Los Angeles to Austin

Route Snapshot: Los Angeles to Austin

Spanning coastal California, the vast Mojave Desert, and the rolling plains of Texas, this cross-country adventure offers a remarkable cross-section of the American Southwest. Here is a quick look at the logistics for your upcoming journey.

Why This Southwest Route Works for RV Travel

There is a unique freedom in taking a motorhome from the Pacific Coast all the way into the heart of Texas. This 1,991 mi corridor is tailor-made for RV travel because it offers vast, open highways interspersed with iconic roadside attractions, state parks, and vibrant cities. Having your kitchen, bathroom, and bed with you means you can comfortably transition from the neon lights of Las Vegas to the remote, starlit skies of the desert without ever having to pack and unpack a suitcase. Embracing a slow travel mindset on this route allows you to truly appreciate the shifting geology, flora, and culture across five distinct states.

Route Rhythm: Pacing Your 13-Day Journey

To comfortably cover 1,991 mi over 13 days, you will want to average about 150 miles of driving per day. However, it is much more enjoyable to break the trip into manageable regional stages rather than driving an equal distance every single day. The detailed day-by-day plan is available on RV PLANET, but here is how the pacing generally flows:

• Stage 1: Southern California to the Mojave & Nevada: Your journey begins by leaving the coastal metropolis behind and venturing into the stark beauty of the desert. Expect moderate driving days as you take time to explore deep-space science centers and vibrant desert art installations before experiencing the entertainment capital of the world.
• Stage 2: Route 66 Nostalgia & Arizona Landscapes: As you cross into Arizona, the pace slows down. This leg is all about classic Americana, historic diners, and soaking in the grand, sweeping vistas of the Southwest. Driving stretches are broken up by frequent stops for photos and local meals.
• Stage 3: New Mexico's High Desert: The elevation rises and the cultural landscape shifts as you enter New Mexico. This stage balances longer stretches of open highway with visits to local museums, art galleries, and wildlife parks.
• Stage 4: West Texas Wonders to Austin: The final push involves crossing the massive expanse of West Texas. You will find incredible relief at spring-fed desert swimming holes before the landscape gradually transitions into the lush, rolling hills of Central Texas, culminating in Austin.

Key Locations & Themes to Explore

While the exact itinerary is customizable, this route is packed with distinctive themes that make the drive unforgettable.

Science, Space, and Art

The desert has long been a canvas for both scientific exploration and artistic expression. Early in your trip, you can marvel at the Goldstone Deep Space Network Visitor Center, a true highlight for science enthusiasts. Later, the brightly colored boulders of Seven Magic Mountains provide a stunning contrast against the natural desert backdrop, offering an incredible photo opportunity.

Americana and Entertainment

No trip across the Southwest is complete without a nod to Route 66. Pulling your RV into Mr D'z Route 66 Diner offers a delicious step back in time. Contrast this classic nostalgia with the modern spectacle of the Las Vegas Strip, where you can rise and shine surrounded by world-class entertainment and dining.

Wildlife and Natural Wonders

Nature lovers and families will find plenty to cheer about. You can visit the impressive 117,000-gallon tropical aquarium at the Silverton Hotel—complete with sharks, stingrays, and mermaids. As you move further east, the El Paso Zoo provides a fantastic family-friendly stop. Perhaps the most surprising natural feature on the route is Balmorhea State Park in Texas, where a 1.75-acre spring-fed swimming pool serves as a brilliant oasis in the middle of a 45-acre desert park.

Trip-Prep Q&A: Planning Your Los Angeles to Austin Drive

How many days do I need for a Los Angeles to Austin RV trip?

We recommend 13 days for this 1,991 mi journey. This allows you to drive a comfortable distance each day while leaving ample time for hiking, exploring museums, swimming, and relaxing at your campgrounds.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. The transition from the Pacific Coast through the Mojave Desert, across the high deserts of New Mexico, and into the Texas Hill Country provides an incredible variety of scenery. The mix of natural features, caves, botanical gardens, and unique roadside attractions ensures there is never a dull moment.

Who is this route best for?

This itinerary is highly versatile. Families will love the zoos, aquariums, and swimming holes. Couples and retirees will appreciate the fine dining, art galleries, and the leisurely pace of cruising through historic towns.

What is the best season to travel?

Spring and Fall are the optimal seasons for this route. Traveling during these shoulder seasons helps you avoid the extreme summer heat of the Mojave and West Texas deserts, making your outdoor activities and RV camping much more comfortable.

RV Booking & Budget Framing

Planning the financial side of a cross-country RV trip requires looking at a few key categories. First, consider the size of your vehicle. A Class C motorhome is fantastic for families needing extra sleeping space, while a campervan might be perfect for a couple. Because this is a one-way trip from Los Angeles to Austin, you must account for a one-way drop fee imposed by the rental fleet, which covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin.

Additionally, pay close attention to mileage packages. Covering 1,991 mi is a substantial distance, so purchasing a generous mileage package upfront is highly recommended to avoid per-mile overages at the end of your trip. For exact fleet availability and live pricing for your specific dates, use the search tools provided below.

Ready to Hit the Road?

This 13-day adventure from the West Coast to the heart of Texas is packed with unforgettable sights, from neon-lit strips to tranquil desert oases. To view the complete, day-by-day interactive itinerary and secure your perfect motorhome, visit the full Los Angeles to Austin RV route on RV PLANET.

Interactive route map

Official RV PLAN route map

Route rhythm at a glance

A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.

Days 1-3 — Mojave Desert & Nevada Lights

~300–400 mi across this leg

Transition from the bustling California coast into the vast, artistic expanses of the Mojave Desert before experiencing world-class entertainment.

Days 4-6 — Historic Route 66 & Arizona Scenery

~400–500 mi across this leg

Savor classic Americana culture and wind through iconic, sweeping desert landscapes at a leisurely pace.

Days 7-9 — New Mexico Horizons

~450–550 mi across this leg

Cruise through the high desert, enjoying regional heritage, unique wildlife parks, and vast open skies.

Days 10-13 — West Texas Oasis to Hill Country

~500–600 mi across this leg

Discover surprising desert swimming holes and sweeping plains before rolling into the vibrant heart of Austin.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 153 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 6 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 4 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
• Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
• Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,991 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Austin pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Motorhomes available in Los Angeles for this route

These are real vehicles in our Los Angeles pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Los Angeles → Austin route.

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