Best Commute Route from Georgetown to Downtown Austin? (house, moving)

[BijouBaby]

I'm considering working in downtown Austin, which means a long commute for me from GT. It's a long story as to why I am considering doing this - suffice to say, the best possible work options for me are all located in the downtown area (near the Capitol). And I would only be doing this for the next couple of years.

At first, I thought taking the 130 toll road road south would be the most efficient (albeit expensive) route. But then looking at the map - there really isn't a direct way to get from 130 into the heart of Downtown.

The only other routes I can see are I35 (um... no), or south somehow then hook into Mopac and approach it from the west, which would also involve a toll. But everyone says the Mopac commute is hellish too. I know any way I choose is not going to be a joy ride, but the payoff is big enough to tough it out for a couple of years. (And moving is not an option)

I would try to negotiate a 7AM-3PM shift with possibly a couple of days a week working from home (this is a very big IF at this point), so that would help regardless of the route.

So for anyone who makes that commute from as far north as GT into downtown Austin 5 days a week, what do you suggest? Thanks!

[gabetx]

Originally Posted by BijouBaby

I'm considering working in downtown Austin, which means a long commute for me from GT. It's a long story as to why I am considering doing this - suffice to say, the best possible work options for me are all located in the downtown area (near the Capitol). And I would only be doing this for the next couple of years.

At first, I thought taking the 130 toll road road south would be the most efficient (albeit expensive) route. But then looking at the map - there really isn't a direct way to get from 130 into the heart of Downtown.

The only other routes I can see are I35 (um... no), or south somehow then hook into Mopac and approach it from the west, which would also involve a toll. But everyone says the Mopac commute is hellish too. I know any way I choose is not going to be a joy ride, but the payoff is big enough to tough it out for a couple of years. (And moving is not an option)

I would try to negotiate a 7AM-3PM shift with possibly a couple of days a week working from home (this is a very big IF at this point), so that would help regardless of the route.

So for anyone who makes that commute from as far north as GT into downtown Austin 5 days a week, what do you suggest? Thanks!

If you are able to get a 7am-3pm shift, leaving for work at 5:45am would give you a decent commute with fairly light traffic. Traffic does not start backing up on I35 until about 6:30am-6:40am. Afternoon travel would not be much of an issue either.

[centralaustinite]

Take 130 to 71, 71 to the 183 interchange, exit immediately to 7th street, straight into downtown!

[James1457]

Take the I-35 toll road and avoid having to drive out of your way.

[Novacek]

130 - 45 - Toll 1 down to Howard station. Then the red line into downtown.

[BijouBaby]

Originally Posted by gabetx

If you are able to get a 7am-3pm shift, leaving for work at 5:45am would give you a decent commute with fairly light traffic. Traffic does not start backing up on I35 until about 6:30am-6:40am. Afternoon travel would not be much of an issue either.

Yeah, I currently commute from GT into northeast Austin on I-35. I usually leave the house btwn 5:45-6AM. Some days it's okay. Some days it's a nightmare and I have to peel my fingers off the steering wheel by the time I get to work.

Throw in bad winter weather, driving rain and sleet, a zillion 18-wheelers spewing rock and gravel on the cars behind them, the multitude of run-of-the-mill morons & Evil Knievel wannabes that make I-35 a death trap. I'd hate to have to make that drive even longer to downtown.

I think the 130 toll road is the best option for my sanity. That, and try to get as much work from home days as I can.

Thanks, everyone!

[BijouBaby]

Originally Posted by James1457

Take the I-35 toll road and avoid having to drive out of your way.

Do you mean I-35 (not a toll), or 130 toll road?

[Trainwreck20]

Originally Posted by BijouBaby

Do you mean I-35 (not a toll), or 130 toll road?

He is being a smart ass, I think....

[Austinite76]

Helicopter.

[James1457]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

He is being a smart ass, I think....

Just planting the seed....allowing to you to contemplate how nice it would be, could be, and should be.