This 423.5-mile drive from Kingsville, TX to Irving, TX will take approximately 7 hours and 49 minutes of driving time. It's a feasible day trip, though you might consider an overnight stop to break up the 7 hours and 49 minutes. The route primarily uses Purple Heart Trail, Pickle Parkway, and US 281, with 57% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $64 for this trip. You'll pass through two stops, with the longest stretch covering 97.7 miles. Both your origin and destination are within the Great Plains region, so the landscape will remain consistent throughout your journey.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
211.8 miles from Kingsville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 10m into the drive
.
Irving is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Irving has experienced exponential growth over the past fifty years, and is home to a multitude of attractions of all types, from modern art to major sporting events. Founded in 1902 out of the remnants of the small community of Kit, Irving is now a bustling city of approximately 197,000 residents.
Rather like Dallas, it is divided into a highly affluent northern half and less affluent but highly diverse southern half. It is bounded to the east by the northern fork (Elm Fork) of the Trinity River and to the northwest by the sprawling D/FW International Airport.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 49m. Total distance: 423.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 49m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route offers a mixed driving experience, with 57% of it on highways. You'll encounter stretches of faster travel interspersed with other road types. The longest uninterrupted drive segment is 97.7 miles on Purple Heart Trail, so be prepared for a sustained period on this particular road. While the 'profile' is described as mixed, expect a significant portion to be on well-maintained highways, making for relatively straightforward navigation. The journey progresses through various Texas landscapes, typical of the Great Plains.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 34 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 97.7 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 192.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 423.5 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 192.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 251.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 356.5 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
192.8 mi into trip|~3h 52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
7
251.8 mi into trip|~4h 47m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35 North: Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 North: Waco
7
356.5 mi into trip|~6h 35m 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
403.8 mi into trip|~7h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 418A
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
7
411.3 mi into trip|~7h 33m in
Take the exit toward Spur 408
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 460
Toward Spur 408
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Kingsville, TX to Irving, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Step-by-step road directions between Kingsville, TX and Irving, TX.
1
Start on US 77 Business
54 ft·5 sec·South 14th Street
2
Turn right onto TX 141
15 mi·19 min·East King Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
4
Merge onto US 281
54 mi·1 hr 1 min·US 281
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
11 mi·14 min·Nueces Street
6
Turn right onto TX 72
32 mi·39 min·King David Drive
7
Continue on TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi·1 min·West Main Street
8
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239
233 ft·3 sec·East Main Street
9
Continue on FM 792
8.4 mi·10 min·Helena Road
10
Turn straight onto TX 80
24 mi·25 min·State Highway 80
11
Continue on TX 80
1.0 mi·2 min·South Nixon Avenue
12
Continue on TX 80; TX 97
31 mi·35 min·State Highway 80 North
13
Continue on US 183
10 mi·11 min·US 183
14
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi·8 min·South Colorado Street
15
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi·16 sec·United States Highway 183
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
17
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
59 mi·54 min·Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 35 North: WacoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 35
65 mi·1 hr 6 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 35
6.6 mi·7 min·South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 35; US 77
33 mi·33 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
47 mi·48 min·I 35E
Toward I 35E: DallasUse the slight right lane.
23
Take the exit
0.9 mi·2 min
Exit 418AToward I 20 West: Fort WorthUse the slight right lane.
24
Merge onto I 20
6.6 mi·7 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 460Toward Spur 408Use the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto Spur 408
3.9 mi·4 min·Patriot Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto Loop 12
5.4 mi·5 min·South Walton Walker Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
492 ft·12 sec
Toward TX 356: Irving BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn straight onto South Loop 12
0.3 mi·32 sec·South Loop 12
30
Turn left onto TX 356
0.4 mi·59 sec·East State Highway 356
Use the left / straight lanes.
31
Continue on TX 356
1.2 mi·2 min·East Irving Boulevard
32
Continue on West Irving Boulevard
0.1 mi·26 sec·West Irving Boulevard
33
Turn right onto North Ohio Street
58 ft·2 sec·North Ohio Street
34
Arrive at destination
North Ohio Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 423.5-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Kingsville to maximize daylight. With an estimated 7 hours and 49 minutes of driving, planning for two stops is a good idea for breaks and fuel. The longest stretch is 97.7 miles on Purple Heart Trail, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment. The $64 fuel cost is an estimate, so adjust based on current prices and your vehicle's efficiency. Given the duration, being flexible with your schedule is key.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 211.8 miles from Kingsville, TX, or about 4h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.7 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 93 miles or 1h 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 211.8 miles or 4h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Irving, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kingsville, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Kingsville, TX
This is one driving day of about 423.5 miles and 7h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 93 miles from Kingsville, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Purple Heart Trail for about 97.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 211.8 mi from Kingsville, TX
· 4h 10m into the drive
The midpoint is around 211.8 miles from Kingsville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.7 miles.
Arriving in Irving, TX
The final approach into Irving, 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 Irving, TX.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 321.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.99 one way
$127.98 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg148 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$70.04
$140.09
premium
$4.54
$75.61
$151.23
diesel
$5.61
$93.50
$187.01
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 148.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
127.1
1
$44.47
$20.33
Efficient EV
105.9
1
$37.06
$16.94
EV Truck/SUV
169.4
2
$59.29
$27.10
Gas CO2
148 kg
EV CO2
50 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 14, 2026
Origin
Kingsville, TX
Night
in Kingsville on Friday
Local time
9:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Irving, TX
Night
in Irving on Friday
Local time
9:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°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
5 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
7h 49m 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 Kingsville, TX to Irving, TX covers 423.5 miles and takes about 7h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, Pickle Parkway, US 281. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 211.8 miles from Kingsville, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.99 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 2 meaningful breaks 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 19 significant decision points across 423.5 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 192.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 251.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 356.5 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Kingsville, TX to Irving, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
