Traveling from Anna to Laredo covers 472.5 miles of Texas terrain, typically requiring about 8 hours and 23 minutes of drive time. Because of the length, you should plan for a two-day trip to avoid fatigue. Your journey will primarily utilize the Purple Heart Trail, the South R L Thornton Freeway, and the I-35 corridor. With a fuel budget of approximately $72, this route remains a cost-effective way to navigate the Great Plains. While the trip is technically doable in one long haul, splitting the distance makes for a much more manageable 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
236.3 miles from Anna, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 13m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Anna, TX and Laredo, TX.
1
Start on South Sherley Road
35 ft·8 sec·South Sherley Road
2
Turn left onto FM 2862
0.2 mi·23 sec·West 4th Street
3
Turn left onto TX 5
2.4 mi·3 min·South Powell Parkway
4
Continue on TX 5
3.3 mi·5 min·McKinney Street
5
Turn right onto TX 121
1.0 mi·1 min·Sam Rayburn Highway
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 75 South, TX 121 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto US 75; TX 121
35 mi·37 min·Central Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
501 ft·12 sec
Exit 284CToward Downtown, Good-Latimer ExpresswayUse the slight left lane.
9
Continue on North Central Expressway
0.7 mi·1 min·North Central Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Turn right onto Elm Street
304 ft·10 sec·Elm Street
11
Turn left onto North Pearl Expressway
0.2 mi·28 sec·North Pearl Expressway
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn right onto Young Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·Young Street
13
Turn left onto South Harwood Street
315 ft·8 sec·South Harwood Street
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto Canton Street
0.4 mi·47 sec·Canton Street
15
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 30 West
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
17
Keep slight left at fork
221 ft·5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward I 35E South: WacoUse the left / right lanes.
19
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi·44 sec·South R L Thornton Freeway
20
Continue on I 35E
89 mi·1 hr 31 min·South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426Toward Dallas ZooUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi·7 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi·58 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi·54 min·Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton StreetUse the slight left lane.
25
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi·1 min·Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on I 35
12 mi·12 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi·11 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi·8 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
2.1 mi·2 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, LaredoUse the slight left lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
10 mi·12 min·South Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo StreetUse the slight right lane.
31
Continue on I 35
144 mi·2 hr 26 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Turn right onto Houston Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Houston Street
33
Turn left onto I 35 Bus
272 ft·12 sec·Salinas Avenue
34
Turn left onto Matamoros Street
306 ft·5 sec·Matamoros Street
35
Arrive at destination
Matamoros Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 472.5-mile journey, plan for at least two dedicated stops to break up the drive. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to navigate through the busier sections of the South R L Thornton Freeway before traffic peaks. Since the longest stretch covers 244.1 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before starting that specific segment to avoid unnecessary delays. If you choose to split the trip over two days, look for lodging options near the midpoint to keep your second day of driving relaxed. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $72 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and idling time in transit.
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 236.3 miles from Anna, TX, or about 4h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 244.1 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 104 miles or 1h 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 236.3 miles or 4h 13m 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 236.3 miles or 4h 13m
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 7h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Laredo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anna, 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 Anna, TX
Aim for roughly 236 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Laredo, TX
Aim for roughly 236 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 104 miles from Anna, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 244.1 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.8 and 315.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6.8 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 75 South, TX 121 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 75 South, TX 121 South
8
42.6 mi into trip|~49m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Good-Latimer Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 284C
Toward Downtown, Good-Latimer Expressway
9
44.7 mi into trip|~53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
8
235.3 mi into trip|~4h 12m in|I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
8
315.1 mi into trip|~5h 41m in|I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$71.40 one way
$142.79 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg165 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$78.15
$156.30
premium
$4.54
$84.36
$168.72
diesel
$5.61
$104.32
$208.64
Estimated Tolls: $2.86
Central Expressway
(35.7 mi)$2.86
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
$71
Tolls
$3
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$204–$314
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 165.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $50 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
141.8
1
$49.61
$22.68
Efficient EV
118.1
1
$41.34
$18.90
EV Truck/SUV
189
2
$66.15
$30.24
Gas CO2
165 kg
EV CO2
55 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Anna, TX
Late night
in Anna on Sunday
Local time
12:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Laredo, TX
Late night
in Laredo on Sunday
Local time
12:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 10 to 16 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Dust Advisory
Dust Advisory issued April 18 at 12:07AM CDT until April 18 at 2:00AM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 18 at 12:00AM CDT until April 18 at 12:45AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
14 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
8h 23m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 130.3
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
9 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 325.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive that transitions across 472.5 miles, featuring a highway share of 47%. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the Purple Heart Trail, which includes your longest uninterrupted stretch of 244.1 miles. The road’s personality shifts as you move through the Great Plains, alternating between heavy interstate traffic and more open stretches. Be prepared for the steady rhythm of the I-35 corridor, which demands consistent focus over the eight-plus hour duration. This route is defined by long, steady miles rather than technical, winding curves.
47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 244.1 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.8 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 472.5 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 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Between Anna, TX and Laredo, TX, road signs point toward Downtown, Denton, Waco, Dallas Zoo and Spur 536: Houston.
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 244.1 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 236 miles on day one.
Expect about $2.86 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. 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 Laredo, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.4 hours each way, a round trip means 16.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Laredo, TX before the return drive.
