Austin to San Antonio EV Road Trip

Route Overview

At just 80 miles, Austin to San Antonio is less of a road trip and more of a quick jaunt. Every modern EV can handle this without stopping to charge. But there's enough to see and do in both cities (and in between) that you should plan for a full day or weekend.

Why This Route Is Easy

Eighty miles of flat Texas highway. That's it. Even the smallest-battery EVs on the market (like the Nissan Leaf) can do this round-trip on a single charge. Charge up at home in Austin, drive to San Antonio, and charge at your hotel.

Key Highlights

• San Marcos — Halfway point with outlet shopping (San Marcos Premium Outlets) and natural beauty (San Marcos Springs)
• New Braunfels — German-Texan heritage, Gruene Hall (oldest dance hall in Texas), and Schlitterbahn waterpark in summer
• San Antonio — The Alamo, the Riverwalk, incredible Tex-Mex food, and the Pearl District

What to Do in San Antonio

• The Riverwalk — Walk along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants and shops
• The Alamo — Free admission, recently renovated
• Pearl District — Trendy food and shopping in a converted brewery complex
• Market Square — The largest Mexican market in the US
• Missions National Historical Park — Four Spanish colonial missions (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Seasonal Tips

• Summer: Texas heat is intense (100°F+). AC will be running full blast, but on an 80-mile trip it barely matters.
• Spring: Best time to visit. Wildflower season along I-35 is beautiful (bluebonnets in March-April).
• Fall: Still warm. Great time for outdoor activities.
• Winter: Mild by most standards. Perfect road trip weather.

Charging in San Antonio

• Hotel charging: Many downtown hotels have Level 2 stations. Ask when booking.
• Tesla Supercharger at The Rim — Large station on the north side of the city
• Electrify America at various Walmart locations — Multiple options across the city
• La Cantera area — Shopping district with several charger locations