Origin
Alamo, TX
Late night in Alamo on Sunday
Local time
2:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Alamo, TX to Killeen, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 56m
Distance
371 mi
597 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 45m
★
6 AM
6h 57m
8 AM
7h 20m
10 AM
7h 5m
12 PM
7h 3m
3 PM
7h 6m
5 PM
7h 19m
8 PM
6h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alamo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Killeen, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking from Alamo, TX, to Killeen, TX, this 371-mile journey will take approximately 6 hours and 56 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-69C, Pickle Parkway, and US-281, this drive is a highway-focused experience that can comfortably be completed in a single day. With an estimated fuel cost of around $56, it's an efficient option for traversing the heart of Texas. You'll remain within the Great Plains region for the entirety of your trip, experiencing a consistent landscape. This route is straightforward, making it a practical choice for those looking to cover ground efficiently.
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
185.5 miles from Alamo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 30m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69C | 92 mi | 1h 43m |
| Pickle Parkway | 58.5 mi | 54m |
| US 281 | 57.1 mi | 1h |
| State Highway 195 | 34 mi | 38m |
| King David Drive | 31.8 mi | 39m |
| State Highway 80 North | 30.8 mi | 35m |
| State Highway 80 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Nueces Street | 11.1 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
I 69C
— 92 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alamo, TX and Killeen, TX.
1
Start on US 83 Bus
48 ft
·
4 sec
·
US 83 Bus
2
Turn right onto FM 907
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Alamo Road
3
Turn left onto West Expressway 83
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
West Expressway 83
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 2 West, US 83 West
5
Merge onto I 2; US 83
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
I 2; US 83
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 146A
Toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 69C
22 mi
·
23 min
·
I 69C
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 281
57 mi
·
1 hr
·
US 281
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281
70 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
I 69C; US 281
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Nueces Street
11
Turn right onto TX 72
32 mi
·
39 min
·
King David Drive
12
Continue on TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
13
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239
233 ft
·
3 sec
·
East Main Street
14
Continue on FM 792
8.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Helena Road
15
Turn straight onto TX 80
24 mi
·
25 min
·
State Highway 80
16
Continue on TX 80
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Nixon Avenue
17
Continue on TX 80; TX 97
31 mi
·
35 min
·
State Highway 80 North
18
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
19
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
South Colorado Street
20
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
United States Highway 183
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
22
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
59 mi
·
54 min
·
Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward TX 195 North: Florence, Killeen
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on North Interstate 35
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
North Interstate 35
25
Turn left onto TX 195
34 mi
·
38 min
·
State Highway 195
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Turn slight right
263 ft
·
9 sec
Use the right lane.
27
Turn slight right onto US 190 Bus
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Use the right lane.
28
Turn left
83 ft
·
8 sec
29
Turn right
74 ft
·
5 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this single-day drive of nearly 7 hours, consider an early morning departure from Alamo, TX, to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. The estimated fuel cost of $56 means you'll want to monitor your gas gauge, especially during the longest 92-mile stretch on I-69C. Given the highway-centric nature, keeping an eye on your speed and ensuring your vehicle is in good condition will contribute to a smooth trip to Killeen, TX.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 185.5 miles from Alamo, TX, or about 3h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92 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 82 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185.5 miles or 3h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 52m
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 Alamo, 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 Alamo, TX
This is one driving day of about 371 miles and 6h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Alamo, 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 69C for about 92 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
186 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 82 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 185.5 miles from Alamo, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 69C if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 92 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 1.1 and 335.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 2; US 83
Merge onto I 2; US 83
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
3.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 146A
Toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg
6
276.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m 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
5
277.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 21m in
|
TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway
Merge onto TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
335.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 15m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.06 one way
$112.12 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
130 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $61.36 | $122.72 |
| premium | $4.54 | $66.24 | $132.48 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $81.91 | $163.82 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 111.3 | 1 | $38.96 | $17.81 |
| Efficient EV | 92.8 | 1 | $32.46 | $14.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 148.4 | 1 | $51.94 | $23.74 |
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Killeen, TX
Late night in Killeen on Sunday
Local time
2:51 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
31 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
6h 56m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 83% of the route utilizing major roadways. Expect extended periods on the interstate, including a longest stretch of 92 miles on I-69C, offering a consistent pace. While primarily highway, the inclusion of Pickle Parkway and US-281 may introduce slightly varied driving conditions compared to a pure interstate route. The overall character is one of forward momentum, designed for covering distance with relative ease. You'll find the drive progresses with a steady rhythm, characteristic of Texas's well-maintained highway system.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92 mi on I 69C.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69C and Pickle Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near I 2; US 83.
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 371 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 1.1 miles (I 2; US 83): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Alamo, TX to Killeen, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
276.6 mi in
|
~5h 20m
About the Cities
Starting in Alamo, TX
Full guide →Founded 1924
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 6h 56m. Total distance: 371 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 56m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92 miles on I 69C. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Killeen, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (I 2; US 83): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Killeen, TX before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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