Trip from Socorro, TX to Killeen, TX

Drive Time

9h 46m

Distance

570.5 mi

918 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

2-day trip

Fuel Cost

$87

one way

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Photo: Jeff Stapleton

Trip Overview

Spanning 570.5 miles across Texas, this journey from Socorro to Killeen takes approximately 9 hours and 46 minutes of driving time. Because of the significant distance, you should plan for this to be a two-day trip to avoid driver fatigue. Expect to spend roughly $87 on fuel for the trek. Both your starting point and destination lie within the Great Plains, keeping the landscape consistent as you traverse the state. While it is technically possible to push through in one go, splitting the journey makes for a much more comfortable experience.

Trip Pace

Best split across 2 days

Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

285.2 miles from Socorro, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 34m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a long-distance haul characterized by a heavy reliance on major thoroughfares, as 90% of your travel occurs on highways. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-10, which accounts for a substantial 365.6-mile uninterrupted stretch. The remainder of the trip transitions onto U.S. Highway 190 and Ranch Road 864, shifting the pace from high-speed interstate cruising to a mix of secondary roads. This combination creates a route that is largely about covering ground efficiently while navigating the transition from the primary interstate artery to local highway corridors.

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

There are about 36 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 365.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and United States Highway 190. You will hit about 25 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 370.3 miles in.

Route Complexity 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 570.5 miles you will encounter 25 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 370.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 412.9 miles (US 190 / West US Highway 190): Navigation decision point; at 524.7 miles (US 183; US 190): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 25 key points

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

370.3 mi into trip | ~5h 53m in

Take the exit toward Loop 467, RM 864: Fort McKavett

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 404 Toward Loop 467, RM 864: Fort McKavett

412.9 mi into trip | ~6h 40m in | US 190 / West US Highway 190

At end of road, turn right onto US 190 / West US Highway 190

Navigation decision point

524.7 mi into trip | ~8h 52m in | US 183; US 190

At end of road, turn right onto US 183; US 190

Navigation decision point

550.4 mi into trip | ~9h 22m in | US 190 / Central Texas Expressway

At end of road, turn left onto US 190 / Central Texas Expressway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

567.3 mi into trip | ~9h 40m in

Take the exit toward T.J. Mills Boulevard

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward T.J. Mills Boulevard

Towns Along This Route

Between Socorro, TX and Killeen, TX, road signs point toward Loop 467 and Rm 864: Fort Mckavett.

Loop 467

370.3 mi in | ~5h 53m

Rm 864: Fort Mckavett

370.3 mi in | ~5h 53m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 10	365.6 mi	5h 44m
United States Highway 190	79.8 mi	1h 37m
Ranch Road 864	42 mi	45m
Central Texas Expressway	16.9 mi	18m
West US Highway 190	16.4 mi	17m
US 183	15.2 mi	15m
East US Highway 190	11.2 mi	11m
FM 1715	6.4 mi	8m

Longest stretch: I 10 — 365.6 mi, about 5h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Socorro, TX and Killeen, TX.

Start on this road

139 ft · 13 sec · this road

Turn left onto FM 258

249 ft · 5 sec · Socorro Road

Turn left onto Buford Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Buford Road

Continue on FM 1281

2.9 mi · 5 min · Horizon Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto Gateway Boulevard East

0.6 mi · 1 min · Gateway Boulevard East

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec

Toward I 10 East

Merge onto I 10

148 mi · 2 hr 20 min · I 10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 10

217 mi · 3 hr 23 min · I 10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Exit 404 Toward Loop 467, RM 864: Fort McKavett

