factors, you can expect to spend 3 hours and 10 minutes to travel from the front door of Austin Bergstrom to the front door of the Dallas Airport. Of course, to get your true travel time, you’ll need to add in ground transport from your home to AUS and from DFW to your final destination. 

If you are aiming for a timely arrival at your destination in Dallas, you also need to factor in time for delays at either airport and traffic in both towns. I have found that a 2-hour buffer tends to be enough to cover most delays – for example, if you need to be at your destination at 3 pm, plan on being there at 1 pm if no delays happen. If it is extremely important that you arrive on time, the most surefire way to make it is to fly in the night before. 

Dallas Has Two Airports: DFW and Love Field

Dallas is served by two major airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). DFW, the larger of the two is located further away from downtown Dallas, but closer to Fort Worth. DAL is a smaller airport, and ideal for quick flights from Austin as long as your final destination is closer to downtown. 

The two airports are approximately 16 miles apart, a distance that has no impact on flight times but can have a big impact on your drive time to your final destination. Make sure to take a look at which airport will be most convenient for you. 

Best Airline to Use

If you are looking for nonstop flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Dallas then you only have 2 options: Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. To make your decision even easier, Southwest only flies to Love Field and American only flies to DFW.

Since the two airlines are direct competitors for this route, you’ll find their schedules and prices are generally comparable. Here are the highlights of each airline: 

Southwest Airlines

• Operates the only direct route from AUS to DAL (Dallas Love Field Airport)
• Offers 5-7 flights per day, ranging from 6:30 am to 8:45 pm
• Prices are as low as $59 for a one-way ticket, with the cheapest flights running during non-peak hours like mid-week and late evenings. 
• Overall Southwest Airlines is on-time 76% of the time.
• Southwest does not offer assigned seats on its aircraft.
• While Southwest does offer a generous rewards program, it lacks some of the perks of larger airlines like airport lounges. 

American Airlines

• Operates the only direct route from AUS to DFW (Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport)
• Offers 12-15 flights per day, ranging from 5:00 am to 8:35 pm
• Prices match Southwest with prices as low as $59 for a one-way ticket
• Overall American Airlines is on-time 80% of the time.
• American also offers a great rewards program and hosts their Admiral airport lounge in both AUS and DFW airports. 

Tips and Tricks for Getting In and Out of Airports Quickly

Traveling efficiently can significantly enhance your airport experience and save you time. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when traveling from Austin to Dallas by plane. 

For a smoother airport experience, check in online before arriving. Both Southwest and American Airlines offer online check-in through their mobile apps within the 24-hour window before your departure. Given the “open seating” model on Southwest, it is extra important to check in as soon as the window opens to reserve your place in line and get your preferred seat.

If possible, travel with carry-on luggage only to avoid waiting at baggage claim, ensuring your bag meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions. If you are not able to travel just a carry-on, make sure to pack essential items such as medications in your carry-on for easy access while traveling. 

Enroll in TSA PreCheck to enjoy expedited security screening, allowing you to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and your laptop and liquids in your bag.

Additionally, consider purchasing priority boarding or utilizing frequent flyer status to board the plane early and secure overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage. 

If you travel this route frequently, consider applying for a premium credit card for your airline of choice. These cards come with incredible perks like sign-up bonuses, mileage multipliers, and airport lounges (American only). 

Is Flying Better than Driving?

While flying offers speed and convenience, driving from Austin to Dallas is a viable alternative for those who prefer to stay on the ground. The driving distance between Austin and Dallas is approximately 200 miles, with an average drive time of around 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route.

Driving offers greater flexibility in terms of departure time and route selection, allowing for stops along the way and travel at your own pace. Unlike air travel, driving eliminates the need for security checks and the associated time and stress, and it can be more cost-effective for families or groups, as you avoid purchasing multiple flight tickets. 

However, long drives can also be tiring, especially for the driver, impacting the overall travel experience. Additionally, traffic congestion, particularly around major cities, can lead to delays and increased travel time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flying from Austin to Dallas offers a quick and efficient way to travel between these two bustling Texas cities. The 182-mile flight, with an average in-air time of just 38 minutes, makes it an attractive option for business professionals, leisure travelers, and even well-traveled cats who seek speed and convenience. 

With direct flights available from both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, travelers have flexible options for departure times and competitive pricing. Dallas’s two major airports, DFW and Love Field, cater to different needs, with DFW offering a higher frequency of flights and Love Field providing proximity to downtown Dallas. 

While driving offers its own set of advantages, the benefits of flying make it a compelling choice for many. By planning ahead, utilizing online check-ins, and considering priority services like TSA PreCheck, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey from Austin to Dallas.