Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Brownsville, TX to Converse, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 25, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 25m
Distance
281.9 mi
454 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 12m
★
6 AM
5h 25m
8 AM
5h 52m
10 AM
5h 35m
12 PM
5h 32m
3 PM
5h 36m
5 PM
5h 51m
8 PM
5h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brownsville, TX
Eddie O.
Converse, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Brownsville, TX to Converse, TX is 281.9 miles and takes about 5h 25m via US 281 and U.S. Highway 77, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, primarily traversing the Great Plains region. You'll find this route to be mostly highway driving, making for a straightforward transit between these two South Texas locations. Plan for a single day of travel, keeping your fuel costs manageable at around $41.
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
140.9 miles from Brownsville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 281 | 115.2 mi | 2h 4m |
| U.S. Highway 77 | 102 mi | 1h 53m |
| Nueces Street | 14.7 mi | 18m |
| West King Avenue | 14.5 mi | 17m |
| North Expressway | 10.6 mi | 12m |
| Connally Loop | 7 mi | 7m |
| South 6th Street | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| FM 1516 North | 4.4 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
US 281
— 115.2 mi, about 2h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brownsville, TX and Converse, TX.
1
Start on US 77 Business
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
East Washington Street
2
Turn right onto East 7th Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East 7th Street
3
Turn left onto North Frontage Road
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
North Frontage Road
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 69E North, US 77 North, US 83 North
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 69E; US 77; US 83
11 mi
·
12 min
·
North Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 69E; US 77; US 83
102 mi
·
1 hr 53 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
9
Turn left onto FM 772
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
FM 772
10
Turn straight onto US 77 Business
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
South 6th Street
11
Turn left onto TX 141
14 mi
·
17 min
·
West King Avenue
12
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
13
Merge onto US 281
54 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
US 281
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
15 mi
·
18 min
·
Nueces Street
15
Continue on US 281
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 281
16
Take the exit onto US 281
61 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 133
Toward I 410, TX 130, US 281 South
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 410 North, TX 130 North
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 410; TX 130
7.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Connally Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto TX 130
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
TX 130
Exit 33
Toward I 10, US 90, TX 130: San Antonio, Houston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 130
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
TX 130
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East, TX 130 North: Houston, Seguin
22
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 130
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
TX 130
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East
23
Merge onto I 10; US 90; TX 130
2.7 mi
·
2 min
·
90th Infantry Division Highway
Use the slight right lane.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 585
Toward FM 1516: Converse
Use the slight right lane.
25
Turn straight onto Interstate 10 East
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate 10 East
26
Turn left onto FM 1516
411 ft
·
10 sec
·
Farm-to-Market Road 1516
27
Continue on FM 1516
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
FM 1516 North
28
Turn left onto FM 1976
322 ft
·
14 sec
·
FM 1976
29
Turn left onto Toepperwein Road
99 ft
·
4 sec
·
Toepperwein Road
30
Arrive at destination
Toepperwein Road
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 25m duration, leaving Brownsville in the morning should allow you to reach Converse with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $41, this is an easy same-day trip. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 115.2-mile stretch on US 281, as services can be spaced out in some parts of the Great Plains. You'll want to be mindful of the transition from highway to surface roads as you get closer to Converse.
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 140.9 miles from Brownsville, TX, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 115.2 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 62 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.9 miles or 2h 44m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Converse, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brownsville, 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 Brownsville, TX
This is one driving day of about 281.9 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Brownsville, 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 US 281 for about 115.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 140.9 miles from Brownsville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 115.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Kenedy County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Texas Travel Information Center at Harlingen
0.1 mi from route
Live Oak County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Live Oak County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.8 mi from route
Washington Plaza
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Brownsville, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+19565422064
Visit websiteStillman House Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Brownsville, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19565415560
Visit websiteGladys Porter Zoo
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Brownsville, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+19565467187
Visit websiteSouthern Pacific Linear Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Brownsville, TX
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+19565422064
Visit websiteChildren's Museum of Brownsville
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Brownsville, TX
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19565489300
Visit websiteLincoln Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Brownsville, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+19569974875
Visit websiteGet Air Trampoline Park
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
Brownsville, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+19564293782
Visit websiteTony Gonzalez Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Brownsville, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19565416202
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 1.4 and 275.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 69E North, US 77 North, US 83 North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 69E North, US 77 North, US 83 North
8
264.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 410, TX 130, US 281 South
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 133
Toward I 410, TX 130, US 281 South
8
265.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 410 North, TX 130 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 410 North, TX 130 North
8
272.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 10m in
|
TX 130
Take the exit onto TX 130 toward I 10, US 90, TX 130: San Antonio, Houston
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 33
Toward I 10, US 90, TX 130: San Antonio, Housto...
7
275.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 14m in
Take the exit toward FM 1516: Converse
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 585
Toward FM 1516: Converse
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.32 one way
$84.64 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $46.82 | $93.65 |
| premium | $4.57 | $50.66 | $101.33 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $69.65 | $139.31 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.6 | 1 | $29.60 | $13.53 |
| Efficient EV | 70.5 | 0 | $24.67 | $11.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 112.8 | 1 | $39.47 | $18.04 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Origin
Brownsville, TX
Late night in Brownsville on Sunday
Local time
5:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
N 6 to 12 mph
22% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Converse, TX
Late night in Converse on Sunday
Local time
5:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Sunny
ENE 5 mph
1% chance
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
5 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 25m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 262.4
View on nps.gov
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto. The battle was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. Although the two countries have deve...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 9.7
View on nps.gov
Padre Island National Seashore
National Seashore
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$25
near mile 87.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route features 83% highway driving, meaning you'll spend the majority of your time on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 115.2 miles on US 281. Expect to transition from highway speeds to surface streets, like Nueces Street, as you approach your destination. The profile is mostly highway, so anticipate consistent travel speeds for most of the trip.
83% 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: 115.2 mi on US 281.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 281 and U.S. Highway 77. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 22 significant decision points across 281.9 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 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 264.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 265.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
719 ft
26 ft
Total Climb
887 ft
Total Descent
204 ft
Highest Point
719 ft
~281.9 mi in
Elevation Range
693 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Brownsville, TX
Full guide →Founded 1849
Located at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville is a popular location for Mexican and American beach tourists. It is part of the Rio Grande Valley, a four-county region known for its abundance in citrus fruit production and Winter Texan population. The city features a combination of different climate regimes: Gulf Coast plains and the Great Plains. There is a lot to do in this city: historical museums, art galleries, beaches, birding locations and natural wildlife refuges. As Brownsville is a border town, its culture is predominantly Hispanic.
Top landmarks
- • USS Cabot — 1943 Independence-class aircraft carrier
- • Fort Brown — former US Amy post in Texas
- • Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park — historic site in Brownsville (vicinity), Cameron County, Texas
Arriving in Converse, TX
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 25m. Total distance: 281.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 115.2 miles on US 281. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 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 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 Converse, 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. There are 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 264.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 265.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park and Padre Island National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Converse, TX before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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