This 381.3-mile drive from San Benito, TX to Killeen, TX will take you approximately 7 hours and 21 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. The route primarily utilizes U.S. Highway 77 and Pickle Parkway, with a small portion on US Highway 181 South. With a highway share of 92%, expect a straightforward journey focused on getting you to your destination efficiently. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $58. Both your origin and destination are within the Great Plains region, so you'll experience consistent landscapes throughout your journey. This drive is best suited for travelers prioritizing directness over extensive sightseeing.
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
190.7 miles from San Benito, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 50m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 21m. Total distance: 381.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 21m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 92% of the route on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 119.5 miles along U.S. Highway 77, offering a chance to settle in. While primarily highway, the inclusion of Pickle Parkway and US Highway 181 South might introduce slight variations in road character. This route is designed for steady progress, so don't anticipate many winding backroads or challenging driving conditions. You'll be on well-maintained highways for most of the 381.3 miles.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 44 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
U.S. Highway 77 is the longest continuous segment at about 119.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on U.S. Highway 77 and Pickle Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near I 69E; US 77; US 83 / U.S. Highway 77.
Driving Effort9/10
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 27 significant decision points across 381.3 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 0.9 miles (I 69E; US 77; US 83 / U.S. Highway 77): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.1 miles: Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 152.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 27 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.9 mi into trip|~1m in|I 69E; US 77; US 83 / U.S. Highway 77
Merge onto I 69E; US 77; US 83 / U.S. Highway 77
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
114.1 mi into trip|~2h 22m in
Turn sharp right
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
152.1 mi into trip|~3h 3m in
Take the exit toward TX 359: Mathis, Skidmore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 359: Mathis, Skidmore
6
286.9 mi into trip|~5h 44m 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
8
345.9 mi into trip|~6h 40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward TX 195 North: Florence, Killeen
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 195 North: Florence, Killeen
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between San Benito, TX and Killeen, TX, road signs point toward Skidmore and Waco.
Skidmore
152.1 mi in|~3h 3m
Waco
286.9 mi in|~5h 44m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
U.S. Highway 77
119.5 mi
2h 12m
Pickle Parkway
58.5 mi
54m
US Highway 181 South
40.2 mi
45m
State Highway 195
34 mi
38m
State Highway 80 North
30.8 mi
35m
State Highway 80
23.6 mi
25m
I 37
19.7 mi
19m
State Highway 359
12.4 mi
16m
Longest stretch:
U.S. Highway 77
— 119.5 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Benito, TX and Killeen, TX.
1
Start on East Stenger Street
14 ft·7 sec·East Stenger Street
2
Turn left onto TX 345
0.5 mi·59 sec·South Sam Houston Boulevard
3
Turn right onto West Expressway 83
0.1 mi·15 sec·West Expressway 83
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
5
Merge onto I 69E; US 77; US 83
95 mi·1 hr 45 min·U.S. Highway 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·14 sec
7
Merge onto I 69E; US 77
1.2 mi·1 min·I 69E; US 77
8
Continue on U.S. Highway 77
12 mi·12 min·U.S. Highway 77
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
10
Turn straight onto US Highway 77 Frontage Road
485 ft·17 sec·US Highway 77 Frontage Road
11
Turn right onto County Road 10
1.0 mi·4 min·County Road 10
12
Turn left onto County Road 79
4.0 mi·15 min·County Road 79
13
Turn left onto County Road 18
0.2 mi·43 sec·County Road 18
14
Turn sharp right
1.1 mi·2 min
15
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·57 sec
16
Merge onto US 77
2.3 mi·2 min·Driscoll Bypass
17
Continue on US 77
13 mi·14 min·U.S. Highway 77
18
Merge onto I 37; US 77; I 69E
1.4 mi·1 min·I 37; US 77; I 69E
19
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi·1 min
20
Continue on I 37
18 mi·18 min·I 37
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward TX 359: Mathis, Skidmore
22
Turn right onto TX 359
12 mi·16 min·State Highway 359
23
At end of road, turn left onto US 181
0.8 mi·55 sec·South 8th Street
24
Continue on US 181
40 mi·45 min·US Highway 181 South
25
Continue on US 181
1.2 mi·1 min·South Sunset Strip Drive
26
Turn right onto TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi·1 min·West Main Street
27
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239
233 ft·3 sec·East Main Street
28
Continue on FM 792
8.4 mi·10 min·Helena Road
29
Turn straight onto TX 80
24 mi·25 min·State Highway 80
30
Continue on TX 80
1.0 mi·2 min·South Nixon Avenue
31
Continue on TX 80; TX 97
31 mi·35 min·State Highway 80 North
32
Continue on US 183
10 mi·11 min·US 183
33
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi·8 min·South Colorado Street
34
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi·16 sec·United States Highway 183
35
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
36
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
59 mi·54 min·Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward TX 195 North: Florence, KilleenUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
38
Continue on North Interstate 35
0.3 mi·25 sec·North Interstate 35
39
Turn left onto TX 195
34 mi·38 min·State Highway 195
Use the left / straight lanes.
40
Turn slight right
263 ft·9 sec
Use the right lane.
41
Turn slight right onto US 190 Bus
0.9 mi·1 min·West Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Use the right lane.
42
Turn left
83 ft·8 sec
43
Turn right
74 ft·5 sec
44
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour and 21-minute duration, starting your journey from San Benito, TX early in the morning is recommended to reach Killeen, TX by late afternoon. You'll have two designated stops along the way, which should be sufficient for breaks given the highway-focused nature of the drive. Keep in mind the $58 fuel cost and plan accordingly. The longest stretch of 119.5 miles on U.S. Highway 77 means you'll want to ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment. This is a direct route, so focus on a smooth and efficient travel experience.
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 190.7 miles from San Benito, TX, or about 3h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.5 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 84 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 190.7 miles or 3h 50m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Killeen, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving San Benito, 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 San Benito, TX
This is one driving day of about 381.3 miles and 7h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from San Benito, 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 U.S. Highway 77 for about 119.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 190.7 mi from San Benito, TX
· 3h 50m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto. The battle was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. Although the two countries have deve...
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$25
near mile 65.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.62 one way
$115.23 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg133 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$63.06
$126.13
premium
$4.54
$68.08
$136.16
diesel
$5.61
$84.19
$168.37
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
114.4
1
$40.04
$18.30
Efficient EV
95.3
1
$33.36
$15.25
EV Truck/SUV
152.5
1
$53.38
$24.40
Gas CO2
133 kg
EV CO2
45 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 15, 2026
Origin
San Benito, TX
Afternoon
in San Benito on Friday
Local time
2:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Killeen, TX
Afternoon
in Killeen on Friday
Local time
2:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°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
24 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 21m 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 San Benito, TX to Killeen, TX covers 381.3 miles and takes about 7h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are U.S. Highway 77, Pickle Parkway, US Highway 181 South. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 190.7 miles from San Benito, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $57.62 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 27 significant decision points across 381.3 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 0.9 miles (I 69E; US 77; US 83 / U.S. Highway 77): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.1 miles: Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 152.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between San Benito, TX and Killeen, TX, road signs point toward Skidmore and Waco.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park and Padre Island National Seashore.
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.
