The drive from Houston, TX to Post, TX covers 493 miles and takes about 8h 55m behind the wheel.
It usually feels better as a 2-day road trip than as one long push.
The route leans on US 84, TX 71, Katy Freeway for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 106.1 miles on US 84.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $74.49 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
246.5 miles from Houston, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 29m into the drive
.
Drive Character
This is a 8h 55m highway drive covering 493 miles, with most of the trip on US 84 and TX 71. The longest continuous stretch is about 106.1 miles on US 84.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 84 is the longest continuous segment at about 106.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 84 and TX 71. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway.
Driving Effort9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 493 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 0.6 miles (I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.6 miles (TX 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.2 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.6 mi into trip|~1m in|I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway
Merge onto I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
74.6 mi into trip|~1h 22m in|TX 71
Take the exit onto TX 71 toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
6
75.2 mi into trip|~1h 22m in|TX 71
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
156.4 mi into trip|~2h 49m in
Take the exit toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
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 US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
6
417.3 mi into trip|~7h 38m in|US 84
Take the exit onto US 84 toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 238A
Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Houston, TX and Post, TX, road signs point toward Austin, 183 Toll North: Lampasas and Lubbock.
Austin
74.6 mi in|~1h 22m|via TX 71
183 Toll North: Lampasas
156.4 mi in|~2h 49m
Lubbock
417.3 mi in|~7h 38m|via US 84
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 84
106.1 mi
1h 51m
TX 71
77.7 mi
1h 22m
Katy Freeway
74.1 mi
1h 20m
North US Highway 183
72.6 mi
1h 18m
State Highway 153
69 mi
1h 14m
East Commerce Street
22 mi
25m
US 183
14.6 mi
16m
183A Toll
14.6 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
US 84
— 106.1 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houston, TX and Post, TX.
1
Start on Louisiana Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
2
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward I 10 West: San Antonio
3
Merge onto I 10; US 90
74 mi·1 hr 20 min·Katy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit onto TX 71
0.5 mi·33 sec·TX 71
Toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
5
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 71
77 mi·1 hr 22 min·TX 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on 71 Toll
1.9 mi·2 min·Bastrop Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi·2 min·East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: LampasasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto US 183
0.4 mi·26 sec·Bastrop Highway
10
Continue on 183 Toll
6.2 mi·6 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 183
15 mi·16 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on 183A Toll
15 mi·14 min·183A Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 183
36 mi·38 min·North US Highway 183
14
Continue on US 183
2.3 mi·4 min·South Key Avenue
15
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
0.2 mi·14 sec·North US Highway 281
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190
37 mi·40 min·North US Highway 183
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 183; TX 16
30 mi·34 min·US 84; US 183; TX 16
18
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
1.7 mi·2 min·Early Boulevard
19
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
22 mi·25 min·East Commerce Street
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283
7.2 mi·8 min·Wallis Avenue
21
Turn right onto TX 153
0.9 mi·1 min·East Walnut Street
22
Continue on TX 153; TX 206
1.0 mi·1 min·West Walnut Street
23
Continue on TX 153
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·State Highway 153
24
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153
19 ft·0 sec·State Highway 153
25
Turn right onto TX 70
10 mi·10 min·State Highway 70
26
Continue on TX 70
0.8 mi·1 min·Lamar Street
27
Turn left onto Northwest Georgia Avenue
0.1 mi·16 sec·Northwest Georgia Avenue
28
Take the ramp
340 ft·8 sec
Toward I 20 West: Midland
29
Merge onto I 20; US 84
6.0 mi·5 min·I 20; US 84
30
Take the exit onto US 84
0.3 mi·19 sec·US 84
Exit 238AToward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
31
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
75 mi·1 hr 16 min·US 84
32
Turn left onto West Main Street
298 ft·15 sec·West Main Street
33
Arrive at destination
West Main Street
Trip Plan
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 246.5 miles from Houston, TX, or about 4h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.1 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 108 miles or 1h 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 246.5 miles or 4h 29m 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 246.5 miles or 4h 29m
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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Post, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Houston, 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 Houston, TX
Aim for roughly 247 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Post, TX
Aim for roughly 247 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 108 miles from Houston, 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 US 84 for about 106.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 246.5 mi from Houston, TX
· 4h 29m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$74.49 one way
$148.99 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg173 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$81.54
$163.08
premium
$4.54
$88.02
$176.04
diesel
$5.61
$108.85
$217.70
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$74
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$204–$314
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 172.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $52 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
147.9
1
$51.77
$23.66
Efficient EV
123.3
1
$43.14
$19.72
EV Truck/SUV
197.2
2
$69.02
$31.55
Gas CO2
172 kg
EV CO2
58 kg (66% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Houston, TX
Late night
in Houston on Friday
Local time
4:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
S 15 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 16 at 5:12PM CDT until April 16 at 5:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 4:16PM CDT until April 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Destination
Post, TX
Late night
in Post on Friday
Local time
4:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
8h 55m 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 Houston, TX to Post, TX covers 493 miles and takes about 8h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 84, TX 71, Katy Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
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 247 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 246.5 miles from Houston, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $74.49 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 493 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 0.6 miles (I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.6 miles (TX 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.2 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Houston, TX and Post, TX, road signs point toward Austin, 183 Toll North: Lampasas and Lubbock.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
