Origin
Keller, TX
Afternoon in Keller on Sunday
Local time
2:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Keller, TX to Houston, TX
Drive Time
4h 56m
Distance
271 mi
436 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 43m
★
6 AM
4h 56m
8 AM
5h 23m
10 AM
5h 6m
12 PM
5h 3m
3 PM
5h 7m
5 PM
5h 22m
8 PM
4h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Keller, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Traveling from Keller to Houston covers approximately 279.1 miles, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 11 minutes of driving time. Because this route relies on local roads like Keller Parkway and West and East Southlake Boulevard rather than major interstates, it functions best as a focused, single-day trip. Budgeting around $42 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the expenses associated with this 279.1-mile trek. Both the origin and destination sit within the Great Plains region of Texas, ensuring a consistent landscape throughout your travels. Since the highway share is 0%, you should prepare for a drive that prioritizes local navigation over high-speed transit. It is a straightforward route, but its turn-heavy nature means you should prioritize comfort behind the wheel.
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
135.5 miles from Keller, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate grind. With a 0% highway share, you will remain on local arteries like Keller Parkway and Southlake Boulevard for the duration of your travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on Keller Parkway, meaning you will need to stay alert for frequent turns and intersection changes. Navigating these local roads requires consistent engagement and attention to street-level traffic patterns. This route offers a very different feel compared to typical long-haul highway travel, placing you directly into the flow of local transit as you make your way toward your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Julius Schepps Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 237.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and SH 114 TEXpress. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.8 miles in near TX 114.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 271 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 9.8 miles (TX 114): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.6 miles (TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.9 miles (TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
9.8 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
TX 114
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114 toward TX 121 North, TX 114 East: DFW Airport, Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward TX 121 North, TX 114 East: DFW Airport,...
8
12.6 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway toward TX 114 East: Dallas, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 114 East: Dallas, Dallas Fort Worth I...
7
17.9 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress toward TX 114 Express: SH 114 TEXpress East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward TX 114 Express: SH 114 TEXpress East
8
30.5 mi into trip
|
~39m in
Take the exit toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 429B
Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West
7
32 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 45 South: Houston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 45 South: Houston
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Keller, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Commerce Street West along the way.
Commerce Street West
30.5 mi in
|
~39m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 237.2 mi | 4h 9m |
| SH 114 TEXpress | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| West John W Carpenter Freeway | 5.3 mi | 5m |
| North Stemmons Freeway | 4 mi | 5m |
| TX 114 | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| West Southlake Boulevard | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| Keller Parkway | 2.8 mi | 5m |
| East Southlake Boulevard | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 237.2 mi, about 4h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Keller, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on this road
16 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto FM 1709
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Keller Parkway
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on FM 1709
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
West Southlake Boulevard
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on FM 1709
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
East Southlake Boulevard
Use the left / none lanes.
5
Turn left onto North Kimball Avenue
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Kimball Avenue
Use the none lane.
6
Turn right onto East State Highway 114
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
East State Highway 114
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
Toward TX 114 East
8
Merge onto TX 114
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
·
TX 114
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
TX 114
Toward TX 121 North, TX 114 East: DFW Airport, Dallas
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
West John W Carpenter Freeway
Toward TX 114 East: Dallas, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 114 TEXpress
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
SH 114 TEXpress
Toward TX 114 Express: SH 114 TEXpress East
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Merge onto TX 183 TEXpress
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
SH 183 TEXpress
13
Merge onto TX 183
0.8 mi
·
50 sec
·
John W Carpenter Freeway
14
Merge onto I 35E
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
North Stemmons Freeway
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
Exit 429B
Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Stemmons Freeway
17
Turn left onto Continental Avenue
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Continental Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Turn left onto McKinney Avenue
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
McKinney Avenue
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 75 North
20
Merge onto Spur 366
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Use the none lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 45 South: Houston
Use the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 45
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the none lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45
234 mi
·
4 hr 5 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
27
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
Use the none lane.
28
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
29
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
30
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Planning for this 4 hour and 11 minute drive is simple due to its manageable length. Since you are limited to just one stop, try to time your break for the middle of your journey to keep your energy levels consistent. Check your fuel levels before departing, as the $42 estimate is a helpful benchmark for your transit costs. Given the turn-heavy nature of this path, using a reliable GPS is essential to navigate the transitions between Keller Parkway and the Southlake Boulevard segments efficiently. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so feel free to adjust your departure time to avoid the heaviest local traffic periods along these local roads.
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 135.5 miles from Keller, TX, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 237.2 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.5 miles or 2h 32m 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 3m
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 Keller, 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 Keller, TX
This is one driving day of about 271 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Keller, 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 Julius Schepps Freeway for about 237.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 135.5 mi from Keller, TX · 2h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
136 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 135.5 miles from Keller, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Julius Schepps Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 237.2 miles.
Arriving in Houston, TX
The final approach into Houston, 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 Houston, TX.
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
$41.40 one way
$82.79 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
95 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $45.37 | $90.73 |
| premium | $4.59 | $48.98 | $97.97 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $60.21 | $120.41 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.3 | 1 | $28.46 | $13.01 |
| Efficient EV | 67.8 | 0 | $23.71 | $10.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108.4 | 1 | $37.94 | $17.34 |
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Houston, TX
Afternoon in Houston on Sunday
Local time
2:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°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
9 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
4h 56m 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 Keller, TX to Houston, TX covers 271 miles and takes about 4h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Julius Schepps Freeway, SH 114 TEXpress, West John W Carpenter Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 135.5 miles from Keller, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.40 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 23 significant decision points across 271 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 9.8 miles (TX 114): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.6 miles (TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.9 miles (TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Keller, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Commerce Street West along the way.
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