Origin
San Antonio, TX
Afternoon in San Antonio on Sunday
Local time
2:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from San Antonio, TX to Stowell, TX
Drive Time
4h 40m
Distance
256.9 mi
413 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 27m
★
6 AM
4h 41m
8 AM
5h 8m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 48m
3 PM
4h 52m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
San Antonio, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Stowell, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Spanning 256.9 miles across the Great Plains, this drive from San Antonio to Stowell typically takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes. You will spend the vast majority of your journey on I-10 and the East Freeway, making this a straightforward, highway-focused trip. Because the duration is under five hours, it is easily manageable as a single-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. Budgeting approximately $39 for fuel should cover your travel costs for the route. Whether you are heading toward the coast or just passing through, the consistency of the major interstates keeps the planning process simple and efficient.
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
128.5 miles from San Antonio, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 15m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 87% of this route takes place on major highways. The personality of the drive is defined by a significant, uninterrupted 151.1-mile stretch along I-10, which requires you to settle into a steady pace for long periods. You will navigate through segments of the 90th Infantry Division Highway, maintaining a consistent flow as you transition between major thoroughfares. Because this is a highway-focused drive, the road remains wide and well-maintained throughout the journey. Prepare for a predictable, high-mileage trek that favors efficiency over technical, winding local roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 10 is the longest continuous segment at about 151.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and East Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 256.9 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 0.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (East Commerce Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles (Interstate 10 East): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.8 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
1.6 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
East Commerce Street
Keep slight left at fork onto East Commerce Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
4.6 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
Interstate 10 East
Turn left onto Interstate 10 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
4.7 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the ramp toward I 10 East, US 90 East
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East
6
179.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Towns Along This Route
Between San Antonio, TX and Stowell, TX, road signs point toward Austin and Waco.
Austin
28.8 mi in
|
~33m
|
via I 10; TX 130
Waco
28.8 mi in
|
~33m
|
via I 10; TX 130
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 151.1 mi | 2h 34m |
| East Freeway | 59.1 mi | 1h 9m |
| 90th Infantry Division Highway | 22.2 mi | 23m |
| Katy Freeway | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| East Commerce Street | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Katy Tollway | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Gulfway Drive | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Jose Lopez Freeway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 151.1 mi, about 2h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Antonio, TX and Stowell, TX.
1
Start on Dolorosa Street
143 ft
·
4 sec
·
Dolorosa Street
2
Continue on West Market Street
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
West Market Street
3
Continue on East Market Street
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Market Street
Use the none lane.
4
Turn left
363 ft
·
13 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Turn straight onto East Commerce Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Commerce Street
6
Keep slight left at fork onto East Commerce Street
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
East Commerce Street
Use the none lane.
7
Turn slight right onto East Houston Street
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
East Houston Street
Use the none lane.
8
Turn left onto Interstate 10 East
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Interstate 10 East
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Merge onto I 10; US 90
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Jose Lopez Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 10; US 90
22 mi
·
23 min
·
90th Infantry Division Highway
Use the none / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 10; TX 130
151 mi
·
2 hr 34 min
·
I 10; TX 130
Toward I 10 East: Houston, Austin, Waco
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Katy Tollway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the slight left / none lanes.
17
Continue on I 10; US 90
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
East Freeway
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
13 mi
·
16 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
40 mi
·
46 min
·
East Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto TX 73
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
·
TX 73
Exit 828
Toward TX 73, TX 124: Winnie, Port Arthur
21
Keep slight right at fork
511 ft
·
12 sec
Toward TX 124 South: Winnie
22
Turn straight onto State Highway 73
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
State Highway 73
23
Turn right onto TX 124
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Gulfway Drive
Use the none lane.
24
Continue on TX 124
63 ft
·
5 sec
·
Gulfway Drive
25
Arrive at destination
TX 124
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 40-minute drive, plan for at least one strategic stop to break up the long interstate stretches. Aiming for an early morning departure can help you navigate the heavier traffic sections, such as the East Freeway, with more ease. Since you are spending nearly the entire trip on high-speed roads, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that 151.1-mile stretch on I-10 to ensure you don't run low between service stations. Flexibility is a major advantage on this route, as the straightforward path allows you to adjust your pace based on real-time traffic updates. Keep your primary stops consolidated to maintain your momentum across the Great Plains.
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 128.5 miles from San Antonio, TX, or about 2h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 151.1 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 80 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.5 miles or 2h 15m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stowell, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, TX
This is one driving day of about 256.9 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from San Antonio, 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 I 10 for about 151.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 128.5 mi from San Antonio, TX · 2h 15m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
128 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 128.5 miles from San Antonio, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 151.1 miles.
Arriving in Stowell, TX
The final approach into Stowell, 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 Stowell, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.24 one way
$78.49 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $43.01 | $86.01 |
| premium | $4.59 | $46.43 | $92.87 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $57.07 | $114.15 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.23
Katy Tollway
(3.2 mi)
$0.23
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
$39
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 77.1 | 0 | $26.97 | $12.33 |
| Efficient EV | 64.2 | 0 | $22.48 | $10.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102.8 | 1 | $35.97 | $16.44 |
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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
Stowell, TX
Afternoon in Stowell on Sunday
Local time
2:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°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
2 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 40m 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 San Antonio, TX to Stowell, TX covers 256.9 miles and takes about 4h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 10, East Freeway, 90th Infantry Division Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 128.5 miles from San Antonio, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.24 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 16 significant decision points across 256.9 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 0.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (East Commerce Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles (Interstate 10 East): Lane positioning matters here.
Between San Antonio, TX and Stowell, TX, road signs point toward Austin and Waco.
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