Trip from Killeen, TX to Vernon, TX

Drive Time

5h 30m

Distance

288.7 mi

Route Type

Turn-heavy local drive

Long day trip

Trip Overview

The drive from Killeen, TX to Vernon, TX covers 288.7 miles and takes about 5h 30m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on East Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Central Texas Expressway, US 190 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $42.95 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

144.4 miles from Killeen, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day.

Drive Character

Expect a 5h 30m drive with frequent turns across 288.7 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

East Veterans Memorial Boulevard is one of the defining roads on this drive.

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
East Veterans Memorial Boulevard	0 mi	0m
Central Texas Expressway	0 mi	0m
US 190	0 mi	0m
Highway 9	0 mi	0m
Farm-to-Market Road 116	0 mi	0m
FM 116	0 mi	0m
West Main Street	0 mi	0m
Farm-to-Market Road 932	0 mi	0m

Longest stretch: East Veterans Memorial Boulevard — 0 mi, about 0m

Step-by-Step Directions

1

Start on the route

2

Turn left

3

Turn right onto East Veterans Memorial Boulevard

4

Keep slight left

5

Merge slight left onto Central Texas Expressway

6

Keep slight right to continue on US 190 Business: Copperas Cove

7

Keep slight right to continue on Highway 9

8

Turn right onto Farm-to-Market Road 116

9

Continue on FM 116

10

At the end of the road, turn left onto West Main Street

11

Turn right onto Farm-to-Market Road 932

12

Turn left

13

Continue on Farm-to-Market Road 932

14

Continue on East Baker Street

15

At the end of the road, turn right onto South Rice Street

16

Continue on North US Highway 281

17

Continue on South Walnut Street

18

At the end of the road, turn left onto North 2nd Street

19

Continue on North US Highway 281

20

Continue on East Road

21

Continue on Morgan Mill Road

22

Continue on South Oak Avenue

23

Continue on North US Highway 281

24

Continue on South Benson Street

25

Continue on Henry S Grace Freeway

26

Merge slight right onto Central East Freeway

27

Continue on Lloyd Ruby Overpass

28

Continue on Central Freeway

29

Keep slight left to continue on Northwest Freeway

30

Continue on US Highway 287 East

31

Take the exit slight left toward US 287 Business: Vernon

32

Turn right onto Commerce Street

33

Turn left

34

Arrive at your destination

When to Leave

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 144.4 miles from Killeen, TX.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Drive Plan

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles

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

Halfway reset

Around 144.4 miles

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Last hour of driving

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Killeen, 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.

Stops Along the Way

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 144.4 mi from Killeen, TX

First break window

Fuel and coffee

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

Halfway reset

Meal break

The midpoint is around 144.4 miles from Killeen, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions for the drive, so the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
regular	$3.78	$42.95	$85.91
midgrade	$4.25	$48.33	$96.66
premium	$4.59	$52.18	$104.36
diesel	$3.99	$45.39	$90.77

Based on 25.4 MPG average. Estimated CO2 emission: 101 kg one way.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Killeen, TX to Vernon, TX covers 288.7 miles and takes about 5h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are East Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Central Texas Expressway, US 190. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 144.4 miles from Killeen, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.95 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.

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