Turn left onto Loop 467

263 ft · 6 sec · Loop 467

Continue on Loop 467

0.2 mi · 11 sec · Loop 467

Continue on RM 864

42 mi · 45 min · Ranch Road 864

At end of road, turn right onto US 190

16 mi · 17 min · West US Highway 190

At end of road, turn left onto US 83; US 190

1.2 mi · 1 min · Frisco Avenue

Turn right onto US 190

11 mi · 11 min · East US Highway 190

Continue on US 190

19 mi · 27 min · United States Highway 190

Continue on US 190

0.9 mi · 1 min · Menard Highway

At end of road, turn left onto US 87; US 190; US 377

1.4 mi · 1 min · Bridge Street

At end of road, turn left onto US 87; US 190; US 377

131 ft · 1 sec · Commerce Street

Turn right onto US 190; US 377

218 ft · 5 sec · Church Street

Turn right onto US 190; US 377

327 ft · 14 sec · Main Street

Turn left onto US 190; US 377

0.7 mi · 52 sec · Bridge Street

Turn right onto US 190

0.1 mi · 8 sec · Boy Street

Continue on US 190

61 mi · 1 hr 9 min · United States Highway 190

At end of road, turn right onto US 183; US 190

15 mi · 15 min · US 183; US 190

Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281

260 ft · 4 sec · North US Highway 281

Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281

0.4 mi · 38 sec · North Key Avenue

Turn left onto FM 580

1.1 mi · 1 min · East Avenue J

Continue on FM 580

2.6 mi · 2 min · East FM 580

Turn right onto FM 1715

6.4 mi · 8 min · FM 1715

At end of road, turn left onto US 190

17 mi · 18 min · Central Texas Expressway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Toward T.J. Mills Boulevard Use the slight right lane.

Continue on US 190 Bus

3.0 mi · 5 min · West Veterans Memorial Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn left

83 ft · 8 sec

Turn right

74 ft · 5 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To manage the nearly 10-hour drive effectively, aim to break the trip into two days, utilizing the recommended two stops to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the route is dominated by a long interstate stretch, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the initial 365.6-mile segment on I-10 to ensure you don't run low between stations. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid traffic congestion and ensure you reach your overnight stop before dark. Given the length of the journey, prioritize regular breaks to stay alert during the long highway stretches.

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.

This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 285.2 miles from Socorro, TX, or about 4h 34m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 365.6 miles.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 126 miles or 2h 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 285.2 miles or 4h 34m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Overnight split

Day 1 wrap after about 285.2 miles or 4h 34m

Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 8h 36m

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 Socorro, 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.

Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Socorro, TX

Aim for roughly 285 miles and 4.9 hours of wheel time on this day.

Day 2

Finish the approach into Killeen, TX

Aim for roughly 285 miles and 4.9 hours of wheel time on this day.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 126 miles from Socorro, TX.

This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 365.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 285.2 mi from Socorro, TX · 4h 34m into the drive

First major stop

Coffee and fuel

Fort Davis, TX

188 mi into the route

Best for: Coffee, fuel, and an easy first stretch

This is a natural early stop once the first hours of the drive are behind you.

Second major stop

Overnight candidate

Kerrville, TX

377 mi into the route

Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start

This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.

Find hotels in Kerrville, TX

Overnight Options

Night 1

Big Lake, TX

285 mi · about 4.9h in

A practical overnight split lands near Big Lake, TX after about 285 miles or 4.9 hours of driving.

Find hotels

Pacing Suggestions

Fort Davis, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 126 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Big Lake, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 285.2 miles from Socorro, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 365.6 miles.

Overnight split

Hotel stop

For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 285 miles or 4.9 hours on the road.

Arriving in Killeen, TX

The final approach into Killeen, 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 Killeen, TX.

On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Killeen, TX with some flexibility left in the schedule.

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

$87.15 one way

$174.29 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 200 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$95.50	$191.01
premium	$4.59	$103.12	$206.23
diesel	$5.64	$126.75	$253.49

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$87

Hotel (1n)

$80–$140

Meals

$50–$100

Total

$217–$327

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 199.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $60 in charging · 2 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	171.2	2	$59.90	$27.38
Efficient EV	142.6	1	$49.92	$22.82
EV Truck/SUV	228.2	2	$79.87	$36.51

Gas CO2

200 kg

EV CO2

67 kg (67% less)

Plan for 2 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Socorro, TX

Afternoon in Socorro on Sunday

Local time

12:40 PM

MDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Killeen, TX

Afternoon in Killeen on Sunday

Local time

1:40 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.

For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.

Time zone

1 hour later

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

8 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

9h 46m on the road

This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Socorro, TX to Killeen, TX covers 570.5 miles and takes about 9h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 10, United States Highway 190, Ranch Road 864. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 285 miles on day one.

The midpoint is about 285.2 miles from Socorro, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $87.15 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.

Between Socorro, TX and Killeen, TX, road signs point toward Loop 467 and Rm 864: Fort Mckavett.

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Return Trip

Killeen, TX to Socorro, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

570.6 mi 9h 46m

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Trip from Socorro, TX to Killeen, TX

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Overnight Options

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Killeen, TX

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Socorro, TX

Killeen, TX

1 hour later

8 degrees warmer at arrival

9h 46m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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