Origin
Friendswood, TX
Afternoon in Friendswood on Saturday
Local time
12:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Friendswood, TX to Laredo, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 22m
Distance
326.2 mi
525 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$49
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 10m
★
6 AM
6h 23m
8 AM
6h 48m
10 AM
6h 31m
12 PM
6h 29m
3 PM
6h 33m
5 PM
6h 46m
8 PM
6h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Friendswood, TX
Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE
Laredo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 326.2-mile drive from Friendswood, Texas, to Laredo, Texas, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 6 hours and 22 minutes. Given its duration, it's an excellent candidate for a single-day road trip, with a projected fuel cost of around $49. The route primarily utilizes US 59, offering a direct path through the Great Plains region of Texas. You'll find this drive to be efficient and practical, perfect for those looking to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
163.1 miles from Friendswood, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 13m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 59 | 123.9 mi | 2h 18m |
| US Highway 59 | 74.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| US Highway 59 West | 65.2 mi | 1h 16m |
| Southwest Freeway | 19.9 mi | 21m |
| South Sam Houston Tollway East | 15.4 mi | 17m |
| US Highway 59 South | 4.4 mi | 4m |
| East Broadway Street | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Clark Boulevard | 3 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 59
— 123.9 mi, about 2h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Friendswood, TX and Laredo, TX.
1
Start on FM 518
32 ft
·
6 sec
·
South Friendswood Drive
2
Continue on FM 518
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
South Friendswood Drive
3
Continue on FM 518
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Friendswood Drive
4
Continue on FM 518
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
East Broadway Street
5
Turn right onto TX 35
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
Use the right lane.
6
Continue on TX 35
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Telephone Road
7
Turn left onto BW 8
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Sam Houston Parkway East
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward SHT Toll West
9
Merge onto SHT
15 mi
·
17 min
·
South Sam Houston Tollway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on BW 8
131 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Sam Houston Parkway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward I 69, US 59 South, US 59 North: Victoria, Houston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 59 South, I 69: Victoria
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 69; US 59
20 mi
·
21 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
15
Turn straight onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
16
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
17
Continue on US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
18
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
19
Merge onto US 59
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
US 59
20
Keep slight left at fork onto US 59
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 59
21
Take the exit
1.5 mi
·
2 min
22
Continue on US 59
75 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
US Highway 59
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 59
4.4 mi
·
4 min
·
US Highway 59 South
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
25
Continue on Northwest Zac Lenz Parkway Frontage Road East
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
Northwest Zac Lenz Parkway Frontage Road East
26
Turn right onto US 59
49 mi
·
57 min
·
US 59
27
Continue on US 59
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
West Corpus Christi Street
28
Continue on US 59
65 mi
·
1 hr 16 min
·
US Highway 59 West
29
Continue on US 59; TX 44
59 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
US 59; TX 44
30
Turn left onto Bob Bullock Loop
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Bob Bullock Loop
31
Turn right onto Spur 400
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Clark Boulevard
32
Continue on Park Street
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
Park Street
33
Turn left onto Santa Ursula Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Santa Ursula Avenue
34
Turn right onto Houston Street
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Houston Street
35
Turn left onto I 35 Bus
272 ft
·
12 sec
·
Salinas Avenue
36
Turn left onto Matamoros Street
306 ft
·
5 sec
·
Matamoros Street
37
Arrive at destination
Matamoros Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour and 22-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Friendswood to avoid potential traffic and maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 123.9 miles, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during longer stretches, and utilize the available services. This is a drive where planning your fuel stops ahead of time can prevent any unnecessary delays on US 59.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 163.1 miles from Friendswood, TX, or about 3h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.9 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 72 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 163.1 miles or 3h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 15m
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 Friendswood, 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 Friendswood, TX
This is one driving day of about 326.2 miles and 6h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Friendswood, 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 US 59 for about 123.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
163 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 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 163.1 miles from Friendswood, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 59 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 123.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 46.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.8 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
TX 35 / North Main Street
Turn right onto TX 35 / North Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
8.3 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
BW 8 / South Sam Houston Parkway East
Turn left onto BW 8 / South Sam Houston Parkway East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
25.5 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Take the exit toward I 69, US 59 South, US 59 North: Victoria, Houston
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.
Toward I 69, US 59 South, US 59 North: Victoria...
8
26 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 59 South, I 69: Victoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 59 South, I 69: Victoria
6
46.7 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Take the exit toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartle...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.29 one way
$98.58 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
114 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $53.95 | $107.90 |
| premium | $4.54 | $58.24 | $116.48 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $72.02 | $144.04 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.23
Sam Houston Tollway
(15.4 mi)
$1.23
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
$49
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 114.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 97.9 | 1 | $34.25 | $15.66 |
| Efficient EV | 81.6 | 0 | $28.54 | $13.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 130.5 | 1 | $45.67 | $20.88 |
Gas CO2
114 kg
EV CO2
38 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
Laredo, TX
Afternoon in Laredo on Saturday
Local time
12:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°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
5 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
6h 22m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 90% of the route being on major roadways like US Highway 59. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 123.9 miles on US 59, meaning there are extended periods where you can settle into a steady rhythm. This drive is characterized by its consistent pace, making it feel like a purposeful journey rather than a winding exploration. The highway-focused profile suggests a generally smooth and predictable driving experience throughout the 326.2 miles.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 123.9 mi on US 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 59 and US Highway 59. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.8 miles in near TX 35 / North Main Street.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 326.2 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 5.8 miles (TX 35 / North Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.3 miles (BW 8 / South Sam Houston Parkway East): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Friendswood, TX and Laredo, TX, road signs point toward Houston and Spur 10: Cottonwood.
Houston
25.5 mi in
|
~34m
Spur 10: Cottonwood
46.7 mi in
|
~58m
About the Cities
Arriving in Laredo, TX
Full guide →Laredo is a city with 262,000 (2019) inhabitants on the South Texas Plains. Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, is just across the Rio Grande.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 22m. Total distance: 326.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 22m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 123.9 miles on US 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.23 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Laredo, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.8 miles (TX 35 / North Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.3 miles (BW 8 / South Sam Houston Parkway East): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Laredo, TX before the return drive.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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