16 Short Flights from Austin for a Quick Getaway (Under 3 Hours)

1. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (2.5 Hr Flight)

Just 2.5 hours from Austin and you’re in the sunny paradise of Cabo San Lucas, a place where the ocean hugs the desert in a marvelous dance.

Hungry? Bite into fresh seafood that tastes like it just hopped out of the water and onto your plate.

Mornings start with sunrises that turn the sky into a canvas of purples and pinks.

Nights are for starry skies so clear, you’ll want to reach out and grab a souvenir from the cosmos.

2. El Paso, Texas (1.5 Hr Flight)

El Paso is just a short 1.5-hour flight from Austin. Imagine soaring over Texas, landing in a city where spice meets history and culture! El Paso beckons with its vibrant street art and mountain backdrop.

Get moving with hikes in the Franklin Mountains State Park. Fancy some history? The Mission Trail has stories etched in time.

3. Nashville, Tennessee (2 Hr Flight)

In just a quick two hours from Austin, you can land in the lively city of Nashville, Tennessee. Treat your ears to the rich melodies of country music that fill the air.

This city is a vibrant music hub, where every corner hums with energy and every street pulses with rhythm.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada (3 Hr Flight)

Zip from Austin to the bright lights of Las Vegas in just three hours! No long waits or tedious rides; just enough time to enjoy a snack and a catnap before you land.

Before you can finish your crossword, you’re descending into a land where slot machines chime and excitement buzzes in the air.

5. Kansas City, Missouri (1.5 Hr Flight)

In just a 90-minute flight from Austin, you can be wandering the vibrant streets of Kansas City.

Mouthwatering barbecue scents fill the air, and jazz melodies float on the breeze.

It’s as if you’ve been whisked away to a place where every corner hums with music and every meal feels like a celebration.

No need to squander precious vacation days when you’re this close to a city brimming with culture and charm.

6. St. Louis, Missouri (2 Hr Flight)

Hop on a plane in Austin and before you can finish a movie, you’ll be touching down in St. Louis.

With flights as affordable as a new board game, you can jet off for a weekend adventure without breaking the bank.

St. Louis is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, and here’s a fun fact: it’s the tallest man-made monument in the United States!

Make sure to take the tram ride to the top for a spectacular view of the city. Baseball fan? You can’t miss catching a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, where the energy crackles like a hit song’s chorus.

For a quieter moment, wander through the Missouri Botanical Garden and breathe in the serene beauty.

7. Miami, Florida (2.5 Hr Flight)

Just a 2.5-hour flight from Austin, and you can swap out cowboy boots for flip-flops in Miami, Florida.

With ocean breezes and palm trees, it’s like stepping into a vibrant painting of blues and greens.

Sunbathe or splash in the waves, Snap photos of colorful buildings in the Art Deco District, or head to Little Havana to savor Cuban sandwiches and music.

8. Chicago, Illinois (2.5 Hr Flight)

Take a brisk 2.5-hour flight from Austin and find yourself in the bustling streets of Chicago.

Feel the cool Lake Michigan breeze, hear the buzz of the Loop’s hustle, and see the iconic skyline that pierces the heavens.

Gaze upon the towering Willis Tower, or get a lakeside view at Navy Pier. Don’t miss out on the legendary Chicago deep-dish pizza.

Fun Fact: Did you know the Ferris wheel was invented here?

9. Houston, Texas (1 Hr Flight)

Packing a punch of culture, sports, and space, Houston invites you to explore the famous Space Center Houston, where you can feel like an astronaut for a day.

Hungry? Dive into the melting pot of flavors with finger-licking BBQ and fresh, zesty Tex-Mex that will make your mouth water.

Houston’s got the remedy for the shopping bug too. The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center, awaits with stores galore.

And if you’re a night owl, laughter spills from comedy clubs and music from live bands that fill the air with rhythm.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana (1 Hr Flight)

In just one hour, you can swap Austin’s tunes for the vibrant beats of New Orleans.

Known for its rich history and lively jazz, the city’s streets buzz with energy that’s as rejuvenating as a sip of iced tea on a warm day.

Expect a fusion of cultures with French, African, and Spanish influences peppering every corner, from the architecture to the palate-pleasing creole cuisine.

A stroll through the French Quarter feels like you’ve stepped into a painting, with bursts of music and the aroma of beignets in the air.

11. Albuquerque, New Mexico (2 Hr Flight)

In just two hours, you can swap the buzz of Austin for the vibrant skies of Albuquerque.

It’s the perfect spot for a quick escape where the horizon stretches forever and colorful hot air balloons pepper the blue canvas.

With budget-friendly flights, you can zip over without your wallet feeling the pinch.

Stroll through the Old Town with its adobe buildings or take a leap into history, feeling like a time traveler exploring ancient Pueblo culture.

12. Orlando, Florida (2.5 Hr Flight)

Your quick escape to this sunny paradise is packed with thrill rides that’ll whisk you up, down, and all around, leaving you with hair-tousling memories.

Zip through the magical realms of famous theme parks, where fairy tales leap off the pages and superheroes save the day before your very eyes.

After the adrenaline fades, float down a lazy river or get lost in a novel by the pool, the palm trees swaying like they’re cheering you on.

13. Denver, Colorado (2.5 Hr Flight)

Jetting off to Denver from Austin? Smart move! In just 2.5 hours, you land in a place where skyscrapers kiss the clouds and mountains whisper tales of adventure.

With the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, you’ll find yourself in epic outdoor excitement.

And here’s a secret – the food scene’s top-notch. You’re in for a treat with local eats that will have you planning your next meal before you’re done with the current one.

14. Atlanta, Georgia (2 Hr Flight)

Starting your adventure in Atlanta is like jumping onto a moving train of fun, where history meets modern vibes.

It’s where juicy peaches are as famous as towering skyscrapers and where you can walk in the footsteps of heroes of the past.

Discover the deep roots of history in the morning and by afternoon, let the city’s playful spirit lift you to cloud nine as you explore vibrant street art.

15. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (1 Hr Flight)

In just one hour, you could be soaking in Oklahoma City’s vibrant energy. No need to squirm in your seat for long – before you know it, you’re ready to roam.

A quick jaunt to OKC means more time for exploring Bricktown’s bustling canals or tipping your hat to the wild, wild West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

16. Dallas, Texas (1 Hr Flight)

In just one hour, you can trade the familiar Austin skyline for the dazzling lights of Dallas.

Whether you’re flying out on a brisk business trip or whisking away for a weekend thrill, Dallas offers that perfect slice of city life with a Texas twist.

Between bites of world-class barbecue and strolls through high-end boutiques, you’ll find that Dallas packs a punch of culture with a side of Southern charm.