Origin
Addison, TX
Afternoon in Addison on Sunday
Local time
3:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Addison, TX to San Antonio, TX
Drive Time
5h 9m
Distance
286.2 mi
461 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 56m
★
6 AM
5h 9m
8 AM
5h 36m
10 AM
5h 19m
12 PM
5h 16m
3 PM
5h 20m
5 PM
5h 35m
8 PM
5h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Addison, TX
Thomas balabaud
San Antonio, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Addison to San Antonio covers 306.8 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 46 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight highway sprint, you should plan for a single, focused day of travel. You can expect to spend approximately $46 in fuel for the trip. Since both cities are located within the Great Plains region, the landscape remains consistent throughout the journey. It is a straightforward trip that is easily manageable in one go, provided you are prepared for the frequent turns required by the local road network.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
143.1 miles from Addison, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a very different experience than a standard interstate cruise, as this route relies entirely on local roads like Addison Circle, Addison Road, and Belt Line Road. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating a turn-heavy path that demands your full attention behind the wheel. There are no long, monotonous interstate stretches to zone out on; in fact, the longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on Addison Circle. This technical, local-focused drive keeps you engaged with the road from start to finish.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Purple Heart Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 99.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 286.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.6 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
11.8 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 35E South
7
12.2 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E South
8
204.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 36m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
8
284.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
285 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m in
Take the exit toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Addison, TX to San Antonio, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas Zoo along the way.
Dallas Zoo
14.9 mi in
|
~19m
|
via I 35E
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 99.6 mi | 1h 46m |
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 89.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| I 35 | 55.8 mi | 58m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 17 mi | 20m |
| Dallas North Tollway | 10.5 mi | 12m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| North Stemmons Freeway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Interstate Highway 35 | 1.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 99.6 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Addison, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on this road
84 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
66 ft
·
6 sec
3
Turn right onto Addison Circle
200 ft
·
11 sec
·
Addison Circle
4
Turn left onto Addison Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Addison Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto Belt Line Road
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
Belt Line Road
6
Turn straight
283 ft
·
10 sec
7
Turn straight onto Dallas Parkway
163 ft
·
3 sec
·
Dallas Parkway
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward DNT South
9
Merge onto DNT
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Dallas North Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 35E South
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
329 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 35E South
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
North Stemmons Freeway
13
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 35E South
14
Merge onto I 35E
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
16
Continue on I 35E
89 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426
Toward Dallas Zoo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi
·
58 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi
·
54 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Use the slight left lane.
21
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Use the slight left lane.
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
27
Turn straight onto East Elmira Street
526 ft
·
17 sec
·
East Elmira Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
28
Turn left onto North Main Avenue
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
29
Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street
159 ft
·
3 sec
·
Navarro Street
30
Continue on Navarro Street
111 ft
·
2 sec
·
Navarro Street
31
Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Turn right onto West Travis Street
222 ft
·
10 sec
·
West Travis Street
33
Turn left onto North Flores Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
North Flores Street
34
Continue on Military Plaza
392 ft
·
15 sec
·
Military Plaza
35
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft
·
8 sec
·
Dolorosa Street
36
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy nature of this 306.8-mile journey, try to depart early in the day to avoid peak traffic on local roads. You should plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and reset, as the constant turning can be more mentally taxing than a standard highway drive. With a fuel budget of $46, keep an eye on your gauge early on since local driving patterns can impact your efficiency differently than highway speeds. Stay flexible with your pacing, as the lack of highway miles means you cannot rely on high-speed cruising to make up for lost time.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 143.1 miles from Addison, TX, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.1 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Antonio, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Addison, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Addison, TX
This is one driving day of about 286.2 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Addison, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Purple Heart Trail for about 99.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 143.1 mi from Addison, TX · 2h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
143 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 143.1 miles from Addison, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.6 miles.
Arriving in San Antonio, TX
The final approach into San Antonio, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around San Antonio, TX.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.72 one way
$87.44 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $47.91 | $95.82 |
| premium | $4.59 | $51.73 | $103.46 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $63.58 | $127.17 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.84
Dallas North Tollway
(10.5 mi)
$0.84
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.9 | 1 | $30.05 | $13.74 |
| Efficient EV | 71.6 | 0 | $25.04 | $11.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.5 | 1 | $40.07 | $18.32 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Afternoon in San Antonio on Sunday
Local time
3:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
16 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 9m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Addison, TX to San Antonio, TX covers 286.2 miles and takes about 5h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, South R L Thornton Freeway, I 35. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 143.1 miles from Addison, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.72 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 286.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.6 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Addison, TX to San Antonio, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas Zoo along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From San Antonio, TX
More trips to San Antonio, TX
Explore more options from Addison, TX or browse trips ending in San Antonio, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.
Explore maps for Addison, TX or San Antonio, TX on MapSof.net.