Thinking about a trip between Florida and Texas? You’re not alone. These two big states are popular destinations, whether you’re moving, vacationing, or just passing through.
So, how far is Texas from Florida? The answer isn’t simple, because it depends on exactly where you’re starting and ending your journey. Driving from Miami to El Paso is a very different trip than flying from Orlando to Dallas.
Whether you’re considering flying, driving, or even taking a bus, the distance affects travel time and cost. Let’s take a closer look at your options for bridging the gap between the Sunshine State and the Lone Star State.
Geographical considerations: Defining “distance”
When we talk about the distance between Florida and Texas, it’s important to remember that we’re talking about two large states. The numbers will change significantly depending on which cities you’re measuring from.
For example, you might be interested in the distance from:
- Jacksonville, FL, to Houston, TX
- Miami, FL, to Dallas, TX
- Tampa, FL, to Austin, TX
Also, there are a couple of different ways to measure distance. You might be interested in the “as the crow flies” distance, which is a straight-line measurement. The other way to measure is by road distance, which takes into account the actual driving routes you’d take to get from place to place.
Because of coastlines and other geographical features, the road distance between two cities is almost always longer than the “as the crow flies” distance.
Flying from Florida to Texas
For speed and convenience, flying is a popular choice for traveling between Florida and Texas. Several major airlines offer routes between the two states, including Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, and United.
Some of the most common airport hubs in Florida include Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO), and Tallahassee (TLH). In Texas, you’ll find major airports in Dallas (DAL and DFW), Houston (IAH and HOU), and Austin (AUS).
Here are a few examples of flight durations for common routes:
- Tampa to Dallas: While the average direct flight time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, the total trip time can be closer to 4 hours and 30 minutes, depending on layovers.
- Tampa to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston): Approximately 5 hours.
- Tallahassee to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: Around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Flight costs vary depending on the time of year, how far in advance you book, airline promotions, and whether or not you have layovers. As an example, a flight from Tampa to Dallas might range from $85 to $398. Tampa to Houston could be $67 to $243, and Tallahassee to Dallas/Fort Worth could be $149 to $684.
Keep in mind that you may need to factor in airport transfers, especially if you have connecting flights or need to reach a final destination outside of the immediate airport area. For instance, taking the tram from DFW Airport’s Terminal B Station to Fort Worth Central Station takes about 50 minutes and costs around $3.
Driving from Florida to Texas
Ready for a road trip? Driving from Florida to Texas is definitely doable, although it’ll take a little planning.
Driving Distance and Time
As an example, the drive from Jacksonville, Florida, to Houston, Texas, is about 1,400 kilometers, which works out to about 14 hours and 3 minutes behind the wheel. Keep in mind that driving time is always approximate, and things like traffic and how fast you drive can change that number.
Estimated Driving Costs
You’ll also want to factor in the cost of driving. Using the Jacksonville to Houston example, you can expect to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $159 to $230 on gas and tolls. And if you’re planning to stop overnight, you’ll also need to add in the cost of a hotel room and meals.
Route Considerations
There are a few different routes you could take, and some are more scenic than others. Be sure to plan out your route in advance, and make sure you know where you’re going to stop for gas, meals, and rest breaks. If you’re driving straight through, you might want to consider booking a hotel room in advance so you know you’ll have a place to sleep.
Bus travel from Florida to Texas
If you’re looking for an affordable way to travel from Florida to Texas, you might consider taking the bus. Greyhound and Flixbus are two popular options for bus travel between the two states.
Keep in mind that there may not be a lot of direct routes available, so you may have to transfer buses at some point along the way.
Here are some examples of bus routes and costs to give you a general idea of travel times and prices:
- Jacksonville to Houston: around 17 hours, 47 minutes, costing between $175 and $320
- Circle K in Gainesville, FL, to Houston: around 14 hours, 35 minutes, costing between $130 and $270
- Jacksonville to Tallahassee: around 3 hours, 10 minutes, costing between $24 and $40
- Tallahassee to Houston: around 16 hours, 5 minutes, costing between $70 and $160
As you can see, bus travel is generally the most time-consuming way to get from Florida to Texas. Be sure to check the bus schedules and availability before you make your plans. Also, keep in mind that delays are possible, so it’s important to make comfortable travel arrangements and pack snacks and entertainment for the ride.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to fly, drive, take a bus, or even hop on a train, traveling from Texas to Florida involves different distances, times, and costs. The best way to get from point A to point B really depends on your individual needs and preferences.
To get a better understanding of your options, check out a travel planning tool like Rome2Rio. This website compares ticket prices and travel times for different modes of transportation. It’s a great way to find the best route for your trip.
And remember, Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone, while Texas is in the Central Time Zone, so don’t forget to adjust your clocks when you cross the border!