Origin
Killeen, TX
Morning in Killeen on Saturday
Local time
8:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Killeen, TX to Deer Park, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 17m
Distance
217.7 mi
350 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 5m
★
6 AM
4h 18m
8 AM
4h 44m
10 AM
4h 27m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
5 PM
4h 43m
8 PM
4h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Killeen, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Deer Park, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Killeen, TX to Deer Park, TX is 217.7 miles and takes about 4h 17m via North Earl Rudder Freeway, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a primarily highway-focused experience for its entire duration. You'll be on the road for a manageable amount of time, making it ideal for a single-day journey. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward drive with minimal complexity. The drive is efficient, allowing you to reach your destination without extensive planning.
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
108.8 miles from Killeen, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
About the Cities
Starting in Killeen, TX
Full guide →Killeen is a city in the Central Hill Country of Texas. It is home to U.S. Army installation Fort Cavasos, one of the largest military bases in the world.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 17m. Total distance: 217.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This route is largely defined by its highway segments, accounting for 63% of the total mileage. You'll experience a highway-focused drive for much of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 30.1 miles on North Earl Rudder Freeway, offering a good opportunity to settle into a steady pace. While primarily highway, expect some transitions as you navigate through various local roads and expressways. The road character remains consistent, prioritizing direct travel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 48 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
North Earl Rudder Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 30.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Earl Rudder Freeway and Aggie Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 217.7 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 23.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.5 miles (SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West): 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.
8
23.8 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Take the exit toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams 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 301
Toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams Av...
6
179.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m in
Take the exit toward SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway East
6
182.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 34m in
|
SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West
Keep slight right at fork onto SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
215 mi into trip
|
~4h 12m in
Take the exit toward TX 225: Deer Park, Houston
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.
Toward TX 225: Deer Park, Houston
7
215.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 13m in
|
Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
Turn left onto Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Killeen, TX and Deer Park, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2305, Spur 515: Conroe and Sht East: Sam Houston Tollway East.
Fm 2305
24 mi in
|
~30m
|
via South General Bruce Drive
Spur 515: Conroe
130.5 mi in
|
~2h 34m
Sht East: Sam Houston Tollway East
179.8 mi in
|
~3h 30m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Earl Rudder Freeway | 30.1 mi | 31m |
| Aggie Expressway | 24.7 mi | 27m |
| FM 485 | 20.4 mi | 25m |
| Farm-to-Market Road 979 | 15.3 mi | 19m |
| South State Highway 6 | 13.7 mi | 14m |
| North Sam Houston Tollway East | 13.2 mi | 15m |
| West Adams Avenue | 12 mi | 14m |
| Central Texas Expressway | 10.7 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
North Earl Rudder Freeway
— 30.1 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Killeen, TX and Deer Park, TX.
1
Start on this road
74 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
83 ft
·
11 sec
3
Turn left onto US 190 Bus
5.1 mi
·
8 min
·
East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
4
Turn slight right onto Edwards Drive
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
Edwards Drive
5
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 14 East, US 190 East
6
Merge onto I 14; US 190
11 mi
·
11 min
·
Central Texas Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 35; US 190
6.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 301
Toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn straight onto South General Bruce Drive
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
South General Bruce Drive
Toward TX 53, FM 2305
10
Turn slight right
222 ft
·
8 sec
11
Turn slight right onto TX 53
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Central Avenue
12
Turn left onto TX 53; Spur 290
216 ft
·
3 sec
·
North 3rd Street
13
Turn right onto TX 53
12 mi
·
14 min
·
West Adams Avenue
14
Turn right onto FM 485
20 mi
·
25 min
·
FM 485
15
Turn left onto FM 979
15 mi
·
19 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 979
16
Continue on FM 979
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Browning Street
17
Turn right onto TX 6
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
18
Continue on TX 6
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
North State Highway 6
19
Continue on US 79; TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Market Street
20
Continue on US 190; TX 6
14 mi
·
14 min
·
South State Highway 6
21
Continue on US 190; TX 6
30 mi
·
31 min
·
North Earl Rudder Freeway
22
Continue on TX 6
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 6
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
24
Turn straight onto TX 105
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
State Highway 6
25
Turn left onto TX 105
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 105
26
Turn straight onto TX 249
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on TX 249 Toll
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on TBT
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on TX 249
7.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Tomball Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway East
Use the slight right lane.
31
Merge onto SHT
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway West
32
Keep slight right at fork onto SHT
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the slight right lane.
33
Continue on BW 8
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
North Sam Houston Parkway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on SHT
13 mi
·
15 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on BW 8
4.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East Sam Houston Parkway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on SHT
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
East Sam Houston Tollway North
37
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward TX 225: Deer Park, Houston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
this road
Toward TX 225: Deer Park, Houston
39
Continue on BW 8
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
East Sam Houston Parkway South
Toward Texas 225: Deer Park, Houston
40
Turn left onto Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
41
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward TX 225 East
42
Merge onto TX 225
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
Pasadena Freeway
43
Continue on TX 225
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
La Porte Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward Center Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Continue on La Porte Freeway
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
La Porte Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
46
Turn right onto Center Street
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
Center Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
47
Continue on Center Street
103 ft
·
7 sec
·
Center Street
Use the left lane.
48
Arrive at destination
Center Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 17m drive time and 217.7-mile distance, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for an unhurried arrival. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated fuel cost is $33; it's wise to top off before departing Killeen. Since the longest stretch without a significant change is over 30 miles, plan your stop strategically before or after this segment to break up the 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 108.8 miles from Killeen, TX, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.1 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 48 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 2h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Deer Park, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Killeen, TX
This is one driving day of about 217.7 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Killeen, 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 North Earl Rudder Freeway for about 30.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 108.8 mi from Killeen, TX · 2h 11m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.8 miles from Killeen, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Deer Park, TX
The final approach into Deer Park, 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 Deer Park, 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
$32.89 one way
$65.79 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $36.01 | $72.01 |
| premium | $4.54 | $38.87 | $77.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $48.07 | $96.13 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.38
Sam Houston Tollway
(20.5 mi)
$1.64
Tomball Tollway
(7 mi)
$0.49
MCTRA 249 Tollway
(3.6 mi)
$0.25
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.86 | $10.45 |
| Efficient EV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.05 | $8.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.1 | 1 | $30.48 | $13.93 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Deer Park, TX
Morning in Deer Park on Saturday
Local time
8:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°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
7 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
4h 17m 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 Killeen, TX to Deer Park, TX covers 217.7 miles and takes about 4h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are North Earl Rudder Freeway, Aggie Expressway, FM 485. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 108.8 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 $32.89 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 26 significant decision points across 217.7 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 23.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.5 miles (SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Killeen, TX and Deer Park, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2305, Spur 515: Conroe and Sht East: Sam Houston Tollway East.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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