Origin
Falfurrias, TX
Late night in Falfurrias on Tuesday
Local time
5:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
96°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Falfurrias, TX to Houston, 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
5h 24m
Distance
274.3 mi
442 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 11m
★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 51m
10 AM
5h 34m
12 PM
5h 31m
3 PM
5h 35m
5 PM
5h 50m
8 PM
5h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Falfurrias, TX
Thomas balabaud
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Falfurrias to Houston is 274.3 miles and takes about 5h 24m via US Highway 59 South, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, primarily on highways. You'll be covering a good stretch of Texas, mostly on a well-traveled corridor. Given the relatively short duration and single day recommendation, this route is best suited for those looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without a significant time commitment.
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
137.2 miles from Falfurrias, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 59 South | 88.6 mi | 1h 38m |
| US 77 | 37.6 mi | 44m |
| United States Highway 77 | 33 mi | 37m |
| Southwest Freeway | 32.6 mi | 37m |
| East Main Street | 26.2 mi | 30m |
| I 69C | 25.2 mi | 28m |
| Falfurrias Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| U.S. Highway 77 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 59 South
— 88.6 mi, about 1h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Falfurrias, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on US 281 Business
93 ft
·
9 sec
·
North Saint Mary's Street
2
Turn left onto TX 285
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
East Rice Street
3
Turn left onto North US Highway 281
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
North US Highway 281
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
5
Merge onto I 69C; US 281
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Falfurrias Expressway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281
25 mi
·
28 min
·
I 69C; US 281
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
8
Continue on US 281 Business
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
US 281 Business
9
Turn right onto FM 1352
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Cecilia Street
10
Turn left onto FM 665
345 ft
·
7 sec
·
Old Kingsville Road
11
Turn slight right onto FM 665
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Cameron Street
12
Turn right onto TX 44; TX 359
452 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Front Street
13
Continue on TX 44; TX 359
26 mi
·
30 min
·
East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit onto TX 44
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 44
15
Turn left onto North US Highway 77
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North US Highway 77
Use the left lane.
16
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward County Road 44
17
Merge onto I 69E; US 77
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
18
Merge onto I 37; US 77; I 69E
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 37; US 77; I 69E
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
50 sec
20
Continue on I 37; US 77; I 69E
463 ft
·
5 sec
·
I 37; US 77; I 69E
21
Take the exit onto US 77
38 mi
·
44 min
·
US 77
Toward Sinton, Victoria
22
Turn slight right onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
United States Highway 77
23
Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 91
24
Merge onto US 59
89 mi
·
1 hr 38 min
·
US Highway 59 South
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
26
Continue on 59 Northbound Frontage Road
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
59 Northbound Frontage Road
27
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
this road
28
Continue on US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
29
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
30
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 69 North, US 59 North
31
Merge onto I 69; US 59
33 mi
·
37 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street
Use the slight left lane.
33
Take the exit
155 ft
·
3 sec
Toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on Louisiana Street
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
35
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, departing in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to reach Houston comfortably. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it a brief refuel or a slightly longer break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $41 for the 274.3 miles. The longest continuous stretch is nearly 89 miles, so plan your stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel you need a break. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility if you encounter unexpected delays.
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 137.2 miles from Falfurrias, TX, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.6 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 60 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.2 miles or 2h 42m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Falfurrias, 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 Falfurrias, TX
This is one driving day of about 274.3 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Falfurrias, 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 Highway 59 South for about 88.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
137 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 137.2 miles from Falfurrias, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 59 South if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 64.2 and 272.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
64.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m in
|
North US Highway 77
Turn left onto North US Highway 77
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
72.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
US 77
Take the exit onto US 77 toward Sinton, Victoria
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Sinton, Victoria
5
238.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 40m in
|
I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway
Merge onto I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
271.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana...
7
272.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 19m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
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 Downtown, Louisiana Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.45 one way
$82.89 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
96 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $45.37 | $90.73 |
| premium | $4.54 | $48.97 | $97.95 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $60.56 | $121.12 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 82.3 | 1 | $28.80 | $13.17 |
| Efficient EV | 68.6 | 0 | $24.00 | $10.97 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 109.7 | 1 | $38.40 | $17.56 |
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Destination
Houston, TX
Late night in Houston on Tuesday
Local time
5:27 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
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
5h 24m 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 is predominantly highway driving, with 87% of the miles on major roads. You'll experience an 88.6-mile stretch on US Highway 59 South before encountering more varied road types. Expect a generally consistent cruising experience, with the transition to non-highway driving occurring gradually. The high percentage of highway miles means fewer turns and more direct travel.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.6 mi on US Highway 59 South.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 South and US 77. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 64.2 miles in near North US Highway 77.
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 274.3 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 64.2 miles (North US Highway 77): Lane positioning matters here; at 72.4 miles (US 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.9 miles (I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.
Between Falfurrias, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward County Road 44, Sinton and Victoria.
County Road 44
65.2 mi in
|
~1h 19m
Sinton
72.4 mi in
|
~1h 26m
|
via US 77
Victoria
72.4 mi in
|
~1h 26m
|
via US 77
About the Cities
Starting in Falfurrias, TX
Full guide →Founded 1895
Arriving in Houston, TX
Full guide →“Space City” · Founded 1836
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered.
Top landmarks
- • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
- • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
- • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris 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 5h 24m. Total distance: 274.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.6 miles on US Highway 59 South. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Houston, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 64.2 miles (North US Highway 77): Lane positioning matters here; at 72.4 miles (US 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.9 miles (I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Houston, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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