Killeen, TX to Texas City, TX is 238.3 miles and takes about 4h 45m via Gulf Freeway, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a single-day trip primarily within the Great Plains region of Texas, connecting two points within the state. Expect a straightforward drive focused on efficient travel, suitable for those prioritizing reaching their destination quickly. The route utilizes major roadways, making it a practical choice for a road trip with minimal complications.
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
119.2 miles from Killeen, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 45m. Total distance: 238.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive has a highway-focused profile, with 73% of the journey on major roads. You'll encounter stretches like the 33-mile segment on Gulf Freeway, offering a consistent pace. The route begins on North Earl Rudder Freeway and Aggie Expressway before merging onto the Gulf Freeway. Expect a predominantly high-speed experience, with limited deviations from the main thoroughfares, making it a direct and efficient transit between your starting and ending points.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 41 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Gulf Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 33 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Gulf Freeway and North Earl Rudder Freeway. You will hit about 20 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 238.3 miles you will encounter 20 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 6.2 miles (I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
5
6.2 mi into trip|~11m in|I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway
Merge onto I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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
228.9 mi into trip|~4h 32m in|FM 1764 / Emmett F Lowry Expressway
Take the exit onto FM 1764 / Emmett F Lowry Expressway toward FM 1764: Texas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FM 1764: Texas City
6
237.7 mi into trip|~4h 44m in|Spur 197 / 6th Street
Turn right onto Spur 197 / 6th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
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 Texas City, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2305 and Spur 515: Conroe.
Fm 2305
24 mi in|~30m|via South General Bruce Drive
Spur 515: Conroe
130.5 mi in|~2h 34m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Gulf Freeway
33 mi
38m
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
Tomball Parkway
12.6 mi
16m
West Adams Avenue
12 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
Gulf Freeway
— 33 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Killeen, TX and Texas City, 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 301Toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams AvenueUse 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
13 mi·16 min·Tomball Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on TX 249
1.8 mi·3 min·West Mount Houston Road
31
Turn right onto Veterans Memorial Drive
1.8 mi·3 min·Veterans Memorial Drive
32
Continue on North Freeway Frontage Road
0.1 mi·13 sec·North Freeway Frontage Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Take the ramp
453 ft·11 sec
Toward I 45 South
34
Merge onto I 45
7.4 mi·9 min·North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on I 45
33 mi·38 min·Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
36
Take the exit onto FM 1764
5.8 mi·7 min·Emmett F Lowry Expressway
Toward FM 1764: Texas CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Continue on FM 1764
1.6 mi·2 min·Palmer Highway
38
Continue on FM 1764
1.4 mi·2 min·9th Avenue North
39
Turn right onto Spur 197
0.7 mi·1 min·6th Street
Use the right lane.
40
Turn right
48 ft·3 sec
41
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a total duration of under 5 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour congestion as you approach Texas City. The longest stretch without a major turn is 33 miles, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, keeping in mind the estimated $36 fuel cost. A single stop should be sufficient for this distance, but always check your fuel gauge.
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 119.2 miles from Killeen, TX, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33 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 52 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.2 miles or 2h 22m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Texas City, 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 238.3 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 Gulf Freeway for about 33 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 119.2 mi from Killeen, TX
· 2h 22m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.01 one way
$72.02 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$39.41
$78.83
premium
$4.54
$42.55
$85.09
diesel
$5.61
$52.61
$105.23
Estimated Tolls: $0.74
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
$36
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.5
0
$25.02
$11.44
Efficient EV
59.6
0
$20.85
$9.53
EV Truck/SUV
95.3
1
$33.36
$15.25
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Killeen, TX
Morning
in Killeen on Saturday
Local time
6:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Texas City, TX
Morning
in Texas City on Saturday
Local time
6:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°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
3 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 45m 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 Texas City, TX covers 238.3 miles and takes about 4h 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Gulf Freeway, North Earl Rudder Freeway, Aggie Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 119.2 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 $36.01 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 238.3 miles you will encounter 20 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 6.2 miles (I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Killeen, TX and Texas City, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2305 and Spur 515: Conroe.
