Origin
Kilgore, TX
Afternoon in Kilgore on Sunday
Local time
3:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kilgore, TX to San Antonio, TX
Drive Time
6h 14m
Distance
333.9 mi
537 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 2m
★
6 AM
6h 14m
8 AM
6h 40m
10 AM
6h 23m
12 PM
6h 21m
3 PM
6h 24m
5 PM
6h 38m
8 PM
6h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kilgore, TX
Jeff Stapleton
San Antonio, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Kilgore to San Antonio covers 351.6 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 49 minutes of driving time. Because this route involves navigating local roads rather than major interstates, it functions best as a dedicated, full-day commitment. You should budget approximately $52 for fuel to complete the journey between these two Great Plains locations. Since the highway share is 0%, you will spend the entire trip on local infrastructure, which requires your full attention. While technically possible to complete in one day, the turn-heavy nature of the drive makes it a demanding trek that may leave you ready for an overnight stay upon arrival.
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
166.9 miles from Kilgore, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that lacks the predictable rhythm of an interstate. Your path primarily utilizes Gladewater Street, Highway 135 North, and TX 31, keeping you off major freeways for the duration of the 351.6-mile trip. Because the highway share is 0%, there is no single long-distance stretch to settle into, as the longest uninterrupted segment on Gladewater Street is 0 miles. This journey demands constant engagement with the road, as you will be navigating local connections rather than high-speed lanes. Prepare for a technical experience that changes frequently as you transition through the regional landscape.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 46 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Purple Heart Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 99.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 93.5 miles in near TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 333.9 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 93.5 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 252.3 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 325.8 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
93.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
|
TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Turn left onto TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
252.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 41m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
7
325.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 2m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 South
8
332.2 mi into trip
|
~6h 10m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
332.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 11m in
Take the exit toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
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 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 99.6 mi | 1h 46m |
| I 35 | 55.8 mi | 58m |
| State Highway 31 West | 36 mi | 42m |
| State Highway 31 East | 30.9 mi | 35m |
| West State Highway 31 | 18.8 mi | 21m |
| State Highway 31 | 17.2 mi | 17m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 17 mi | 20m |
| Corsicana Bypass | 11.8 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 99.6 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kilgore, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on East Main Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
East Main Street
2
Turn left onto Gladewater Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Gladewater Street
3
Turn right onto TX 135
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
State Highway 135 North
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Toward TX 31
5
Turn left onto TX 31
26 mi
·
30 min
·
State Highway 31 West
6
Continue on TX 31
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Chandler Highway
7
Continue on TX 31
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 31 West
8
Continue on TX 31
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Highway 31
9
Continue on TX 31
21 mi
·
23 min
·
State Highway 31 East
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
11
Merge onto US 175; TX 19; TX 31; Loop 7
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Jed Robinson Loop
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
13
Keep slight left at fork
445 ft
·
14 sec
14
Turn right onto TX 31
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 31 West
15
Continue on TX 31
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
East Royall Boulevard
16
Continue on TX 31
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
State Highway 31 East
17
Continue on TX 31
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
Northwest 2nd Street
18
Turn left onto TX 31
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
19
At end of road, turn left onto TX 31
19 mi
·
21 min
·
West State Highway 31
20
Continue on TX 31
5.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Hubbard Bypass
21
Continue on TX 31
17 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 31
22
Continue on US 84
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East US Highway 84
23
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Bellmead Drive
24
Turn straight onto US 84
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Waco Drive
25
Turn left onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
519 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 35 South, US 77 South
27
Merge onto I 35; US 77
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi
·
58 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi
·
54 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Use the slight left lane.
31
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Use the slight left lane.
36
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
37
Turn straight onto East Elmira Street
526 ft
·
17 sec
·
East Elmira Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
38
Turn left onto North Main Avenue
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
39
Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street
159 ft
·
3 sec
·
Navarro Street
40
Continue on Navarro Street
111 ft
·
2 sec
·
Navarro Street
41
Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
42
Turn right onto West Travis Street
222 ft
·
10 sec
·
West Travis Street
43
Turn left onto North Flores Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
North Flores Street
44
Continue on Military Plaza
392 ft
·
15 sec
·
Military Plaza
45
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft
·
8 sec
·
Dolorosa Street
46
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
To manage this 351.6-mile trek effectively, aim to depart early in the morning to account for the slower pace of local roads. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the turn-heavy nature of the route can be mentally fatiguing. Since you are avoiding major highways, monitor your fuel levels closely and refill when you have the chance, keeping the $52 budget in mind. Given that the route is entirely local, stay alert for changing speed limits and intersection signage throughout the drive. This flexibility allows you to adjust your pace based on traffic conditions, ensuring you arrive in San Antonio safely.
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 166.9 miles from Kilgore, TX, or about 3h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.6 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 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 166.9 miles or 3h 12m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Antonio, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kilgore, 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 Kilgore, TX
This is one driving day of about 333.9 miles and 6h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kilgore, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 99.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 166.9 mi from Kilgore, TX · 3h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
167 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 166.9 miles from Kilgore, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.6 miles.
Arriving in San Antonio, TX
The final approach into San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, 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
$51.01 one way
$102.01 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
117 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $55.90 | $111.79 |
| premium | $4.59 | $60.35 | $120.70 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $74.18 | $148.36 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 100.2 | 1 | $35.06 | $16.03 |
| Efficient EV | 83.5 | 0 | $29.22 | $13.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 133.6 | 1 | $46.75 | $21.37 |
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 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
San Antonio, TX
Afternoon in San Antonio on Sunday
Local time
3:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°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
16 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 14m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Kilgore, TX to San Antonio, TX covers 333.9 miles and takes about 6h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, I 35, State Highway 31 West. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 166.9 miles from Kilgore, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.01 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 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 26 significant decision points across 333.9 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 93.5 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 252.3 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 325.8 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Kilgore, TX to San Antonio, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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