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Before you hit the highway, here is a quick overview of what to expect on this Southern journey. This route perfectly blends vibrant city culture with relaxing natural landscapes.
| Total Distance | 721 mi |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Start / End | New Orleans, Louisiana / Austin, Texas |
| Best Season | Spring or Autumn |
| Travel Style | Family-friendly, Cultural Exploration, Slow Travel |
An RV road trip from New Orleans to Austin offers the ultimate freedom to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the American South. Covering 721 mi over 8 days allows for a relaxed, slow-travel pace. Instead of rushing from hotel to hotel, your motorhome becomes a rolling basecamp as you transition from the historic, jazz-filled streets of Louisiana to the wide-open spaces and dynamic cities of Texas. The route provides excellent highway infrastructure, ample full-hookup RV resorts, and scenic state parks, making it highly accessible for both first-time renters and seasoned road warriors.
To get the most out of this trip, we recommend breaking the drive into distinct regional stages. This ensures you spend less time behind the wheel and more time soaking in the local flavor. For the complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary, be sure to check the full plan on RV PLANET.
Your journey begins in the heart of Louisiana. Spend your first few days immersing yourself in the state's rich musical heritage and culinary delights before rolling westward into the heart of Acadiana. The driving here is short and straightforward, allowing you to settle into your RV comfortably.
As you cross the state line into Texas, the landscape shifts to coastal marshlands and scenic boardwalks. This stage is all about enjoying the outdoors and spotting local wildlife. It is a fantastic mid-trip transition that offers a quiet, natural contrast to the bustling cities at either end of your route.
Approaching the Houston area, the focus shifts to interactive science, massive aquatic habitats, and family-friendly attractions. The RV parks in this region often cater well to families, providing great amenities to recharge before the final leg of your journey.
The final stretch takes you into Austin. Here, the rhythm shifts to outdoor oasis trails, unique city tours, and vibrant local shopping. Arriving in Austin in your RV means you can comfortably park on the outskirts and take advantage of the city's extensive bike trails and outdoor culture.
This 721 mi journey is packed with diverse attractions. Here are the primary themes and highlights you will encounter along the way:
We recommend 8 days to comfortably cover the 721 mi. This allows for brief daily drives, leaving the majority of your daylight hours available for exploring museums, enjoying long traditional meals, and relaxing at your campsite.
Absolutely. The transition from Louisiana's bayous to the edge of the Texas Hill Country provides a remarkable variety of scenery, food, and culture. It is an ideal route for travelers who want to experience the true essence of the South without feeling rushed.
This itinerary is perfect for families seeking educational and interactive stops (like aquariums and space centers), as well as couples or groups of friends who appreciate live music, fine dining, and slow-paced cultural exploration.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to take this trip. The weather is generally mild, making outdoor activities like biking and wetland walks much more enjoyable compared to the intense heat and humidity of the Southern summer.
When planning your budget for this New Orleans to Austin road trip, there are a few key categories to consider. First, your daily RV rental rate will depend on the size of the motorhome and the season you choose to travel. Because this is a point-to-point journey, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee, which covers the logistics of returning the RV to its origin network.
Additionally, factor in the cost of fuel for the 721 mi drive, campground fees (which vary between state parks and premium private resorts), and tickets for major attractions like Space Center Houston or guided city tours. For exact pricing, vehicle availability, and to secure your dates, utilize the live pricing tools available on RV PLANET.
Ready to experience the magic of the South from the comfort of a motorhome? Head over to RV PLANET to view the full, detailed itinerary, compare available RV fleets, and book your unforgettable New Orleans to Austin road trip today!
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (New Orleans), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (New Orleans) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $230–$280 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $300–$550 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$400 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $200–$350 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of public and private RV parks, and a family of four traveling in spring or autumn. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
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.
Immerse yourself in jazz history and historic bayou settlements as you journey westward from the vibrant streets of Louisiana.
Cross into Texas, trading regional cuisine for scenic boardwalks and marshland wildlife observation.
Slow down in the metropolitan area to explore interactive science exhibits and massive aquatic habitats.
Complete your journey by rolling into the live music capital, embracing outdoor botanical gardens and unique city tours.
Total cost for this 8-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 721 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → Austin pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our New Orleans 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.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the New Orleans → Austin route.
Picking up in New Orleans but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: