Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Deer Park, TX to Killeen, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 16m
Distance
219.3 mi
353 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 4m
★
6 AM
4h 17m
8 AM
4h 43m
10 AM
4h 26m
12 PM
4h 24m
3 PM
4h 28m
5 PM
4h 42m
8 PM
4h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Deer Park, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Killeen, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Deer Park to Killeen is 219.3 miles and takes about 4h 16m via TX 6 and Aggie Expressway, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a single-day, highway-focused drive that keeps you within the Great Plains region for its entirety. You'll primarily be on Texas state highways and expressways, making it a straightforward trip. Given its manageable length, this route is ideal for a quick transition between East Texas and Central Texas.
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
109.6 miles from Deer Park, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| TX 6 | 49.8 mi | 53m |
| 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 |
| East Sam Houston Tollway North | 13 mi | 15m |
| North Sam Houston Parkway East | 8.7 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
TX 6
— 49.8 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deer Park, TX and Killeen, TX.
1
Start on Center Street
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
Center Street
Use the straight lane.
2
Turn left onto Highway 225
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
Highway 225
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward TX 225 West
4
Merge onto TX 225
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
La Porte Freeway
5
Take the exit
499 ft
·
12 sec
Toward BW 8 South, SHT: Sam Houston Tollway
Use the slight right lane.
6
Continue on Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
7
Turn slight right
259 ft
·
11 sec
Toward SHT
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Turn straight onto BW 8
310 ft
·
6 sec
·
East Sam Houston Parkway South
Toward SHT North
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward SHT North
10
Merge onto SHT
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
East Sam Houston Tollway South
11
Continue on BW 8
4.6 mi
·
5 min
·
East Sam Houston Parkway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on SHT
13 mi
·
15 min
·
East Sam Houston Tollway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on BW 8
8.7 mi
·
10 min
·
North Sam Houston Parkway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on SHT
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway West
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward TX 249 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto BW 8
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Sam Houston Parkway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto Tomball Parkway Frontage Road
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
Tomball Parkway Frontage Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the ramp onto Tomball Parkway Frontage Road
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Tomball Parkway Frontage Road
Toward TX 249 North
Use the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto TX 249
7.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Tomball Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on TBT
7.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on TX 249 Toll
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on TX 249 Toll
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on TX 105
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 105
25
Turn right onto TX 105
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
State Highway 6
26
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
27
Merge onto TX 6
50 mi
·
53 min
·
TX 6
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 6
5.8 mi
·
5 min
·
North State Highway 6
29
Continue on TX 6
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
30
Turn left onto FM 979
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Browning Street
31
Continue on FM 979
15 mi
·
19 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 979
32
At end of road, turn right onto FM 485
20 mi
·
25 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 485
33
At end of road, turn left onto TX 53
13 mi
·
16 min
·
TX 53
34
Turn left onto North General Bruce Drive
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
North General Bruce Drive
35
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35 South
36
Merge onto I 35
7.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight right at fork onto I 14; US 190
13 mi
·
13 min
·
Central Texas Expressway
Toward US 190 West: Killeen, Fort Cavazos
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 287
Toward FM 3470: Rosewood Drive, Stan Schlueter Loop
Use the slight right lane.
39
Turn straight onto West Central Texas Expressway
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Central Texas Expressway
40
Turn right onto South W.S. Young Drive
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South W.S. Young Drive
41
Turn left onto US 190 Bus
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
42
Turn right
83 ft
·
8 sec
43
Turn right
74 ft
·
5 sec
44
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Deer Park to avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a duration under five hours, flexibility is key. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major town could be up to 49.8 miles on TX 6, so ensure you're fueled up before that segment. The $33 fuel estimate is based on average prices, so adjust for current conditions.
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 109.6 miles from Deer Park, TX, or about 2h 7m 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 48 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.6 miles or 2h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 29m
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 Deer Park, 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 Deer Park, TX
This is one driving day of about 219.3 miles and 4h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Deer Park, 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.6 miles from Deer Park, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.7 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.9 mi from route
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+12814562800
Visit websiteGreat Escape of Central Texas
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Killeen, Texas
Hours: 3:30–9:30 pm
+12546802686
Visit websiteLions Club Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Killeen, Texas
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
+12545016390
Visit websiteCultural Activities Center
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.8 mi from route
~12 min detour
Temple, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm
+12547739926
Visit websiteLakewood Crossing Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~12 min detour
Early stretch
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 305 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 213.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.6 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the exit toward BW 8 South, SHT: Sam Houston Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward BW 8 South, SHT: Sam Houston Tollway
6
36.2 mi into trip
|
~44m in
Take the exit toward TX 249 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 249 South
6
37.6 mi into trip
|
~46m in
|
Tomball Parkway Frontage Road
Take the ramp onto Tomball Parkway Frontage Road toward TX 249 North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward TX 249 North
8
200.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m 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
213.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 8m 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
$33.14 one way
$66.27 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $36.27 | $72.54 |
| premium | $4.54 | $39.15 | $78.31 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $48.42 | $96.84 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.40
Sam Houston Tollway
(20.4 mi)
$1.64
Tomball Tollway
(7.3 mi)
$0.51
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
$33
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.8 | 0 | $23.03 | $10.53 |
| Efficient EV | 54.8 | 0 | $19.19 | $8.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.7 | 1 | $30.70 | $14.04 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Deer Park, TX
Morning in Deer Park on Tuesday
Local time
6:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Killeen, TX
Morning in Killeen on Tuesday
Local time
6:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°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
2 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
4h 16m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route leans heavily into highway driving, with 63% of the journey on faster roads. Expect a consistent pace for much of the trip, especially during the longest stretch of 49.8 miles on TX 6. The drive transitions from the Aggie Expressway to Farm-to-Market Road 485, offering a varied but still predominantly highway experience. While not a demanding drive, the focus remains on covering ground efficiently.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 6 and Aggie Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 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 30 significant decision points across 219.3 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 1.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.6 miles (Tomball Parkway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Deer Park, TX to Killeen, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Cavazos along the way.
Fort Cavazos
200.7 mi in
|
~3h 55m
|
via I 14; US 190
About the Cities
Starting in Deer Park, TX
Full guide →Founded 1948
Arriving in Killeen, TX
Full guide →Founded 1872
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.
Top landmarks
- • Killeen High School — historic place in Killeen, Bell County, 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 4h 16m. Total distance: 219.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 $2.40 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston 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.
Yes — we found about 7 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 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. There are 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.6 miles (Tomball Parkway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Killeen, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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