This 310.2-mile drive from Carrizo Springs, TX, to Houston, TX, is a solid day trip, typically taking around 5 hours and 42 minutes. You'll be covering a good portion of the distance on I-10, which makes up 57% of your journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $47, this route offers a straightforward option for getting from the Great Plains region of Texas to the eastern part of the state. It's a manageable distance for a single day, allowing you to reach Houston without needing an overnight stop, though planning for one stop along the way is recommended.
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
155.1 miles from Carrizo Springs, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 59m into the drive
.
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 42m. Total distance: 310.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive with a significant portion on I-10, making up 57% of your 310.2 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 151.1 miles on I-10, so be prepared for extended periods of highway driving. While I-10 provides an efficient way to cover ground, you'll also navigate sections on the Purple Heart Trail and local roads like East Nopal Street. This blend means you'll experience both faster highway speeds and more localized driving as you approach your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 10 is the longest continuous segment at about 151.1 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 0.2 miles in near US 83 / North 1st Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 310.2 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 0.2 miles (US 83 / North 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 113.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|US 83 / North 1st Street
At end of road, turn left onto US 83 / North 1st Street
Navigation decision point
8
113.4 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, Del Rio
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 153
Toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87...
8
113.5 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Hous...
6
295.2 mi into trip|~5h 22m in
Take the exit toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
8
309.6 mi into trip|~5h 40m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Theatre District
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 769A
Toward Downtown, Theatre District
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Carrizo Springs, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward Del Rio, Austin and Waco.
Del Rio
113.4 mi in|~2h 14m
Austin
144.1 mi in|~2h 48m|via I 10; TX 130
Waco
144.1 mi in|~2h 48m|via I 10; TX 130
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
151.1 mi
2h 34m
Purple Heart Trail
60.4 mi
1h
East Nopal Street
43.9 mi
1h 2m
90th Infantry Division Highway
22.2 mi
23m
Katy Freeway
10.7 mi
13m
South Pan Am Expressway
8.4 mi
9m
Jose Lopez Freeway
8 mi
9m
Katy Tollway
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 151.1 mi, about 2h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carrizo Springs, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on US 277
0.2 mi·21 sec·Peña Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto US 83
0.1 mi·12 sec·North 1st Street
3
Turn right onto TX 85
44 mi·1 hr 2 min·East Nopal Street
4
Turn left onto I-35 Access Road East
0.1 mi·18 sec·I-35 Access Road East
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
6
Merge onto I 35
60 mi·1 hr·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 35
8.4 mi·9 min·South Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 153Toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, Del RioUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: HoustonUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 10; US 87; US 90
8.0 mi·9 min·Jose Lopez Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 10; US 90
22 mi·23 min·90th Infantry Division Highway
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on I 10; TX 130
151 mi·2 hr 34 min·I 10; TX 130
Toward I 10 East: Houston, Austin, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy TollwayUse the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi·4 min·Katy Tollway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi·13 min·Katy Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 769AToward Downtown, Theatre DistrictUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on Smith Street
0.1 mi·29 sec·Smith Street
19
Turn left onto Preston Street
331 ft·16 sec·Preston Street
20
Turn left onto Louisiana Street
179 ft·5 sec·Louisiana Street
21
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 42-minute journey, consider an early morning departure from Carrizo Springs to maximize your daylight hours. With a longest stretch of 151.1 miles on I-10, plan your single recommended stop strategically around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs. The $47 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. As you transition from the open landscapes of the Great Plains, keep an eye on local traffic conditions as you get closer to Houston.
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 155.1 miles from Carrizo Springs, TX, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 151.1 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 68 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.1 miles or 2h 59m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Carrizo Springs, 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 Carrizo Springs, TX
This is one driving day of about 310.2 miles and 5h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Carrizo Springs, 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 I 10 for about 151.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 155.1 mi from Carrizo Springs, TX
· 2h 59m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 117.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.87 one way
$93.74 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$51.31
$102.61
premium
$4.54
$55.38
$110.77
diesel
$5.61
$68.49
$136.98
Estimated Tolls: $0.23
Katy Tollway
(3.2 mi)$0.23
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
$47
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.1
1
$32.57
$14.89
Efficient EV
77.6
0
$27.14
$12.41
EV Truck/SUV
124.1
1
$43.43
$19.85
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Carrizo Springs, TX
Night
in Carrizo Springs on Friday
Local time
10:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Houston, TX
Night
in Houston on Friday
Local time
10:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 42m 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 Carrizo Springs, TX to Houston, TX covers 310.2 miles and takes about 5h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 10, Purple Heart Trail, East Nopal Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 155.1 miles from Carrizo Springs, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $46.87 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 16 significant decision points across 310.2 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 0.2 miles (US 83 / North 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 113.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Carrizo Springs, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward Del Rio, Austin and Waco.
Yes. Nearby national parks include San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
