Irving, TX to Hidalgo, TX is 533.8 miles and takes about 9h 21m via TX 130 Toll, South R L Thornton Freeway, and South Nueces Street, with a fuel budget near $73 and an overnight stay recommended. This trip takes you from the Great Plains region of Texas down to the southern tip of the state. Given the 9+ hour drive time, it's best to break this up over two days to avoid fatigue. You'll encounter a mix of toll roads and freeways, making it a straightforward, long-haul route for getting from point A to point B.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
266.9 miles from Irving, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 32m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,987 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,782
Quietest
2 AM
~483 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 Irving, TX and Hidalgo, TX.
1
Start on North Ohio Street
436 ft·24 sec·North Ohio Street
2
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
0.7 mi·1 min·West 2nd Street
3
Turn straight onto TX 356
0.9 mi·1 min·East Irving Boulevard
4
Turn slight right
393 ft·17 sec
5
Turn slight right onto South Loop 12
187 ft·3 sec·South Loop 12
6
Take the ramp
410 ft·10 sec
Toward Loop 12 South
7
Merge onto Loop 12
5.3 mi·5 min·South Walton Walker Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto Loop 12
1.4 mi·1 min·South Walton Walker Boulevard
Toward Loop 12 SouthUse the slight left lane.
9
Turn slight right onto Duncanville Road
3.2 mi·6 min·Duncanville Road
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left onto West Interstate 20
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Interstate 20
Use the left lane.
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 20 East
12
Merge onto I 20
4.6 mi·4 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·44 sec
Exit 467BToward I 35E South: WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 35E
81 mi·1 hr 22 min·South R L Thornton Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi·7 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
26 mi·26 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.7 mi·55 sec
Exit 265Toward TX 130 Toll South: San AntonioUse the slight right lane.
19
Continue on TX 130 Toll
86 mi·1 hr 19 min·TX 130 Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 West: San AntonioUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 10; TX 130
11 mi·11 min·I 10; TX 130
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 10; US 90; TX 130
9.4 mi·9 min·I 10; US 90; TX 130
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10; US 90; TX 130
12 mi·12 min·I 10; US 90; TX 130
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 410
1.4 mi·1 min·Connally Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 410; TX 130
6.7 mi·7 min·Connally Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 41Toward I 37, US 281 North: San Antonio, Corpus ChristiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 37 South: Corpus ChristiUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto I 37
60 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 37
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit onto US 281 South
15 mi·19 min·US 281 South
Toward US 281 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
66 mi·1 hr 10 min·South Nueces Street
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69C; US 281
9.5 mi·10 min·I 69C; US 281
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69C; US 281
56 mi·58 min·Falfurrias Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69C; US 281
18 mi·18 min·I 69C; US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 281 South, TX 495: Pharr
35
Merge onto I 2; US 83
3.8 mi·4 min·I 2; US 83
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 141 AToward Spur 115: 23rd StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn straight onto Oakland Avenue
0.1 mi·20 sec·Oakland Avenue
38
Turn left onto Spur 115
4.5 mi·6 min·South 23rd Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
39
Continue on Spur 115
2.0 mi·3 min·International Boulevard
40
Turn left onto West Esperanza Avenue
0.2 mi·38 sec·West Esperanza Avenue
41
Turn right onto South Bridge Street
37 ft·1 sec·South Bridge Street
42
Arrive at destination
South Bridge Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of over nine hours, this route is best split into two days. Aim to leave early in the morning on your first day to make significant progress, perhaps covering around 250-300 miles. Plan for at least two stops for fuel and rest, as recommended. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 86.1 miles on TX 130 Toll, so keep that in mind for your fuel planning. Consider staying overnight around the halfway point to ensure a more relaxed second day of driving.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 266.9 miles from Irving, TX, or about 4h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.1 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 117 miles or 2h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 266.9 miles or 4h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 266.9 miles or 4h 32m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hidalgo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Irving, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Irving, TX
Aim for roughly 267 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Hidalgo, TX
Aim for roughly 267 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 117 miles from Irving, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on TX 130 Toll for about 86.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.2 and 296.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
7.2 mi into trip|~9m in|Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard
Keep slight left at fork onto Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard toward Loop 12 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Loop 12 South
7
16.8 mi into trip|~23m in
Take the exit toward I 35E South: Waco
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 467B
Toward I 35E South: Waco
7
168.8 mi into trip|~3h in
Take the exit toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 265
Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
7
255.5 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 10 West: San Antonio
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: San Antonio
8
296.8 mi into trip|~5h 3m in
Take the exit toward I 37, US 281 North: San Antonio, Corpus Christi
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.
Exit 41
Toward I 37, US 281 North: San Antonio, Corpus...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$73.11 one way
$146.23 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg187 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$81.67
$163.33
premium
$4.23
$88.79
$177.58
diesel
$4.80
$100.79
$201.58
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$73
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$203–$313
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 186.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $56 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
160.1
1
$56.05
$25.62
Efficient EV
133.5
1
$46.71
$21.35
EV Truck/SUV
213.5
2
$74.73
$34.16
Gas CO2
187 kg
EV CO2
62 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.
Forecast as of Jul 15, 2026
Origin
Irving, TX
Late night
in Irving on Sunday
Local time
1:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 0 to 10 mph32% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 15 at 7:28AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 15 at 7:20AM CDT until July 15 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Hidalgo, TX
Late night
in Hidalgo on Sunday
Local time
1:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
96°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 12 to 16 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 15 at 7:28AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 15 at 7:20AM CDT until July 15 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
6 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
9h 21m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 294.5
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily on highways, with 75% of the route utilizing major roads. You'll experience an 86.1-mile stretch on TX 130 Toll, which is the longest continuous segment. After this, expect a transition to surface streets, particularly as you approach your destination. The frequent exits on the freeway sections mean you'll be navigating a lot of interchanges, especially in more urban areas.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.1 mi on TX 130 Toll.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 130 Toll and South R L Thornton Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.2 miles in near Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard.
Driving Effort10/10
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 31 significant decision points across 533.8 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 7.2 miles (Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 168.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
690 ft73 ft
Total Climb
481 ft
Total Descent
861 ft
Highest Point
690 ft
~152.5 mi in
Elevation Range
617 ft
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 Irving, TX to Hidalgo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Corpus Christi along the way.
Irving is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Irving has experienced exponential growth over the past fifty years, and is home to a multitude of attractions of all types, from modern art to major sporting events. Founded in 1902 out of the remnants of the small community of Kit, Irving is now a bustling city of approximately 197,000 residents.
Rather like Dallas, it is divided into a highly affluent northern half and less affluent but highly diverse southern half. It is bounded to the east by the northern fork (Elm Fork) of the Trinity River and to the northwest by the sprawling D/FW International Airport.
Top landmarks
•Ruth Paine Home — house in Irving, Texas, United States
The longest stretch is about 86.1 miles on TX 130 Toll. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 267 miles on day one.
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 Hidalgo, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.2 miles (Loop 12 / South Walton Walker Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 168.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.4 hours each way, a round trip means 18.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hidalgo, TX before the return drive.
