Traveling from Beaumont to Killeen covers 271.6 miles and takes approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes of driving time. Because this is a manageable distance, it works perfectly as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via TX 6, East Grand Parkway North, and US 90 to complete the journey. Budgeting about $41 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Since both cities are located within the Great Plains region, you will experience a consistent landscape throughout the drive. This route offers a straightforward transit across Texas, making it a practical choice for those looking 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
135.8 miles from Beaumont, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
TX 6
49.8 mi
53m
East Grand Parkway North
44 mi
46m
US 90
39.6 mi
45m
Aggie Expressway
24.8 mi
27m
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
Longest stretch:
TX 6
— 49.8 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Beaumont, TX and Killeen, TX.
1
Start on Calder Avenue
53 ft·8 sec·Calder Avenue
2
Turn left onto Willow Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Willow Street
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on Park Street
0.4 mi·37 sec·Park Street
4
Turn right onto College Street
0.2 mi·18 sec·College Street
5
Continue on Wall Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·Wall Street
6
Continue on College Street
8.5 mi·11 min·College Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
Continue on US 90
40 mi·45 min·US 90
8
Turn right onto TX 321
0.2 mi·23 sec·North Cleveland Street
9
Turn left onto FM 1960
5.1 mi·6 min·West Clayton Street
10
Turn right onto East Grand Parkway North
0.1 mi·14 sec·East Grand Parkway North
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·35 sec
12
Merge onto TX 99 Toll
44 mi·46 min·East Grand Parkway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward TX 249: Boudreaux Road, Rocky RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on North Grand Parkway West
0.4 mi·40 sec·North Grand Parkway West
15
Turn right onto TX 249
447 ft·7 sec·Tomball Parkway
16
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward TBT Toll North
17
Merge onto TBT
4.9 mi·5 min·Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on TX 249 Toll
3.6 mi·4 min·MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on TX 249 Toll
25 mi·27 min·Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on TX 105
5.8 mi·6 min·State Highway 105
21
Turn right onto TX 105
0.2 mi·16 sec·State Highway 6
22
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
23
Merge onto TX 6
50 mi·53 min·TX 6
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 6
5.8 mi·5 min·North State Highway 6
25
Continue on TX 6
1.3 mi·2 min·South Main Street
26
Turn left onto FM 979
0.7 mi·1 min·Browning Street
27
Continue on FM 979
15 mi·19 min·Farm-to-Market Road 979
28
At end of road, turn right onto FM 485
20 mi·25 min·Farm-to-Market Road 485
29
At end of road, turn left onto TX 53
13 mi·16 min·TX 53
30
Turn left onto North General Bruce Drive
0.2 mi·20 sec·North General Bruce Drive
31
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 35 South
32
Merge onto I 35
7.1 mi·7 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
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.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 287Toward FM 3470: Rosewood Drive, Stan Schlueter LoopUse the slight right lane.
35
Turn straight onto West Central Texas Expressway
2.9 mi·3 min·West Central Texas Expressway
36
Turn right onto South W.S. Young Drive
1.3 mi·2 min·South W.S. Young Drive
37
Turn left onto US 190 Bus
1.0 mi·1 min·East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
38
Turn right
83 ft·8 sec
39
Turn right
74 ft·5 sec
40
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near major transit corridors. Planning for at least one dedicated stop is a smart way to break up the monotony and stay refreshed for the duration of the trip. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the longer segments, as the 49.8-mile stretch on TX 6 means you should top off your tank before heading out. Since this route is well-suited for a one-day timeline, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on your own comfort levels. Remember that staying hydrated and taking a short break will keep your energy up for the full 271.6-mile trek.
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 135.8 miles from Beaumont, TX, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.8 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 60 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.8 miles or 2h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 15m
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 Beaumont, 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 Beaumont, TX
This is one driving day of about 271.6 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Beaumont, 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 49.8 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 266.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Willow Street
Turn left onto Willow Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
54.8 mi into trip|~1h 6m in|TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North
Merge onto TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
98.8 mi into trip|~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward TX 249: Boudreaux Road, Rocky Road
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 TX 249: Boudreaux Road, Rocky Road
8
253 mi into trip|~4h 52m 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
266.1 mi into trip|~5h 6m 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
$41.04 one way
$82.08 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$44.92
$89.84
premium
$4.54
$48.49
$96.98
diesel
$5.61
$59.97
$119.93
Estimated Tolls: $0.59
Tomball Tollway
(4.9 mi)$0.34
MCTRA 249 Tollway
(3.6 mi)$0.25
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
$41
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.5
1
$28.52
$13.04
Efficient EV
67.9
0
$23.77
$10.86
EV Truck/SUV
108.6
1
$38.02
$17.38
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% 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
Beaumont, TX
Late night
in Beaumont on Sunday
Local time
2:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Killeen, TX
Late night
in Killeen on Sunday
Local time
2:50 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
18 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
5h 14m 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 highway-focused experience, as roughly 73% of your journey takes place on high-speed roads. The drive maintains a steady pace, with the longest uninterrupted stretch lasting 49.8 miles along TX 6. You will find that the route transitions between major highway arteries and secondary stretches, requiring you to stay alert through changing traffic patterns. While it is not a technical or winding path, the sustained highway time requires consistent focus behind the wheel. Prepare for a predictable, efficient flow that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 49.8 mi on TX 6.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 6 and East Grand Parkway North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Willow Street.
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 27 significant decision points across 271.6 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: near the start (Willow Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 54.8 miles (TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Beaumont, TX and Killeen, TX, road signs point toward Tbt Toll North and Fort Cavazos.
Beaumont is a city in Texas, USA on the northern Gulf Coast, close to the Louisiana state line. It is famous for its early 20th-century oil industry history.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 14m. Total distance: 271.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 49.8 miles on TX 6. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.59 in tolls one way, starting with Tomball 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: near the start (Willow Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 54.8 miles (TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 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.
