Brownfield, TX to Laredo, TX is 493.3 miles and takes about 9h 9m via South US Highway 83 and US 277, with a fuel budget near $72 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though it's recommended for two days. This drive takes you from the Great Plains region of West Texas down through more of the same, ending in South Texas. With 79% of the drive on highways, it's a pretty straightforward trip, but the duration suggests breaking it up for a more relaxed pace. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct path south with minimal detours.
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
246.6 miles from Brownfield, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
South US Highway 83
108.9 mi
1h 58m
US 277
81.8 mi
1h 31m
William B Crooker Memorial Highway
52.1 mi
52m
South State Highway 55
36.6 mi
41m
TX 55
33.3 mi
37m
US 87
32.3 mi
37m
South Texas Highway 55
25.4 mi
28m
North US Highway 87
18.1 mi
18m
Longest stretch:
South US Highway 83
— 108.9 mi, about 1h 58m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~1,103 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,375
Quietest
2 AM
~159 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 37 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brownfield, TX and Laredo, TX.
1
Start on US 62; US 82; US 385
42 ft·3 sec·Lubbock Road
2
Continue on US 62; US 82; US 380; US 385
0.5 mi·1 min·North 1st Street
3
Continue on US 62; US 385
1.1 mi·1 min·Seagraves Road
4
Turn left onto TX 137
0.9 mi·1 min·Lamesa Highway
5
Continue on TX 137
1.0 mi·1 min·State Highway 137
6
Continue on TX 137
15 mi·14 min·Lamesa Highway
7
Continue on TX 137
2.4 mi·2 min·Brownfield Highway
8
Continue on TX 137
15 mi·22 min·North State Highway 137
9
Continue on TX 137
1.2 mi·1 min·North Bryan Avenue
10
Turn left onto US 180
0.7 mi·55 sec·North 4th Street
11
Turn right onto US 87; US 180
1.2 mi·1 min·North Lynn Avenue
12
Continue on US 87; US 180
1.3 mi·1 min·South Dallas Avenue
13
Continue on US 87; US 180
18 mi·18 min·South US Highway 87
14
Continue on US 87
1.4 mi·1 min·William Crooker Highway
15
Continue on US 87
18 mi·18 min·North US Highway 87
16
Continue on US 87
52 mi·52 min·William B Crooker Memorial Highway
17
Continue on US 87; TX 158; TX 163
1.2 mi·2 min·4th Street
18
Continue on US 87
15 mi·14 min·US Highway 87 South
19
Continue on US 87
32 mi·37 min·US 87
20
Take the exit onto US 277
60 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 277
Toward US 277 South: Eldorado
21
Turn left onto US 277; Loop 467
0.8 mi·1 min·North Crockett Avenue
22
Turn right onto US 277
22 mi·24 min·US 277
23
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 55
33 mi·37 min·TX 55
24
Turn right onto TX 55
25 mi·28 min·South Texas Highway 55
25
Continue on TX 55
3.6 mi·4 min·North State Highway 55
26
Continue on TX 55
1.0 mi·2 min·North Nueces Street
27
Continue on TX 55
37 mi·41 min·South State Highway 55
28
Turn right onto US 83
0.6 mi·43 sec·Milam Street
29
Continue on US 83
1.9 mi·2 min·North Getty Street
30
Turn right onto US 83
1.2 mi·1 min·Crystal City Highway
31
Continue on US 83
47 mi·53 min·South US Highway 83
32
Continue on US 83
1.7 mi·1 min·North 1st Street
33
Continue on US 83
62 mi·1 hr 4 min·South US Highway 83
34
Continue on US 83
0.3 mi·26 sec·I-35 Frontage Road
35
Take the ramp onto US 83
0.1 mi·18 sec·US 83
36
Merge onto I 35; I 27; US 83
18 mi·19 min·Purple Heart Trail
37
Turn right onto Houston Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Houston Street
38
Turn left onto I 35 Bus
272 ft·12 sec·Salinas Avenue
39
Turn left onto Matamoros Street
306 ft·5 sec·Matamoros Street
40
Arrive at destination
Matamoros Street
Trip Plan
Given the 9-hour drive time, splitting this trip over two days is a smart move, especially since it's recommended. Aim to leave Brownfield in the morning to cover roughly half the distance, allowing for a comfortable stop around the halfway point. The longest stretch without a town is about 109 miles on US 83, so ensure you have enough fuel before entering that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can be spread out, particularly on the highway sections. Planning your overnight stay in advance will make the second day's drive to Laredo much more relaxed.
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 246.6 miles from Brownfield, TX, or about 4h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.9 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 109 miles or 2h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 246.6 miles or 4h 33m 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 246.6 miles or 4h 33m
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 8h 5m
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 Brownfield, 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 Brownfield, TX
Aim for roughly 247 miles and 4.6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Laredo, TX
Aim for roughly 247 miles and 4.6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 109 miles from Brownfield, 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 South US Highway 83 for about 108.9 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 37.7 and 493.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
37.7 mi into trip|~48m in|US 87; US 180 / North Lynn Avenue
Turn right onto US 87; US 180 / North Lynn Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
178 mi into trip|~3h 15m in|US 277
Take the exit onto US 277 toward US 277 South: Eldorado
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward US 277 South: Eldorado
4
260.6 mi into trip|~4h 49m in|TX 55
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 55
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
493.2 mi into trip|~9h 8m in|I 35 Bus / Salinas Avenue
Turn left onto I 35 Bus / Salinas Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
493.2 mi into trip|~9h 9m in|Matamoros Street
Turn left onto Matamoros Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$67.57 one way
$135.13 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg173 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$75.47
$150.94
premium
$4.23
$82.05
$164.11
diesel
$4.80
$93.14
$186.29
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$68
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$198–$308
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 172.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $52 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
148
1
$51.80
$23.68
Efficient EV
123.3
1
$43.16
$19.73
EV Truck/SUV
197.3
2
$69.06
$31.57
Gas CO2
173 kg
EV CO2
58 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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Brownfield, TX
Late night
in Brownfield on Monday
Local time
12:53 AM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 10 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:35PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:31PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Destination
Laredo, TX
Late night
in Laredo on Monday
Local time
12:53 AM
CDT
Current temp
98°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 15 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:35PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:31PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
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
17 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
9h 9m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 79% of the 493.3 miles spent on major roads like South US Highway 83 and US 277. You'll experience a longest stretch of 108.9 miles on South US Highway 83, offering a good opportunity for steady cruising. The remaining portion will be on surface roads, likely with more varied speed limits and potentially more local traffic as you approach towns. Expect a consistent driving experience with clear signage for most of the trip.
79% 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: 108.9 mi on South US Highway 83.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South US Highway 83 and US 277. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 37.7 miles in near US 87; US 180 / North Lynn Avenue.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The route itself is not hard, but at 9h 9m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 14 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 37.7 miles (US 87; US 180 / North Lynn Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 178 miles (US 277): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 260.6 miles (TX 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The longest stretch is about 108.9 miles on South US Highway 83. 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 247 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. 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. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 37.7 miles (US 87; US 180 / North Lynn Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 178 miles (US 277): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 260.6 miles (TX 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.2 hours each way, a round trip means 18.3 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.
