Concho County Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Denver City, TX to San Antonio, 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
7h 18m
Distance
408.2 mi
657 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$62
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 8m
★
6 AM
7h 18m
8 AM
7h 39m
10 AM
7h 26m
12 PM
7h 24m
3 PM
7h 27m
5 PM
7h 38m
8 PM
7h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Denver City, TX
Wikimedia Commons
San Antonio, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Denver City, TX to San Antonio, TX is 408.2 miles and takes about 7h 18m via US 87 and I 10, with a fuel budget near $62 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This mostly highway route will take you from the Great Plains region of Texas down into a different part of the Great Plains as you head south. With a single day recommended for this drive, you'll want to get an early start to make the most of daylight. Plan for a straightforward trip with a substantial portion on major roadways.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
204.1 miles from Denver City, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 87 | 72.2 mi | 1h 17m |
| I 10 | 71.7 mi | 1h 14m |
| William B Crooker Memorial Highway | 52.1 mi | 52m |
| US 83 | 40 mi | 38m |
| West Avenue A | 39 mi | 44m |
| Ellis Street | 29.4 mi | 31m |
| South Main Street | 21.5 mi | 23m |
| TX 83 | 20.3 mi | 30m |
Longest stretch:
US 87
— 72.2 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denver City, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on North Main Avenue
58 ft
·
9 sec
·
North Main Avenue
2
Turn left onto TX 83
0.6 mi
·
54 sec
·
East Broadway Street
3
Turn right onto TX 83; TX 214
20 mi
·
30 min
·
TX 83; TX 214
4
Continue on US 62; US 180
39 mi
·
44 min
·
West Avenue A
5
Continue on US 180
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Seminole Road
6
Continue on US 180
0.7 mi
·
55 sec
·
North 4th Street
7
Turn right onto US 87; US 180
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
North Lynn Avenue
8
Continue on US 87; US 180
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Dallas Avenue
9
Continue on US 87; US 180
18 mi
·
18 min
·
South US Highway 87
10
Continue on US 87
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
William Crooker Highway
11
Continue on US 87
18 mi
·
18 min
·
North US Highway 87
12
Continue on US 87
52 mi
·
52 min
·
William B Crooker Memorial Highway
13
Continue on US 87; TX 158; TX 163
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
4th Street
14
Continue on US 87
15 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 87 South
15
Continue on US 87
72 mi
·
1 hr 17 min
·
US 87
16
Turn right onto US 83
21 mi
·
23 min
·
South Main Street
17
Continue on US 83
29 mi
·
31 min
·
Ellis Street
18
Take the exit onto US 83
40 mi
·
38 min
·
US 83
Toward I 10 East: San Antonio
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on I 10
54 mi
·
54 min
·
I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
17 mi
·
19 min
·
I 10; US 87
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
McDermott Freeway
22
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 569C
Toward Santa Rosa Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
23
Turn straight onto North Pecos-La Trinidad
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
North Pecos-La Trinidad
24
Keep slight right at fork onto North Pecos-La Trinidad
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Pecos-La Trinidad
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
Dolorosa Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
To comfortably complete this 7h 18m drive in one day, aim to depart Denver City, TX shortly after sunrise. With 2 planned stops, you can break up the 408.2 miles into manageable segments. The longest stretch without services is 72.2 miles on US 87, so ensure your fuel tank is adequately filled before embarking on that portion. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach San Antonio, as highway fuel prices can vary.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 204.1 miles from Denver City, TX, or about 3h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.2 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 90 miles or 1h 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 204.1 miles or 3h 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 6h 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Antonio, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Denver City, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Denver City, TX
This is one driving day of about 408.2 miles and 7h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from Denver City, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 87 for about 72.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
204 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 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 204.1 miles from Denver City, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.2 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.
Scenic View
0 mi from route
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
US-87 Knotts Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Coke County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Kerr County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Kerr County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.7 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.7 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.7 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.7 mi from route
TA
1.9 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.5 mi from route
Spanish Governor's Palace
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.1 mi from route
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12102077527
Visit websiteGO RIO San Antonio River Cruises
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+12102274746
Visit websiteSan Antonio | The Saga
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0 mi from route
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9–9:30 pm
+12102259800
Visit websiteHemisfair
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 5 am–12 pm
+12107094750
Visit websiteSan Antonio Fire Museum
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–3:30 pm
+12103907236
Visit websiteThe Amazing Mirror Maze
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm
+12102242288
Visit websiteSEA LIFE San Antonio
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+12106101160
Visit websiteSan Antonio River Lock & Dam
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
+12102271373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 293.2 and 407.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
293.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m in
|
US 83
Take the exit onto US 83 toward I 10 East: San Antonio
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 10 East: San Antonio
6
387.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 53m in
|
I 10; US 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
406.5 mi into trip
|
~7h 14m in
Take the exit toward Santa Rosa Street, Downtown
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 569C
Toward Santa Rosa Street, Downtown
6
407.1 mi into trip
|
~7h 16m in
|
North Pecos-La Trinidad
Keep slight right at fork onto North Pecos-La Trinidad
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
407.7 mi into trip
|
~7h 17m in
|
Dolorosa Street
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.68 one way
$123.36 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
143 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $67.51 | $135.03 |
| premium | $4.54 | $72.88 | $145.76 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $90.13 | $180.25 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$62
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 142.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 122.5 | 1 | $42.86 | $19.59 |
| Efficient EV | 102.1 | 1 | $35.72 | $16.33 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 163.3 | 2 | $57.15 | $26.12 |
Gas CO2
143 kg
EV CO2
48 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
Denver City, TX
Morning in Denver City on Tuesday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Morning in San Antonio on Tuesday
Local time
6:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°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
12 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
7h 18m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 408.2
View on nps.gov
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 366
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
About 63% of this 408.2-mile drive is on highways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 72.2 miles on US 87 before transitioning to other roads. Expect a predominantly highway experience, interspersed with sections on surface roads as you make your way south. The frequent exits and merges typical of interstate travel will be a noticeable part of your driving experience.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.2 mi on US 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 87 and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 293.2 miles in near US 83.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 408.2 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 293.2 miles (US 83): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 387.4 miles (I 10; US 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 406.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Starting in Denver City, TX
Full guide →Arriving in San Antonio, TX
Full guide →Founded 1718
San Antonio is the second largest city in the state of Texas and the 7th largest in the United States. It's the 24th largest metropolitan area in the country. Visited by more than 31 million annual visitors, San Antonio is a beautiful city at the axis of three different geological terrains: Hill Country, South Texas Plains and Prairie and Lakes. There's a lot to do in this city: fine art museums, historical missions and plenty of amusement parks in addition to great dining and lots of drinking. The culture and people are vibrant and interesting. San Antonio's downtown is one of the most lively in the nation.
Top landmarks
- • Alamo Mission in San Antonio — historic place in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
- • San Antonio Missions National Historical Park — historic district in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
- • Fort Sam Houston — military base in San Antonio, 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 7h 18m. Total distance: 408.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 18m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 72.2 miles on US 87. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 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 San Antonio, 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 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 293.2 miles (US 83): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 387.4 miles (I 10; US 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 406.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at San Antonio, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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