Trip from Aubrey, TX to Laredo, TX

Drive Time

8h 23m

Distance

472.7 mi

761 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

2-day trip

Fuel Cost

$72

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Aubrey, TX

Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE

Laredo, TX

Jeff Stapleton

Trip Overview

Traveling from Aubrey to Laredo covers a substantial 472.7-mile journey that typically takes about 8 hours and 23 minutes behind the wheel. Because of the duration, splitting this trip over two days is highly recommended to keep you refreshed. You should budget approximately $72 for fuel, though actual costs can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency. The route primarily utilizes the Purple Heart Trail, the North South Freeway, and I-35 to navigate across the Texas landscape. Since both your origin and destination sit within the Great Plains region, you can expect a consistent environmental feel throughout the transit. Planning for two strategic stops will help break up the long hours on the road.

Trip Pace

Best split across 2 days

Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

236.3 miles from Aubrey, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 13m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip offers a mixed driving profile, balancing high-speed interstate travel with other road types. About 45% of your journey will take place on highways, providing a steady pace as you move south. You will face your longest stretch of the trip early on, covering 244.1 miles specifically on the Purple Heart Trail. While the North South Freeway and I-35 sections help facilitate consistent progress, the overall experience is defined by these lengthy, uninterrupted segments. Expect a functional drive that prioritizes efficiency and connectivity over winding backroads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 28 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 244.1 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 16.6 miles in near I 35W.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 472.7 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 16.6 miles (I 35W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235.5 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 308.9 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

16.6 mi into trip | ~23m in | I 35W

Take the exit onto I 35W toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 467 Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth

235.5 mi into trip | ~4h 12m 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

308.9 mi into trip | ~5h 33m in | I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward I 35 South

315.3 mi into trip | ~5h 41m 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

317.4 mi into trip | ~5h 44m in | I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Housto...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Aubrey, TX to Laredo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 536: Houston along the way.

Spur 536: Houston

317.4 mi in | ~5h 44m | via I 10; US 87

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Purple Heart Trail	244.1 mi	4h 12m
North South Freeway	84.6 mi	1h 27m
I 35	58.6 mi	1h 1m
North Pan Am Expressway	18.5 mi	22m
I 35W	17.2 mi	18m
I 35W TEXpress	16.7 mi	16m
South Pan Am Expressway	10.4 mi	12m
West Sherman Drive	8.8 mi	12m

Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 244.1 mi, about 4h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Aubrey, TX and Laredo, TX.

Start on East Elm Street

49 ft · 4 sec · East Elm Street

Turn right onto FM 428

146 ft · 11 sec · South Main Street

Turn left onto FM 428

8.8 mi · 12 min · West Sherman Drive

Use the left / none lanes.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward Loop 288 West Use the right lane.

Merge onto Loop 288; US 380 Truck

2.7 mi · 3 min · North Loop 288

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward US 77

Turn right onto Spur 77

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Elm Street

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto North Interstate 35

0.7 mi · 59 sec · North Interstate 35

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 35 South

Merge onto I 35; US 77

2.7 mi · 2 min · I 35; US 77

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto I 35W

17 mi · 18 min · I 35W

Exit 467 Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W Express

17 mi · 16 min · I 35W TEXpress

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 35W

85 mi · 1 hr 27 min · North South Freeway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

56 mi · 58 min · I 35

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Continue on I 35

1.7 mi · 1 min · Interstate Highway 35

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

12 mi · 12 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 35

10.0 mi · 11 min · North Pan Am Expressway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

6.4 mi · 8 min · North Pan Am Expressway

Toward I 35 South Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Pan Am Expressway

Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87

10 mi · 12 min · South Pan Am Expressway

Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 35

144 mi · 2 hr 26 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto Houston Street

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Houston Street

Turn left onto I 35 Bus

272 ft · 12 sec · Salinas Avenue

Turn left onto Matamoros Street

306 ft · 5 sec · Matamoros Street

Arrive at destination

Matamoros Street

Trip Plan

To manage the 8-hour and 23-minute transit effectively, aim for an early morning departure to beat potential traffic congestion on major corridors. Since the route requires two planned stops, use these intervals to stretch and refuel rather than rushing through the 472.7-mile total. If you choose to split the trip into two days, look for lodging options near the halfway point to maximize your rest. Keep a close eye on the long 244.1-mile stretch on the Purple Heart Trail, as this is where you will spend the bulk of your time. Staying hydrated and switching drivers if possible will make the transition between the different highway sections much more manageable.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 236.3 miles from Aubrey, TX, or about 4h 13m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 244.1 miles.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 104 miles or 1h 54m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 236.3 miles or 4h 13m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Overnight split

Day 1 wrap after about 236.3 miles or 4h 13m

Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 7h 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Laredo, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Aubrey, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Aubrey, TX

Aim for roughly 236 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.

Day 2

Finish the approach into Laredo, TX

Aim for roughly 236 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 104 miles from Aubrey, TX.

This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on Purple Heart Trail for about 244.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 236.3 mi from Aubrey, TX · 4h 13m into the drive

Mid-route town

Overnight candidate

Austin, TX

236 mi into the route

Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start

This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.

Find hotels in Austin, TX

Popular next leg

Austin, TX to Laredo, TX

234.9 mi · 4h 9m

Overnight Options

Night 1

Austin, TX

236 mi · about 4.2h in

A practical overnight split lands near Austin, TX after about 236 miles or 4.2 hours of driving.

Find hotels

Pacing Suggestions

Arlington, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 104 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Austin, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 236.3 miles from Aubrey, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 244.1 miles.

Overnight split

Hotel stop

For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 236 miles or 4.2 hours on the road.

Arriving in Laredo, TX

The final approach into Laredo, 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 Laredo, TX.

On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Laredo, TX with some flexibility left in the schedule.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$72.21 one way

$144.42 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 165 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$79.13	$158.26
premium	$4.59	$85.44	$170.88
diesel	$5.64	$105.02	$210.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$72

Hotel (1n)

$80–$140

Meals

$50–$100

Total

$202–$312

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 165.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $50 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	141.8	1	$49.63	$22.69
Efficient EV	118.2	1	$41.36	$18.91
EV Truck/SUV	189.1	2	$66.18	$30.25

Gas CO2

165 kg

EV CO2

55 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Aubrey, TX

Afternoon in Aubrey on Sunday

Local time

2:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Laredo, TX

Afternoon in Laredo on Sunday

Local time

2:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°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.

For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.

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

8 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

8h 23m on the road

This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Aubrey, TX to Laredo, TX covers 472.7 miles and takes about 8h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, North South Freeway, I 35. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 236 miles on day one.

The midpoint is about 236.3 miles from Aubrey, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $72.21 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

On the drive from Aubrey, TX to Laredo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 536: Houston along the way.

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Return Trip

Laredo, TX to Aubrey, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

472 mi 8h 23m

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Trip from Aubrey, TX to Laredo, TX

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Overnight Options

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Laredo, TX

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Aubrey, TX

Laredo, TX

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

8h 23m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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