Origin
Irving, TX
Morning in Irving on Wednesday
Local time
7:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Irving, TX to Kerrville, TX
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
5h 35m
Distance
289.7 mi
466 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 22m
★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 45m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 1m
8 PM
5h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kerrville, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 289.7-mile drive from Irving, TX, to Kerrville, TX, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 35 minutes. With 77% of the route on highways, it's a practical option for a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. The estimated fuel cost is around $44, making it an economical choice. You'll primarily be navigating on South R L Thornton Freeway and South US Highway 281 as you travel south through the Great Plains region of Texas. This route offers a direct path, allowing you to get to your destination efficiently.
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
144.8 miles from Irving, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 289.7-mile trip, with 77% of your travel time spent on main roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80.5 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway, indicating periods of consistent speed. While the profile suggests a predominantly highway experience, be aware that segments on South US Highway 281 might offer a slightly different driving feel as you transition. Overall, this route prioritizes efficient travel over winding, scenic byways, keeping you moving steadily toward Kerrville.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 45 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
South R L Thornton Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 80.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and Purple Heart Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.2 miles in near Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 289.7 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 7.2 miles (Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 27 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
7.2 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard
Keep slight left at fork onto Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard toward Loop 12 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Loop 12 South
7
16.8 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Take the exit toward I 35E South: Waco
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 467B
Toward I 35E South: Waco
6
142.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
151.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 42m in
Take the exit toward FM 2268, FM 2843: Holland, Florence
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 283
Toward FM 2268, FM 2843: Holland, Florence
6
169.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 6m in
Take the exit toward TX 138: Lampasas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward TX 138: Lampasas
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Irving, TX and Kerrville, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2268, Fm 2843: Holland, Florence and Fredericksburg.
Fm 2268
151.1 mi in
|
~2h 42m
Fm 2843: Holland
151.1 mi in
|
~2h 42m
Florence
151.1 mi in
|
~2h 42m
Fredericksburg
236 mi in
|
~4h 28m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 80.5 mi | 1h 22m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 37.9 mi | 39m |
| South US Highway 281 | 33.5 mi | 40m |
| West US Highway 290 | 27.2 mi | 30m |
| FM 2843 | 14.6 mi | 18m |
| South State Highway 16 | 14.2 mi | 15m |
| East RM 243 | 12.1 mi | 15m |
| West State Highway 29 | 9 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
South R L Thornton Freeway
— 80.5 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Irving, TX and Kerrville, TX.
1
Start on North Ohio Street
436 ft
·
24 sec
·
North Ohio Street
2
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West 2nd Street
3
Turn straight onto TX 356
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Irving Boulevard
4
Turn slight right
393 ft
·
17 sec
5
Turn slight right onto South Loop 12
187 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Loop 12
6
Take the ramp
410 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Loop 12 South
7
Merge onto Loop 12
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
South Walton Walker Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto Loop 12
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
South Walton Walker Boulevard
Toward Loop 12 South
Use the slight left lane.
9
Turn slight right onto Duncanville Road
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Duncanville Road
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left onto West Interstate 20
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
West Interstate 20
Use the left lane.
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 20 East
12
Merge onto I 20
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 467B
Toward I 35E South: Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 35E
81 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
8.9 mi
·
8 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 283
Toward FM 2268, FM 2843: Holland, Florence
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto South Robertson Road
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
South Robertson Road
20
Continue on South I-35 Frontage Road
0.6 mi
·
53 sec
·
South I-35 Frontage Road
21
Turn slight right onto FM 2843
15 mi
·
18 min
·
FM 2843
22
At end of road, turn right onto FM 487
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
FM 487
23
Continue on FM 487
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
East Main Street
24
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward TX 195 North
25
Merge onto TX 195
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
·
TX 195
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward TX 138: Lampasas
Use the slight right lane.
27
Turn left onto TX 138
6.9 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 138
28
At end of road, turn right onto US 183
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
North US Highway 183
29
Turn left onto RM 243
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
East Ranch Road 243
30
Continue on RM 243
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East RM 243
31
Keep slight left at fork onto RM 243
11 mi
·
14 min
·
East RM 243
32
Turn right onto TX 29; RM 243
9.0 mi
·
10 min
·
West State Highway 29
33
Continue on TX 29
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
East Polk Street
34
Turn left onto US 281
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
South Water Street
Use the left lane.
35
Continue on US 281
34 mi
·
40 min
·
South US Highway 281
36
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward Fredericksburg
37
Merge onto US 290
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
Toward Fredericksburg
38
Continue on US 290
27 mi
·
30 min
·
West US Highway 290
39
Continue on US 290
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
East Main Street
40
Turn left onto Friendship Lane
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Friendship Lane
41
Turn left onto TX 16
14 mi
·
15 min
·
South State Highway 16
42
Continue on TX 16
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Fredericksburg Road
43
Continue on TX 16
2.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Sidney Baker Street
44
Turn left onto TX 27
69 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
45
Arrive at destination
TX 27
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 35-minute duration, departing from Irving, TX, in the morning will allow you to reach Kerrville, TX, with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop for this 289.7-mile journey, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 80.5-mile stretch on South R L Thornton Freeway, and plan your refueling accordingly. The $44 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a buffer. Consider starting your drive early to maximize your time at your destination.
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 144.8 miles from Irving, TX, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.5 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 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.8 miles or 2h 35m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kerrville, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Irving, 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 Irving, TX
This is one driving day of about 289.7 miles and 5h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Irving, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 80.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 144.8 mi from Irving, TX · 2h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
145 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 144.8 miles from Irving, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.5 miles.
Arriving in Kerrville, TX
The final approach into Kerrville, 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 Kerrville, 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
$43.77 one way
$87.55 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
101 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $47.91 | $95.83 |
| premium | $4.54 | $51.72 | $103.45 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.96 | $127.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 86.9 | 1 | $30.42 | $13.91 |
| Efficient EV | 72.4 | 0 | $25.35 | $11.59 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 115.9 | 1 | $40.56 | $18.54 |
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Destination
Kerrville, TX
Morning in Kerrville on Wednesday
Local time
7:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°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
1 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 35m 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 Irving, TX to Kerrville, TX covers 289.7 miles and takes about 5h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are South R L Thornton Freeway, Purple Heart Trail, South US Highway 281. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 144.8 miles from Irving, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.77 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 27 significant decision points across 289.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.2 miles (Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Irving, TX and Kerrville, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2268, Fm 2843: Holland, Florence and Fredericksburg.
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