Trip from Kerrville, TX to Dallas, TX

Drive Time

5h 25m

Distance

284.4 mi

458 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 12m ★
6 AM
5h 25m
8 AM
5h 52m
10 AM
5h 35m
12 PM
5h 32m
3 PM
5h 36m
5 PM
5h 51m
8 PM
5h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Kerrville, TX, TX

Kerrville, TX

Jeff Stapleton

Downtown Dallas, TX, TX

Dallas, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Kerrville to Dallas covers 279.9 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 47 minutes. Since both cities are located within the Great Plains region of Texas, you will stay within a consistent geographic landscape throughout the journey. This route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, meaning you do not need to worry about booking overnight accommodations. Budgeting around $42 for fuel should comfortably cover your gas expenses for the trek. While the drive is straightforward, the turn-heavy local nature of the roads makes it feel less like a standard interstate cruise and more like a deliberate transit through the heart of the state.

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

142.2 miles from Kerrville, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 57m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a very different experience than a typical high-speed interstate haul, as this route features 0% highway travel. Instead, you will navigate a turn-heavy local drive that relies on Sidney Baker Street, Fredericksburg Road, and Highway 16. Because of this configuration, there are no long, uninterrupted stretches of road to zone out on; the longest segment consists of 0 miles on Sidney Baker Street. You should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience that requires your full attention on local road conditions. This personality makes the trip feel grounded and intimate, though it demands more active navigation than a simple freeway sprint.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 97 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,813 ft 404 ft

Total Climb

1,017 ft

Total Descent

2,228 ft

Highest Point

1,813 ft

~11.9 mi in

Elevation Range

1,409 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 35E. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 111 miles in near Ronald W Reagan Boulevard.

Route Complexity 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

This is a straightforward 5h 25m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 111 miles (Ronald W Reagan Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 128.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 225.8 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
111 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in | Ronald W Reagan Boulevard

Turn left onto Ronald W Reagan Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
128.8 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in | I 35

Merge onto I 35

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
225.8 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in | I 35E

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E toward I 35E: Dallas

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 35E: Dallas
7
283.9 mi into trip | ~5h 24m in

Take the exit toward Continental Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 429A Toward Continental Avenue
6
284.1 mi into trip | ~5h 24m in | Continental Avenue

Turn right onto Continental Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 35 97 mi 1h 39m
I 35E 58.1 mi 1h
East US Highway 290 27.2 mi 30m
North US Highway 281 15.8 mi 17m
South State Highway 16 14.2 mi 15m
RM 1869 12.8 mi 18m
East Ranch Road 1431 11.6 mi 16m
Ronald W Reagan Boulevard 8.1 mi 9m
Longest stretch: I 35 — 97 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kerrville, TX and Dallas, TX.

1

Start on TX 27

69 ft · 6 sec · Main Street
2

Turn right onto TX 16

2.3 mi · 5 min · Sidney Baker Street
3

Continue on TX 16

5.7 mi · 6 min · Fredericksburg Road
4

Continue on TX 16

14 mi · 15 min · South State Highway 16
5

Turn right onto Friendship Lane

2.9 mi · 5 min · Friendship Lane
6

At end of road, turn right onto US 290

0.3 mi · 28 sec · East Main Street
7

Continue on US 290

27 mi · 30 min · East US Highway 290
8

Continue on US 290

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
9

Turn left onto Spur 356

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Nugent Avenue
10

At end of road, turn left onto US 281

16 mi · 17 min · North US Highway 281
11

Continue on US 281

6.2 mi · 9 min · South US Highway 281
12

Turn right onto RM 1431

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Ranch Road 1431
13

Continue on RM 1431

12 mi · 16 min · East Ranch Road 1431
14

Turn left onto RM 1174

7.0 mi · 8 min · South Farm-to-Market Road 1174
15

Turn right onto RM 1869

13 mi · 18 min · RM 1869
16

At end of road, turn left onto US 183

1.3 mi · 1 min · North US Highway 183
17

Turn right onto FM 3405

1.7 mi · 2 min · FM 3405
18

Turn left onto Ronald W Reagan Boulevard

8.1 mi · 9 min · Ronald W Reagan Boulevard
Use the left lane.
19

Continue on Ronald Reagan Boulevard

7.6 mi · 9 min · Ronald Reagan Boulevard
20

At end of road, turn left onto North Interstate 35

1.8 mi · 2 min · North Interstate 35
21

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 35 North
22

Merge onto I 35

97 mi · 1 hr 39 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E

58 mi · 1 hr · I 35E
Toward I 35E: Dallas Use the slight right lane.
24

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 429A Toward Continental Avenue Use the slight right lane.
25

Turn right onto Continental Avenue

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Continental Avenue
Use the right lane.
26

Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street

433 ft · 10 sec · North Lamar Street
27

Arrive at destination

North Lamar Street

Trip Plan

Plan to depart early in the day to give yourself plenty of time to navigate the local roads without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop over the course of the 279.9-mile trip, you have significant flexibility to pace your journey according to your own energy levels. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the segments on Highway 16, as local roads may offer fewer service options than major interstates. Since this drive is technically demanding due to the lack of highway miles, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and ready for frequent turns. Taking a mid-trip break will help you stay sharp and comfortable for the duration of the nearly five-hour drive.

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 142.2 miles from Kerrville, TX, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97 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 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 142.2 miles or 2h 57m 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 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kerrville, 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 Kerrville, TX

This is one driving day of about 284.4 miles and 5h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kerrville, 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 35 for about 97 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 142.2 mi from Kerrville, TX · 2h 57m into the drive

Downtown Killeen, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Killeen, TX

142 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.

Popular next leg

Killeen, TX to Dallas, TX

153 mi · 2h 44m

Pacing Suggestions

Austin, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Killeen, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.2 miles from Kerrville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97 miles.

Arriving in Dallas, TX

The final approach into Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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

$43.44 one way

$86.89 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $47.61 $95.22
premium $4.59 $51.40 $102.81
diesel $5.64 $63.18 $126.37

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 99.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.3 1 $29.86 $13.65
Efficient EV 71.1 0 $24.88 $11.38
EV Truck/SUV 113.8 1 $39.82 $18.20

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 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 data refreshed 6 hours ago

Origin

Kerrville, TX

Afternoon in Kerrville on Sunday

Local time

2:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dallas, TX

Afternoon in Dallas on Sunday

Local time

2:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

S 10 to 15 mph 89% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 8:38AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 8:19AM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX

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

17 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 25m 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 Kerrville, TX to Dallas, TX covers 284.4 miles and takes about 5h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, I 35E, East US Highway 290. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 142.2 miles from Kerrville, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.44 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 straightforward 5h 25m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 111 miles (Ronald W Reagan Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 128.8 miles (I 35): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 225.8 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Kerrville, TX to Dallas, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 404 ft to 1,813 ft elevation with about 1,017 ft of total climbing.

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Return Trip

Dallas, TX to Kerrville, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

283.5 mi 5h 24m

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