Origin
Wichita Falls, TX
Late night in Wichita Falls on Saturday
Local time
5:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Wichita Falls, TX to Killeen, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 37m
Distance
240.3 mi
387 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 24m
★
6 AM
4h 37m
8 AM
5h 4m
10 AM
4h 47m
12 PM
4h 44m
3 PM
4h 48m
5 PM
5h 3m
8 PM
4h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wichita Falls, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Killeen, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Wichita Falls, TX to Killeen, TX covers 240.3 miles and takes about 4h 37m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 281, Henry S Grace Freeway, FM 116 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 65.2 miles on US 281. At current regular gas prices, budget about $35.75 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
120.1 miles from Wichita Falls, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .
About the Cities
Starting in Wichita Falls, TX
Full guide →Wichita Falls is a town in the North Central Plains of Texas, named for Wichita Indians who lived near waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. In 1882, Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought the first train to the area, establishing the town as an agricultural and trade center. The oil boom in the early 1900s made city headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing. The city is the seat for Wichita County and a leading gateway to Texas on I-44. It's a major trade and industrial center with economy based on Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing.
Arriving in Killeen, TX
Full guide →Killeen is a city in the Central Hill Country of Texas. It is home to U.S. Army installation Fort Cavasos, one of the largest military bases in the world.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 37m. Total distance: 240.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 4h 37m highway drive covering 240.3 miles, with most of the trip on US 281 and Henry S Grace Freeway. The longest continuous stretch is about 65.2 miles on US 281.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 281 is the longest continuous segment at about 65.2 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,225 ft
796 ft
Total Climb
767 ft
Total Descent
893 ft
Highest Point
1,225 ft
~137.3 mi in
Elevation Range
430 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 281 and Henry S Grace Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near US 277; US 281; US 287 / Lloyd Ruby Overpass.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 240.3 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 1 miles (US 277; US 281; US 287 / Lloyd Ruby Overpass): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.7 miles (US 281 / North Walnut Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 229.1 miles (FM 116 / Farm-to-Market Road 116): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 277; US 281; US 287 / Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Merge onto US 277; US 281; US 287 / Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
150.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
|
US 281 / North Walnut Street
Turn right onto US 281 / North Walnut Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
229.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
|
FM 116 / Farm-to-Market Road 116
Keep slight right at fork onto FM 116 / Farm-to-Market Road 116
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
237 mi into trip
|
~4h 31m 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
5
240.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
Turn right
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 281 | 65.2 mi | 1h 13m |
| Henry S Grace Freeway | 63.4 mi | 1h 13m |
| FM 116 | 22.3 mi | 28m |
| FM 1241 | 19.9 mi | 21m |
| North US Highway 281 | 19 mi | 20m |
| South US Highway 281 | 18 mi | 20m |
| US 84 | 11.6 mi | 11m |
| Central Texas Expressway | 4.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US 281
— 65.2 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wichita Falls, TX and Killeen, TX.
1
Start on US 287 Bus
524 ft
·
19 sec
·
Scott Avenue
2
Turn left onto Spur 479
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
5th Street
3
Turn left onto Holliday Street
162 ft
·
4 sec
·
Holliday Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
5
Merge onto US 277; US 281; US 287
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Central East Freeway
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Henry S Grace Freeway
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
61 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
Henry S Grace Freeway
9
Continue on US 281
65 mi
·
1 hr 13 min
·
US 281
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 281
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on US 281
18 mi
·
20 min
·
South US Highway 281
12
Continue on US 281; TX 6
0.4 mi
·
28 sec
·
North 2nd Street
13
Turn right onto US 281
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Walnut Street
Use the right lane.
14
Turn straight onto US 281
19 mi
·
20 min
·
North US Highway 281
15
Continue on US 281
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
North Rice Street
16
Turn left onto East Baker Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Baker Street
17
Continue on FM 932
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 932
18
Turn straight onto FM 1241
20 mi
·
21 min
·
FM 1241
19
At end of road, turn right onto FM 932
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 932
20
Continue on FM 932
0.6 mi
·
48 sec
·
Farm-to-Market Road 932
21
Turn left onto US 84
12 mi
·
11 min
·
US 84
22
Take the exit
164 ft
·
7 sec
23
Turn straight onto FM 116
22 mi
·
28 min
·
FM 116
24
Continue on FM 116
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Farm-to-Market Road 116
25
Keep slight right at fork onto FM 116
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Farm-to-Market Road 116
26
Turn left onto TX 9
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 9
27
Merge onto US 190 Business
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
US 190 Business
28
Continue on I 14; US 190
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Central Texas Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward T.J. Mills Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
30
Continue on US 190 Bus
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
West Veterans Memorial Boulevard
31
Turn left
83 ft
·
8 sec
32
Turn right
74 ft
·
5 sec
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
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 120.1 miles from Wichita Falls, TX, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.2 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 53 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.1 miles or 2h 18m 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 44m
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 Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls, TX
This is one driving day of about 240.3 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Wichita Falls, 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 US 281 for about 65.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 120.1 mi from Wichita Falls, TX · 2h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
120 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 120.1 miles from Wichita Falls, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.2 miles.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.75 one way
$71.50 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
84 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $40.23 | $80.45 |
| premium | $4.59 | $43.43 | $86.87 |
| diesel | $3.99 | $37.78 | $75.55 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.1 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.1 | 0 | $25.23 | $11.53 |
| Efficient EV | 60.1 | 0 | $21.03 | $9.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 96.1 | 1 | $33.64 | $15.38 |
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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
Killeen, TX
Late night in Killeen on Saturday
Local time
5:13 AM
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
17 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 37m 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 Wichita Falls, TX to Killeen, TX covers 240.3 miles and takes about 4h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 281, Henry S Grace Freeway, FM 116. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 120.1 miles from Wichita Falls, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.75 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 17 significant decision points across 240.3 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 1 miles (US 277; US 281; US 287 / Lloyd Ruby Overpass): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.7 miles (US 281 / North Walnut Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 229.1 miles (FM 116 / Farm-to-Market Road 116): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The route from Wichita Falls, TX to Killeen, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 796 ft to 1,225 ft elevation with about 767 ft of total climbing.
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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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