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Austin to Houston movers
Butter Brothers moves homes and offices from Austin to Houston and its suburbs, about 165 miles east on US 290. Most Houston moves are quoted by the hour, like a local move, and are usually done in one day. Our own crew drives the truck the whole way, so the same crew that loads your things in Austin unloads them in Houston. Premium care for the whole trip: every piece padded and wrapped, floors protected, furniture taken apart and put back together.
The drive from Austin to Houston
Houston is about 165 miles from Austin on US 290, the most direct route. In a car that's about 2.5 to 3 hours. With a loaded moving truck and Houston traffic, plan on longer.
The other way is SH 71 east through Bastrop and La Grange to I-10, about 180 miles. It often takes about the same time, and since I-10 runs right through Katy, it can make sense for west Houston.
We plan the start time and the route around traffic, so the day runs smoothly.
What to know about the drive
- Houston: the busiest roads in TexasThe West Loop (I-610) by the Galleria ranked the most congested road in Texas for the third year in a row (2025 report). The Houston area has 36 of the state's top 100.
- Austin: I-35 constructionTxDOT's I-35 work through central Austin is planned to run into the early 2030s. Heading east on US 290 or SH 71 skips most of it.
- Brenham: future workTxDOT plans to rebuild the US 290 and SH 36 interchange in Brenham, with construction expected to start in late 2028.
- Summer heatAustin averages about 29 days a year at 100°F or hotter. In summer, an early start keeps the crew and your things cooler.
What your Austin to Houston move looks like
Same crew, same care, start to finish. Here's the day, step by step.
We protect and pack up
The crew protects floors and doorways, pads and wraps every piece, and takes apart beds, tables and desks.
We load with care
Heavy items go in first and fragile items are packed tight, so nothing shifts on the highway.
Our crew drives to Houston
Your crew drives the truck themselves. No hand-off to another driver or company along the way. We plan the route and timing around traffic.
We unload and set up
Furniture goes in the right rooms and gets put back together. Your timeline is spelled out in your quote.
Moving into Houston
Truck parking rules (City of Houston). Large vehicles, over 8 feet tall or 22 feet long, can't park on residential streets except while actively loading or unloading. Rental moving trucks may park in a residential area for up to 72 hours while loading and unloading. No large vehicles may park on public streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
High-rises and apartments. Many buildings ask you to reserve an elevator or loading dock and may want a certificate of insurance. We can provide one on request.
Houston suburbs we move to
Katy. About 29 miles west of downtown Houston on I-10. "Greater Katy" reaches well past the city limits.
Fulshear. Just west of Katy and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in recent Census Bureau estimates. Lots of brand-new homes, so send a map pin if your street isn't on maps yet.
The Woodlands. A large planned community about 28 miles north of downtown Houston on I-45.
Sugar Land and inside the Loop. We also move to Sugar Land, the Heights, the Galleria area and the rest of Houston.
Quoted by the Hour, Usually Done in One Day
Most Austin to Houston moves are quoted the same way as a local move: by the hour, and you pay for the actual time. Most are done in one day. Depending on the size of your move, a bigger move may need an overnight. You'll know before you book.
- Tell Us About Your MoveBoth addresses, your dates and what you're moving. Start online or call (512) 676-5375.
- Get Your Free QuoteHourly, like a local move. Everything is spelled out before you book, including your timeline and whether you need an overnight.
- Book Your DateSign your estimate, pick a protection plan, and a deposit holds your date.
- Packing, If You Want ItQuoted separately. See packing services.
Professional movers in an unprofessional industry
Great moves come from getting the small things right, every time. Here's what that looks like on moving day.
Trained, background-checked crews
Every mover is trained on our standards: padding and wrapping your furniture, and protecting your home and doorways.
The clock starts at the first item
Not when the truck leaves our shop. It stops when the truck is empty at your new place.
No surprise fees
Your quote spells out crew size, expected time and what is included. See how we price a move.
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed and insured, with protection plan options for every move.
Austin to Houston moving questions
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Houston?
Most Houston moves are quoted like a local move, by the hour, so the total depends on your home size, crew size and time on the road. Get your free quote online or call (512) 676-5375.
How far is Houston from Austin?
About 165 miles on US 290, or about 180 miles on SH 71 and I-10. By car it's about 2.5 to 3 hours. A loaded moving truck and Houston traffic can add time.
Where can the moving truck park in Houston?
Under City of Houston rules, large vehicles can park on residential streets only while actively loading or unloading, and not on public streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Also check your HOA, building or deed restrictions.
Do you move to Katy, The Woodlands and Sugar Land?
Yes. We move from Austin to Houston and its suburbs. Tell us the address when you ask for a quote.
Who drives the truck to Houston?
Our own crew. The same crew that loads your home in Austin drives the truck and unloads it in Houston. Your things never change hands.
How long does an Austin to Houston move take?
Usually one day. Our crew loads, drives and unloads the same day. Depending on the size of your move, a bigger move may need an overnight. We confirm your timeline with your quote.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to three weeks ahead is ideal. Book earlier for summer and the end of the month, the busiest times to move.
Do you move from Houston to Austin too?
Yes. We move Houston to Austin too, with our own crew driving our truck the whole way. Most are quoted by the hour, like a local move, and usually done in one day. Call us at (512) 676-5375 or book your move online.
Ready for a smooth move?
Tell us about your move for a free quote, or talk to a real person.