My sister and her family just moved to Katy and I'm looking at the fastest route for when we visit. We'll be leaving from GT and google maps has me take 130 to 290 and then 90 into Katy. Another option I've heard mentioned is 290 to 21 (which takes you thru Bryan/College Station) and then take 6 south to the Houston area. If you have experience driving between Austin/Houston, what's your expert opinion?
Thanks!
Re: Driving Q: Austin to Houston
We go often to see my parents and the fastest way we've found (depending on time of day you're leaving) is 183 to 71 to I-10.
I-10 takes you right to Katy.
If you're leaving in rush hour, 130 might buy you some time, but it's so roundabout. For reference, we usually leave after dinner, so 183 is fine for us.
I go 2 different ways. My parents live slightly west of katy, so the fastest way there is 71->90 / I-10. It takes us about 2 hrs - so I'm guessing it would take you about 2:15 to get there. Bonus is that when you're on Katy Freeway, you're going against traffic if you come from this direction.
The other way I go sometimes is 290->FM 359->90/I-10. I don't know why, but I find this way more boring - I guess b/c it seems like you're on 290 forever, and on 359 you can get stuck behind slowpokes.
The O'Baby Blog
Ditto. My parents live walking distance from NDK's parents and I alwaysalwaysalways take 71 to I-10. Fayette County (La Grange) and Ellinger are the only major speed traps the entire route.