Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Castroville, TX to Fort Worth, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 10m
Distance
288.4 mi
464 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 57m
★
6 AM
5h 11m
8 AM
5h 38m
10 AM
5h 20m
12 PM
5h 17m
3 PM
5h 22m
5 PM
5h 36m
8 PM
5h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Castroville, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 288.4-mile journey from Castroville, TX, to Fort Worth, TX, a trip that will take approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes. Primarily following the Purple Heart Trail and I-35W, with a portion on Connally Loop, this drive offers a turn-heavy local feel for about 73% of its length. You can comfortably complete this route in a single day, making it ideal for a focused road trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $44, it's an economical option for exploring the Great Plains region of Texas. This drive is best suited for those who prefer a mix of varied road types over a pure highway experience.
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
144.2 miles from Castroville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 188.3 mi | 3h 18m |
| I 35W | 49.2 mi | 51m |
| Connally Loop | 19.8 mi | 22m |
| US Highway 90 West | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 6.8 mi | 7m |
| South Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Cleto Rodriguez Freeway | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| Interstate Highway 35 | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 188.3 mi, about 3h 18m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 108 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,524 veh/hr typical · worst 4,208
Quietest
2 AM
~595 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Castroville, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
1
Start on Paris Street
84 ft
·
9 sec
·
Paris Street
2
Turn left onto Angelo Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Angelo Street
3
Turn left onto US 90
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US Highway 90 West
4
Continue on US 90
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Cleto Rodriguez Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 410 North, TX 16 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 410; TX 16
20 mi
·
22 min
·
Connally Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 35 North: Austin
8
Merge onto I 35
6.8 mi
·
7 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 35
48 mi
·
52 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35; US 290
96 mi
·
1 hr 40 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 35; US 77
33 mi
·
33 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W
49 mi
·
51 min
·
I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth
Use the slight left lane.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 49A
Toward Allen Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto South Freeway
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
South Freeway
18
Turn left onto East Allen Avenue
210 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Allen Avenue
19
Turn left onto South Freeway
258 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Freeway
20
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
Plan to depart early to maximize your daylight hours for this 5-hour, 10-minute drive, especially given its turn-heavy nature. While only one stop is factored into the estimated duration, consider building in flexibility for spontaneous breaks or to navigate the numerous turns. Keep a close eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch on the Purple Heart Trail is 188.3 miles, and service availability might vary. The estimated fuel cost is around $44, so budgeting for this is straightforward. Given the route's character, staying alert and utilizing GPS will be key to a smooth arrival in Fort Worth.
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 144.2 miles from Castroville, TX, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 188.3 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 63 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.2 miles or 2h 39m 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 Fort Worth, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Castroville, 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 Castroville, TX
This is one driving day of about 288.4 miles and 5h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Castroville, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 188.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
144 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 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 144.2 miles from Castroville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 188.3 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.
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Ascent Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Marlstone Retail Center
0.4 mi from route
Castroville Regional Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Castroville, Texas
Hours: 8 am–9 pm
+18309310033
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Early stretch
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteForest Park Miniature Railroad
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18179665509
Visit websiteDoris D Miller Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Waco, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteBotanical Gates of Paradise
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Denman Estate Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+12102077275
Visit websiteO. P. Schnabel Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
First break
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 5 am–11 pm
+12102077275
Visit websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 13.7 and 288 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
13.7 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Take the exit toward I 410 North, TX 16 North
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 I 410 North, TX 16 North
5
15 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
I 410; TX 16 / Connally Loop
Merge onto I 410; TX 16 / Connally Loop
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
103.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
238.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 17m in
|
I 35W
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth
7
288 mi into trip
|
~5h 9m in
Take the exit toward Allen Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49A
Toward Allen Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.50 one way
$79.00 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
101 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $44.12 | $88.25 |
| premium | $4.23 | $47.97 | $95.94 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $54.46 | $108.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 86.5 | 1 | $30.28 | $13.84 |
| Efficient EV | 72.1 | 0 | $25.24 | $11.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 115.4 | 1 | $40.38 | $18.46 |
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Origin
Castroville, TX
Afternoon in Castroville on Monday
Local time
4:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 10 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:13PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:12PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Destination
Fort Worth, TX
Afternoon in Fort Worth on Monday
Local time
4:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 to 15 mph
3% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:13PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:12PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
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
1 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
5h 10m 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.
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
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 208.9
View on nps.gov
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 29.8
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 presents a dynamic driving experience, characterized by frequent turns and a significant portion of local road travel. With only 27% of the journey on highways, expect a more engaging drive than a straightforward interstate cruise. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 188.3 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, offering a substantial segment before the road character shifts. The profile suggests a 'turn-heavy local drive,' indicating a need for attentive navigation and a pace that accommodates varied road conditions and community access points as you transition across Texas.
Only 27% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 188.3 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 288.4 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 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15 miles (I 410; TX 16 / Connally Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.5 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
904 ft
434 ft
Total Climb
999 ft
Total Descent
1,108 ft
Highest Point
904 ft
~144.2 mi in
Elevation Range
469 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Castroville, TX
Full guide →Founded 1844
Castroville is a city in the South Texas Plains. Castroville is known as the Little Alsace of Texas, because its founder brought in a large group of settlers from Alsace in the 1840s.
Top landmarks
- • Landmark Inn State Historic Site — historic place in Castroville, Medina County, Texas
- • Castroville Historic District — historic district in Castroville, Medina County, Texas
Arriving in Fort Worth, TX
Full guide →“Panther city” · Founded 1849
Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.
Top landmarks
- • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
- • St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, Texas
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 10m. Total distance: 288.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 188.3 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Fort Worth, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15 miles (I 410; TX 16 / Connally Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.5 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Worth, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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