Origin
Rockwall, TX
Night in Rockwall on Wednesday
Local time
11:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rockwall, TX to San Antonio, TX
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
5h 23m
Distance
296.6 mi
477 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 10m
★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rockwall, TX
Wikimedia Commons
San Antonio, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Rockwall to San Antonio, expect to cover 317.5 miles over a duration of approximately 4 hours and 39 minutes. Since both locations are situated within the Great Plains, the scenery remains consistent throughout your journey. This route is manageable as a single-day trip, though you should budget about $47 for fuel to reach your destination. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate shot, you will want to stay alert behind the wheel. Use this information to decide if you prefer the engagement of local roads over the efficiency of a major highway.
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
148.3 miles from Rockwall, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
This journey is defined by its turn-heavy local nature, requiring your full attention as you navigate roads like North Goliad Street, West Kaufman Street, and North Alamo Road. With a 0% highway share, you will not find the monotonous cruise control stretches typical of interstate travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on North Goliad Street, meaning you will be navigating constant changes in direction throughout the drive. Expect a more hands-on experience that keeps you engaged with the road layout from start to finish. It is a distinct departure from high-speed transit, favoring local navigation over raw speed.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 36 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 99.6 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 23.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 296.6 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 24.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 215.1 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
23.8 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Take the exit toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
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 46A
Toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
9
24.4 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
8
215.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 51m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
8
294.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
295.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m in
Take the exit toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro 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 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rockwall, TX and San Antonio, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.
Waco
23.8 mi in
|
~31m
Denton
24.3 mi in
|
~32m
Dallas Zoo
25.4 mi in
|
~34m
|
via I 35E
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 99.6 mi | 1h 46m |
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 89.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| I 35 | 55.8 mi | 58m |
| Congressman Ralph Hall Highway | 20.4 mi | 24m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 17 mi | 20m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Interstate Highway 35 | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| Ridge Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 99.6 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockwall, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on this road
169 ft
·
14 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto TX 205
222 ft
·
13 sec
·
North Goliad Street
3
Turn left onto West Kaufman Street
261 ft
·
16 sec
·
West Kaufman Street
4
Turn left onto TX 205
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
North Alamo Road
5
Continue on TX 205
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Goliad Street
6
Turn slight right
459 ft
·
16 sec
7
Turn straight onto FM 740
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Ridge Road
8
Turn right onto East Interstate 30
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
East Interstate 30
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 30 West
10
Merge onto I 30; US 67
20 mi
·
24 min
·
Congressman Ralph Hall Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 46A
Toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
13
Keep slight left at fork
221 ft
·
5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 35E South: Waco
Use the left / right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
16
Continue on I 35E
89 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426
Toward Dallas Zoo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi
·
58 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi
·
54 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Use the slight left lane.
21
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Use the slight left lane.
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
27
Turn straight onto East Elmira Street
526 ft
·
17 sec
·
East Elmira Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
28
Turn left onto North Main Avenue
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
29
Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street
159 ft
·
3 sec
·
Navarro Street
30
Continue on Navarro Street
111 ft
·
2 sec
·
Navarro Street
31
Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Turn right onto West Travis Street
222 ft
·
10 sec
·
West Travis Street
33
Turn left onto North Flores Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
North Flores Street
34
Continue on Military Plaza
392 ft
·
15 sec
·
Military Plaza
35
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft
·
8 sec
·
Dolorosa Street
36
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour and 39 minute duration, you should prepare for a consistent day of driving. Planning for at least one stop is a smart way to break up the journey and stay sharp on the winding local roads. Since you are not utilizing highways, your travel speed will be dictated by local traffic patterns, so factor in extra time for potential delays. Aim to depart early in the day to avoid navigating unfamiliar turns after dark. A helpful tip for this specific route is to double-check your navigation apps frequently, as the reliance on local streets like North Goliad and West Kaufman means you will have many opportunities for wrong turns.
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 148.3 miles from Rockwall, TX, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.6 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 65 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.3 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 22m
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 Rockwall, 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 Rockwall, TX
This is one driving day of about 296.6 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Rockwall, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 99.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 148.3 mi from Rockwall, TX · 2h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
148 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 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 148.3 miles from Rockwall, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.6 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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.82 one way
$89.63 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
104 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $49.06 | $98.11 |
| premium | $4.54 | $52.96 | $105.91 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $65.49 | $130.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89 | 1 | $31.14 | $14.24 |
| Efficient EV | 74.2 | 0 | $25.95 | $11.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 118.6 | 1 | $41.52 | $18.98 |
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 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.
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Night in San Antonio on Wednesday
Local time
11:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
60°F
Belton, TX
148 mi in
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
4 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
5h 23m 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 Rockwall, TX to San Antonio, TX covers 296.6 miles and takes about 5h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, South R L Thornton Freeway, I 35. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 148.3 miles from Rockwall, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.82 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 23 significant decision points across 296.6 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 24.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 215.1 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Rockwall, TX and San Antonio, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.
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