Origin
Schertz, TX
Late night in Schertz on Thursday
Local time
12:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Schertz, TX to Irving, TX
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
4h 48m
Distance
266.2 mi
428 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 35m
★
6 AM
4h 48m
8 AM
5h 15m
10 AM
4h 58m
12 PM
4h 55m
3 PM
4h 59m
5 PM
5h 14m
8 PM
4h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Schertz, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 266.2-mile drive from Schertz, TX, to Irving, TX, is a solid day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 48 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate the Purple Heart Trail and I-35E, with a portion on the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway. With a fuel cost estimated at $40, this journey through the Great Plains region of Texas is manageable for a single day. While the highway makes up only 25% of the route, the longest uninterrupted stretch on the Purple Heart Trail is a substantial 185.6 miles, offering extended periods of consistent travel. This route is best suited for a single-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
133.1 miles from Schertz, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for a significant portion of this 266.2-mile journey. While only 25% of the route involves highway travel, you'll encounter an impressive 185.6 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, which likely offers a more varied driving experience than a pure interstate. The transition to I-35E and the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway will introduce more typical highway conditions. This mix means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind, but rather will engage with different road types as you progress north. Be prepared for frequent adjustments and a dynamic feel behind the wheel.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 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 185.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 63.9 miles in near I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 266.2 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 63.9 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.1 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 246.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
63.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
199.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 34m 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
246.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m 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
254 mi into trip
|
~4h 32m 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
6
264.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward TX 356: Irving Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward TX 356: Irving Boulevard
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 185.6 mi | 3h 15m |
| I 35E | 47.3 mi | 48m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| South Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| South Walton Walker Boulevard | 5.4 mi | 5m |
| Patriot Parkway | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| Roy Richard Drive | 3.1 mi | 5m |
| Interstate Highway 35 | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 185.6 mi, about 3h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Schertz, TX and Irving, TX.
1
Start on 1st Street
57 ft
·
5 sec
·
1st Street
2
Turn right onto FM 78
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
John E Peterson Boulevard
3
Turn left onto FM 3009
3.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Roy Richard Drive
4
Turn right onto Interstate 35 North
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
Interstate 35 North
5
Continue on Interstate Highway 35 Frontage Road
433 ft
·
8 sec
·
Interstate Highway 35 Frontage Road
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 35 North
7
Merge onto I 35
9.2 mi
·
9 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 35
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 35
48 mi
·
52 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35; US 290
96 mi
·
1 hr 40 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 35
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 35; US 77
33 mi
·
33 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
47 mi
·
48 min
·
I 35E
Toward I 35E: Dallas
Use the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
2 min
Exit 418A
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 20
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 460
Toward Spur 408
Use the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto Spur 408
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Patriot Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto Loop 12
5.4 mi
·
5 min
·
South Walton Walker Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
492 ft
·
12 sec
Toward TX 356: Irving Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
20
Turn straight onto South Loop 12
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
South Loop 12
21
Turn left onto TX 356
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
East State Highway 356
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Continue on TX 356
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East Irving Boulevard
23
Continue on West Irving Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Irving Boulevard
24
Turn right onto North Ohio Street
58 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Ohio Street
25
Arrive at destination
North Ohio Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 48-minute drive, departing early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially as you approach Irving. With only one recommended stop and a $40 fuel estimate, you have flexibility in pacing. The longest stretch on the Purple Heart Trail covers 185.6 miles, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between the Purple Heart Trail, I-35E, and the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway to ensure you stay on the most efficient path. This route's manageable distance makes it ideal for a single-day trip, allowing for spontaneous detours if time permits.
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 133.1 miles from Schertz, TX, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.6 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 59 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.1 miles or 2h 25m 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 53m
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 Schertz, 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 Schertz, TX
This is one driving day of about 266.2 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Schertz, 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 185.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 133.1 mi from Schertz, TX · 2h 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 133.1 miles from Schertz, 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 185.6 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.
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
$40.22 one way
$80.45 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $44.03 | $88.06 |
| premium | $4.54 | $47.53 | $95.06 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $58.77 | $117.55 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.9 | 0 | $27.95 | $12.78 |
| Efficient EV | 66.6 | 0 | $23.29 | $10.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.5 | 1 | $37.27 | $17.04 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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
Irving, TX
Late night in Irving on Thursday
Local time
12:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
60°F
Troy, TX
133 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
2 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
4h 48m 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 Schertz, TX to Irving, TX covers 266.2 miles and takes about 4h 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, I 35E, Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 133.1 miles from Schertz, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.22 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 15 significant decision points across 266.2 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 63.9 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.1 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 246.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Schertz, TX to Irving, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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