Austin Texas by pass

[Skline01]

I am trying to figure out how much it would cost to by pass Austin using route 130 which is a tollway. When I look at the vehicle pictures they use to describe the pricing I don't know which one represents a motorhome with a toad. Has anyone taken this route from the beginning at Georgetown, ending at interstate 10 with a motorhome and toad and have any idea of the cost? Thanks

[one_strange_tex]

bstar1952 wrote:
I don't believe there's anymore working toll booths, cameras do all the work and you'll get a bill in the mail.

I'll have to point out that pay by mail is generally somewhat more expensive than toll tags. Most toll roads around Austin offer pay by mail, but not all toll roads in Texas do. There are signs giving warnings on the ones that do not - meaning you will be fined if you use them without a tag or using toll booths - and not all toll roads even have toll booths.

I have a Texas toll tag that is good on all toll roads in my home state, no matter which toll road authority runs the individual toll road.

I got a Florida SunPass tag for our trip to the state earlier this year. It works the same as TXTAG, you front end load it with some money and set a replenishment level, all charged to a credit card. This was very convenient for navigating Florida's Turnpike from one end to the other, as well as the various other toll roads in southern Florida.

Word of warning, we had one of our credit cards blocked due to the unusual out-of-state transactions in Florida. When we called to get it reset, we were told in the future to let them know when and where we were traveling so our activities are not perceived as unusual transactions.

If you are left with a small balance in the account after your travels, you can always have it credited back to you and close the account. I am leaving my SunPass open since I plan to go back to Florida next year. I have a $12 balance there.

[DryCreek]

I always seem to make the wrong choice (high or low) when going through Austin. I can be stuck on the low pass and see traffic zinging by on the upper levels, and vice-versa.

Best time to avoid traffic on I-35 in Austin? My guess would be 2 a.m. on a weekday.....

[bstar1952]

Go the toll road, well worth the cost. Going through Austin on IH35 is always a crapshoot. Been stuck in that traffic for hours on a Sunday morning. As Bruce suggests, you don't need to get on or off at Sequin, use the Buda entry/exit. And yes you'll be charged for 4 axles, a little more than $17 (unless they've raised the rates). I don't believe there's anymore working toll booths, cameras do all the work and you'll get a bill in the mail.

[one_strange_tex]

Skline01 wrote:
I am trying to figure out how much it would cost to by pass Austin using route 130 which is a tollway. When I look at the vehicle pictures they use to describe the pricing I don't know which one represents a motorhome with a toad. Has anyone taken this route from the beginning at Georgetown, ending at interstate 10 with a motorhome and toad and have any idea of the cost? Thanks

I took a look at this since I might have to do it some day. I have to admit, it is not presented in a totally straightforward manner. It looks like the toll rates are administered separately for the two sections, the north part and the south part.

Toll for north (sections 1-4) = $5.31, assuming your motorhome and toad have 4 axles combined.

Toll for the south (sections 5-6) = $29.51 (!)

You could save some money, if this is true, by taking SH45 back to I-35 instead of going all the way to I-10 - like $25 if I interpret the tolls correctly.

I agree that expecting to not hit traffic coming through Austin on I-35 is not realistic at any reasonable hour.

Let me repeat, I have not done this, I'm only deciphering the toll table.

[Kit_Carson]

Never been through Austin without traffic congestion.

[Golden_Gopher]

Just what time would that be?

[brooks379]

I just try to time it right and stay on I 35.....Works great almost every time.

[Bruce_Kyles]

skline; I have done it 3 or 4 times and I thing I got charged for 4 axle which made it about $17. I am 40 dutch star with toad. The major issue is whether you go the entire route from Georgetown to Sequin. When going south I also get off at 45 to 35 which cuts off the new and pricey stretch. Going north I go to San Marcos catch 45 to 130 to go north. Also going north or south there are electronic signs that give the travel time taking 35 versus 130. At many times of the day it is faster to take 35 than 130. I know live around Austin and go by the signs every day.