Origin
Hackberry, TX
Late night in Hackberry on Tuesday
Local time
3:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hackberry, 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
5h 32m
Distance
304.2 mi
490 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 19m
★
6 AM
5h 32m
8 AM
5h 59m
10 AM
5h 42m
12 PM
5h 39m
3 PM
5h 43m
5 PM
5h 58m
8 PM
5h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hackberry, TX
Wikimedia Commons
San Antonio, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 304.2-mile drive from Hackberry, TX to San Antonio, TX is manageable as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 5 hours and 32 minutes. You'll spend about 57% of your time on highways, navigating primarily via the Purple Heart Trail and I 35. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $46, making it a budget-friendly option. As both your origin and destination are within the Great Plains region of Texas, you can expect a consistent driving landscape. This route offers a mixed drive, so plan for a single, straightforward trip rather than needing an overnight stop.
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
152.1 miles from Hackberry, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 99.6 mi | 1h 46m |
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 89.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| I 35 | 55.8 mi | 58m |
| Dallas North Tollway | 24.2 mi | 27m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 17 mi | 20m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Main Street | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| North Stemmons Freeway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 99.6 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hackberry, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on Price Circle
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Price Circle
2
Turn right onto King Road
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
King Road
3
Continue on Main Street
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Main Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto Dallas Parkway
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Dallas Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Toward DNT Toll South
6
Merge onto DNT
24 mi
·
27 min
·
Dallas North Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 35E South
Use the right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
329 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 35E South
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
North Stemmons Freeway
10
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 35E South
11
Merge onto I 35E
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
13
Continue on I 35E
89 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426
Toward Dallas Zoo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi
·
58 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi
·
54 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Use the slight left lane.
18
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Use the slight left lane.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
24
Turn straight onto East Elmira Street
526 ft
·
17 sec
·
East Elmira Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
25
Turn left onto North Main Avenue
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street
159 ft
·
3 sec
·
Navarro Street
27
Continue on Navarro Street
111 ft
·
2 sec
·
Navarro Street
28
Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
North Main Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
29
Turn right onto West Travis Street
222 ft
·
10 sec
·
West Travis Street
30
Turn left onto North Flores Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
North Flores Street
31
Continue on Military Plaza
392 ft
·
15 sec
·
Military Plaza
32
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft
·
8 sec
·
Dolorosa Street
33
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of 5 hours and 32 minutes, this 304.2-mile drive is best tackled in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Hackberry to maximize your daylight hours and arrive in San Antonio with time to spare. Since the longest stretch is 99.6 miles, plan for one significant stop around the halfway point for fuel and a break. The estimated fuel cost of $46 is relatively low, but it’s always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches on the Purple Heart Trail.
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 152.1 miles from Hackberry, TX, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.6 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 67 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 152.1 miles or 2h 45m 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 29m
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 Hackberry, 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 Hackberry, TX
This is one driving day of about 304.2 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Hackberry, 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 99.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
152 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 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 152.1 miles from Hackberry, 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 99.6 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 215 decision points cluster between mile 29.9 and 303 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
29.9 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 35E South
7
30.3 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E South
8
222.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
8
302.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 28m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
303 mi into trip
|
~5h 29m in
Take the exit toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
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 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.97 one way
$91.93 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
106 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $50.31 | $100.63 |
| premium | $4.54 | $54.31 | $108.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $67.16 | $134.33 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.94
Dallas North Tollway
(24.2 mi)
$1.94
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
$46
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 106.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 91.3 | 1 | $31.94 | $14.60 |
| Efficient EV | 76.1 | 0 | $26.62 | $12.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 121.7 | 1 | $42.59 | $19.47 |
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
36 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.
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Late night in San Antonio on Tuesday
Local time
3:08 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
5 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 32m 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?
Expect a mixed driving experience on this 304.2-mile trip. While 57% of the route involves highway travel, including stretches on the Purple Heart Trail and I 35, you'll also encounter other road types. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 99.6 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, so be prepared for extended periods of driving before needing to stop. The profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' suggesting a blend of faster highway sections and potentially slower local roads as you progress towards San Antonio.
57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.6 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.9 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 21 significant decision points across 304.2 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 29.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 30.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 222.7 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
817 ft
522 ft
Total Climb
694 ft
Total Descent
595 ft
Highest Point
817 ft
~282.5 mi in
Elevation Range
295 ft
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 Hackberry, TX to San Antonio, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas Zoo along the way.
Dallas Zoo
33 mi in
|
~42m
|
via I 35E
About the Cities
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 5h 32m. Total distance: 304.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.6 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.94 in tolls one way, starting with Dallas North 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.
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 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 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 29.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 30.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 222.7 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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