Traveling from Ballinger to Houston covers 345.5 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 41 minutes of driving time. Because this route is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate shot, you should plan for a full day on the road. You can comfortably complete the journey in a single day, though the winding nature of the roads makes it more demanding than a standard highway cruise. Budget approximately $53 for fuel to cover the distance across the Great Plains. Since you are moving from one part of the region to another, expect a consistent landscape throughout the trip. It is a practical route for those who prefer navigating local roads over the monotony of major interstates.
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
179.9 miles from Ballinger, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Texas State Highway 71
137 mi
2h 25m
US 183
51.8 mi
57m
US 67
37 mi
39m
South US Highway 183
35.3 mi
38m
US Highway 84 East
29.2 mi
33m
Wallis Avenue
21.9 mi
25m
183A Toll Road
14.3 mi
14m
Katy Freeway
10.7 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
Texas State Highway 71
— 137 mi, about 2h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ballinger, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on US 67; US 83
0.9 mi·1 min·Hutchings Avenue
2
Take the exit onto US 67
37 mi·39 min·US 67
Toward US 67 North
3
Merge onto US 67; US 84; US 283
22 mi·25 min·Wallis Avenue
4
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
1.7 mi·2 min·Early Boulevard
5
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi·1 min·Garmon Drive
6
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi·33 min·US Highway 84 East
7
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi·25 min·US 183; TX 16
8
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi·15 min·US 183; US 190
9
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft·4 sec·North US Highway 281
10
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi·4 min·North Key Avenue
11
Continue on US 183
35 mi·38 min·South US Highway 183
12
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·29 sec·this road
13
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi·14 min·183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 183
15 mi·17 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on 183 Toll
6.3 mi·6 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 183
0.4 mi·26 sec·Bastrop Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward TX 71 East: Austin-Bergstrom International AirportUse the slight left / straight lanes.
18
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi·2 min·East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto 71 Toll
1.9 mi·2 min·Bastrop Freeway
Toward 71 Toll East, TX 45 Toll North, TX 130 Toll NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on TX 71
0.5 mi·29 sec·East State Highway 71
21
Continue on TX 71
137 mi·2 hr 25 min·Texas State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy TollwayUse the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi·4 min·Katy Tollway
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi·13 min·Katy Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 769AToward Downtown, Theatre DistrictUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on Smith Street
0.1 mi·29 sec·Smith Street
28
Turn left onto Preston Street
331 ft·16 sec·Preston Street
29
Turn left onto Louisiana Street
179 ft·5 sec·Louisiana Street
30
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
To tackle this 345.5-mile journey effectively, aim to depart early in the morning to account for the slower pace of local roads. Since the route involves frequent turns, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and reset your focus. Keep your $53 fuel budget handy, as local roads often lack the high-frequency service stations found along major interstates. Be mindful that the turn-heavy profile of the drive can be fatiguing, so prioritize comfort and hydration before you head out. A smart strategy is to map out your navigation carefully before leaving, as the reliance on local thoroughfares like US 67 North requires more frequent attention to signage than a standard highway route.
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 179.9 miles from Ballinger, TX, or about 3h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137 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 79 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 179.9 miles or 3h 19m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ballinger, 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 Ballinger, TX
This is one driving day of about 359.9 miles and 6h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Ballinger, 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 Texas State Highway 71 for about 137 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 167 and 359.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
167 mi into trip|~3h 6m in|183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
202.8 mi into trip|~3h 45m in
Take the exit toward TX 71 East: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward TX 71 East: Austin-Bergstrom Internation...
5
205.5 mi into trip|~3h 48m in|71 Toll / Bastrop Freeway
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward 71 Toll East, TX 45 Toll North, TX 130 T...
6
344.8 mi into trip|~6h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
8
359.2 mi into trip|~6h 34m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Theatre District
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 769A
Toward Downtown, Theatre District
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.38 one way
$108.76 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg126 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$59.53
$119.05
premium
$4.54
$64.26
$128.52
diesel
$5.61
$79.46
$158.92
Estimated Tolls: $1.23
183A Toll Road
(14.3 mi)$1.00
Katy Tollway
(3.2 mi)$0.23
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
$54
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
108
1
$37.79
$17.28
Efficient EV
90
1
$31.49
$14.40
EV Truck/SUV
144
1
$50.39
$23.03
Gas CO2
126 kg
EV CO2
42 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 15, 2026
Origin
Ballinger, TX
Late night
in Ballinger on Sunday
Local time
2:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Houston, TX
Late night
in Houston on Sunday
Local time
2:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°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
3 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
6h 36m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a very different experience than a typical highway trek, as this route features zero percent highway travel. You will spend your time navigating local roads like Wallis Avenue and Early Boulevard, which necessitates constant attention to turns and transitions. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, you won't find long, uninterrupted stretches of road to zone out on. The personality of this route is defined by its localized nature, requiring you to remain engaged with the road layout rather than simply setting cruise control. Prepare for a hands-on driving experience where the lack of interstate infrastructure keeps your speed moderate but your focus high.
87% 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: 137 mi on Texas State Highway 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Texas State Highway 71 and US 183. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 167 miles in near 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 359.9 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 167 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.5 miles (71 Toll / Bastrop Freeway): 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.
On the drive from Ballinger, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward 71 Toll East along the way.
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered.
Top landmarks
•Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
•Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
•Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris County, Texas
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 36m. Total distance: 359.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 137 miles on Texas State Highway 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.23 in tolls one way, starting with 183A Toll Road. 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 Houston, 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 167 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.5 miles (71 Toll / Bastrop Freeway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Houston, TX before the return drive.
