Trip from Progreso, TX to San Antonio, TX

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

4h 44m

Distance

253.9 mi

409 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 31m ★

6 AM

4h 45m

8 AM

5h 12m

10 AM

4h 54m

12 PM

4h 51m

3 PM

4h 55m

5 PM

5h 10m

8 PM

4h 37m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Progreso, TX

Thomas balabaud

San Antonio, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 253.9-mile drive from Progreso, TX to San Antonio, TX is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. You'll spend about 4 hours and 44 minutes on the road, primarily utilizing US 281 and I-69C, with a small portion on Nueces Street. With 93% of the route on highways, it’s designed for efficient travel, making it an ideal day trip. Expect your fuel costs to be around $38, and plan for at least one stop along the way. This route keeps you within the Great Plains region throughout your travels.

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

127 miles from Progreso, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 44m. Total distance: 253.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This drive offers a predominantly highway experience, with 93% of the 253.9 miles on major roads. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 126.1 miles on US 281 without interruption, which forms the backbone of this journey. While largely efficient, the highway focus means it's less about winding scenic byways and more about covering ground. The character is consistent, offering a predictable driving experience as you make your way north through Texas.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

US 281 is the longest continuous segment at about 126.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 281 and I 69C. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 6.1 miles in near I 2; US 83.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 253.9 miles you will encounter 12 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: at 6.1 miles (I 2; US 83): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.8 miles (US 281): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6.1 mi into trip | ~11m in | I 2; US 83

Merge onto I 2; US 83

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

18.9 mi into trip | ~25m in

Take the exit toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg

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. Exit 146A Toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg

183.8 mi into trip | ~3h 30m in | US 281

Take the exit onto US 281

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

252.6 mi into trip | ~4h 41m in

Take the exit toward Commerce Street, Downtown, The Alamo

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. Exit 141 Toward Commerce Street, Downtown, The Alamo

253.9 mi into trip | ~4h 44m in | Dolorosa Street

Turn left onto Dolorosa Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 281	126.1 mi	2h 12m
I 69C	92 mi	1h 43m
Nueces Street	14.7 mi	18m
I 2	12.9 mi	14m
FM 1015	3.8 mi	5m
FM 1015 Spur	1.1 mi	2m
East Commerce Street	0.9 mi	1m
Expressway 83	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: US 281 — 126.1 mi, about 2h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Progreso, TX and San Antonio, TX.

Start on East Palm Avenue

430 ft · 21 sec · East Palm Avenue

Turn right onto FM 1015 Spur

1.1 mi · 2 min · FM 1015 Spur

Turn right onto Gonzalez Road

0.2 mi · 56 sec · Gonzalez Road

Turn left onto FM 1015

3.8 mi · 5 min · FM 1015

Turn left onto Expressway 83

0.7 mi · 1 min · Expressway 83

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Toward I 2 West, US 83 West

Merge onto I 2; US 83

13 mi · 14 min · I 2; US 83

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min

Exit 146A Toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 69C

22 mi · 23 min · I 69C

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 281

57 mi · 1 hr · US 281

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281

70 mi · 1 hr 19 min · I 69C; US 281

Keep slight left at fork onto US 281

15 mi · 18 min · Nueces Street

Continue on US 281

0.2 mi · 15 sec · US 281

Take the exit onto US 281

69 mi · 1 hr 11 min · US 281

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Exit 141 Toward Commerce Street, Downtown, The Alamo Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto Interstate 37 South

380 ft · 11 sec · Interstate 37 South

Turn left onto East Commerce Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Commerce Street

Turn left onto Military Plaza

392 ft · 15 sec · Military Plaza

Turn left onto Dolorosa Street

327 ft · 8 sec · Dolorosa Street

Arrive at destination

Dolorosa Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 44 minute estimated drive time, starting your journey in Progreso, TX, in the morning is your best bet for a comfortable day trip to San Antonio. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $38, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break up the drive. Keep in mind the longest stretch is over 126 miles on US 281, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point. This route is designed for efficiency, so you can focus on reaching your destination without significant delays.

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 127 miles from Progreso, TX, or about 2h 23m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 126.1 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 56 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 127 miles or 2h 23m 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 55m

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 Progreso, 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 Progreso, TX

This is one driving day of about 253.9 miles and 4h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Progreso, 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 US 281 for about 126.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 127 mi from Progreso, TX · 2h 23m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Alice, TX

127 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.

Popular next leg

Alice, TX to San Antonio, TX

125.5 mi · 2h 22m

Pacing Suggestions

Doolittle, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Alice, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 127 miles from Progreso, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 126.1 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.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 253.9

San Antonio, Texas

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+12102271373

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.36 one way

$76.73 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 89 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$41.99	$83.99
premium	$4.54	$45.33	$90.66
diesel	$5.61	$56.06	$112.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	76.2	0	$26.66	$12.19
Efficient EV	63.5	0	$22.22	$10.16
EV Truck/SUV	101.6	1	$35.55	$16.25

Gas CO2

89 kg

EV CO2

30 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 16, 2026

Origin

Progreso, TX

Late night in Progreso on Friday

Local time

1:22 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

San Antonio, TX

Late night in San Antonio on Friday

Local time

1:22 AM

CDT

Current temp

90°F

Partly Sunny

SSE 10 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 4:16PM CDT until April 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 4:16PM CDT until April 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

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

20 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 44m 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 Progreso, TX to San Antonio, TX covers 253.9 miles and takes about 4h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 281, I 69C, Nueces Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 127 miles from Progreso, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.36 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.

The route from Progreso, TX to San Antonio, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Trip from Progreso, TX to San Antonio, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in San Antonio, TX

Nearby Places

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Spanish Governor's Palace

GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises

San Antonio | The Saga

Hemisfair

San Antonio Fire Museum

The Amazing Mirror Maze

SEA LIFE San Antonio

San Antonio River Lock & Dam

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Progreso, TX

San Antonio, TX

Same local time

20 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 44m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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