If you are planning a trip from Alvin to Killeen, you are looking at a 232.7-mile journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 35 minutes behind the wheel. This route stays entirely within the Great Plains region of Texas, making it a straightforward trek across the state. Because the total duration is manageable, you can easily complete this drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget roughly $36 for fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. It is a solid, practical option for travelers who prefer a direct, highway-focused route to reach their destination 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
116.4 miles from Alvin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
TX 6
68.7 mi
1h 14m
Northwest Freeway
35.5 mi
40m
Farm-to-Market Road 485
20.4 mi
25m
Farm-to-Market Road 979
15.3 mi
19m
TX 53
13.1 mi
16m
Central Texas Expressway
13.1 mi
13m
West Sam Houston Tollway South
12.2 mi
14m
South Sam Houston Tollway West
10.3 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
TX 6
— 68.7 mi, about 1h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alvin, TX and Killeen, TX.
1
Start on West Sealy Street
8 ft·7 sec·West Sealy Street
2
Turn left onto TX 35 Bus
0.4 mi·39 sec·North Gordon Street
3
Turn left onto TX 6
10 mi·15 min·West State Highway 6
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward TX 288 North
5
Merge onto TX 288
1.9 mi·2 min·Nolan Ryan Expressway
6
Continue on TX 288
0.1 mi·7 sec·South Freeway
7
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
5.1 mi·5 min·Brazoria County Expressway
8
Take the exit onto Brazoria County Expressway
0.4 mi·30 sec·Brazoria County Expressway
Toward SHT West, SHT East: Sam Houston TollwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward SHT West: Sam Houston TollwayUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto SHT
10 mi·11 min·South Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on BW 8
1.9 mi·2 min·South Sam Houston Parkway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on SHT
12 mi·14 min·West Sam Houston Tollway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto SHT
0.4 mi·27 sec·West Sam Houston Tollway North
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto SHT
0.7 mi·48 sec·West Sam Houston Tollway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·28 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 290 West: AustinUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto US 290
35 mi·40 min·Northwest Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
18
Take the exit onto TX 6
0.3 mi·36 sec·TX 6
Toward College Station, BryanUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right
0.2 mi·12 sec
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on TX 6
11 mi·12 min·TX 6
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn straight onto TX 6
58 mi·1 hr 1 min·TX 6
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 6
5.8 mi·5 min·North State Highway 6
24
Continue on TX 6
1.3 mi·2 min·South Main Street
25
Turn left onto FM 979
0.7 mi·1 min·Browning Street
26
Continue on FM 979
15 mi·19 min·Farm-to-Market Road 979
27
At end of road, turn right onto FM 485
20 mi·25 min·Farm-to-Market Road 485
28
At end of road, turn left onto TX 53
13 mi·16 min·TX 53
29
Turn left onto North General Bruce Drive
0.2 mi·20 sec·North General Bruce Drive
30
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 35 South
31
Merge onto I 35
7.1 mi·7 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto I 14; US 190
13 mi·13 min·Central Texas Expressway
Toward US 190 West: Killeen, Fort CavazosUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 287Toward FM 3470: Rosewood Drive, Stan Schlueter LoopUse the slight right lane.
34
Turn straight onto West Central Texas Expressway
2.9 mi·3 min·West Central Texas Expressway
35
Turn right onto South W.S. Young Drive
1.3 mi·2 min·South W.S. Young Drive
36
Turn left onto US 190 Bus
1.0 mi·1 min·East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
37
Turn right
83 ft·8 sec
38
Turn right
74 ft·5 sec
39
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 35-minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic near urban corridors. You only need to plan for one major stop along the way, which provides a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. Since you are spending around $36 on gas, check your tire pressure before leaving Alvin to ensure you are getting the best efficiency possible. Keep a close watch on your navigation when switching between TX 6 and the secondary roads, as these transitions occur in the middle of the drive. The flexibility of a single-day trip means you can easily adjust your pace to suit your personal schedule.
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 116.4 miles from Alvin, TX, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.7 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 51 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.4 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 45m
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 Alvin, 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 Alvin, TX
This is one driving day of about 232.7 miles and 4h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Alvin, 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 TX 6 for about 68.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.9 and 227.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
17.9 mi into trip|~24m in|Brazoria County Expressway
Take the exit onto Brazoria County Expressway toward SHT West, SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway
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.
Toward SHT West, SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway
7
18.3 mi into trip|~25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SHT West: Sam Houston Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward SHT West: Sam Houston Tollway
7
45.1 mi into trip|~57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 290 West: Austin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 290 West: Austin
8
214.1 mi into trip|~4h 13m in|I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway toward US 190 West: Killeen, Fort Cavazos
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 190 West: Killeen, Fort Cavazos
8
227.2 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward FM 3470: Rosewood Drive, Stan Schlueter Loop
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 287
Toward FM 3470: Rosewood Drive, Stan Schlueter...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.16 one way
$70.32 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$38.49
$76.97
premium
$4.54
$41.55
$83.09
diesel
$5.61
$51.38
$102.75
Estimated Tolls: $1.90
Sam Houston Tollway
(23.7 mi)$1.90
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.8
0
$24.43
$11.17
Efficient EV
58.2
0
$20.36
$9.31
EV Truck/SUV
93.1
1
$32.58
$14.89
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Alvin, TX
Late night
in Alvin on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Killeen, TX
Late night
in Killeen on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 35m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive that is heavily focused on major thoroughfares, with approximately 68% of the trip spent on highways. You will navigate a mix of routes, utilizing the Northwest Freeway and TX 6 to make steady progress toward Killeen. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 68.7-mile segment along TX 6, which offers plenty of time to settle into a rhythm. As you transition from the local connections onto Farm-to-Market Road 485, the road character shifts slightly, requiring you to remain attentive to changing road types. Overall, the experience is consistent and reliable for those who want to cover distance quickly.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68.7 mi on TX 6.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 6 and Northwest Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.9 miles in near Brazoria County Expressway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 29 significant decision points across 232.7 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 17.9 miles (Brazoria County Expressway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
823 ft44 ft
Total Climb
837 ft
Total Descent
59 ft
Highest Point
823 ft
~232.7 mi in
Elevation Range
779 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Alvin, TX and Killeen, TX, road signs point toward Sht West, Sht East: Sam Houston Tollway, Sht West: Sam Houston Tollway, College Station, Bryan and Fort Cavazos.
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.
Top landmarks
•Killeen High School — historic place in Killeen, Bell County, Texas
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 35m. Total distance: 232.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 68.7 miles on TX 6. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.90 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 17.9 miles (Brazoria County Expressway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Killeen, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
