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Trip from Irving, TX to Kerrville, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 35m

Distance

289.7 mi

466 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 22m ★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 45m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 1m
8 PM
5h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Texas, United States

Kerrville, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 289.7-mile drive from Irving, TX, to Kerrville, TX, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 35 minutes. With 77% of the route on highways, it's a practical option for a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. The estimated fuel cost is around $44, making it an economical choice. You'll primarily be navigating on South R L Thornton Freeway and South US Highway 281 as you travel south through the Great Plains region of Texas. This route offers a direct path, allowing you to get to your destination efficiently.

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

144.8 miles from Irving, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
South R L Thornton Freeway 80.5 mi 1h 22m
Purple Heart Trail 37.9 mi 39m
South US Highway 281 33.5 mi 40m
West US Highway 290 27.2 mi 30m
FM 2843 14.6 mi 18m
South State Highway 16 14.2 mi 15m
East RM 243 12.1 mi 15m
West State Highway 29 9 mi 10m
Longest stretch: South R L Thornton Freeway — 80.5 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Irving, TX and Kerrville, 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 South Use 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 467B Toward I 35E South: Waco Use 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

8.9 mi · 8 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 283 Toward FM 2268, FM 2843: Holland, Florence Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn straight onto South Robertson Road

0.1 mi · 11 sec · South Robertson Road
20

Continue on South I-35 Frontage Road

0.6 mi · 53 sec · South I-35 Frontage Road
21

Turn slight right onto FM 2843

15 mi · 18 min · FM 2843
22

At end of road, turn right onto FM 487

2.4 mi · 3 min · FM 487
23

Continue on FM 487

0.1 mi · 14 sec · East Main Street
24

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward TX 195 North
25

Merge onto TX 195

0.3 mi · 17 sec · TX 195
26

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward TX 138: Lampasas Use the slight right lane.
27

Turn left onto TX 138

6.9 mi · 8 min · State Highway 138
28

At end of road, turn right onto US 183

0.2 mi · 17 sec · North US Highway 183
29

Turn left onto RM 243

0.6 mi · 41 sec · East Ranch Road 243
30

Continue on RM 243

1.0 mi · 1 min · East RM 243
31

Keep slight left at fork onto RM 243

11 mi · 14 min · East RM 243
32

Turn right onto TX 29; RM 243

9.0 mi · 10 min · West State Highway 29
33

Continue on TX 29

1.6 mi · 2 min · East Polk Street
34

Turn left onto US 281

2.0 mi · 3 min · South Water Street
Use the left lane.
35

Continue on US 281

34 mi · 40 min · South US Highway 281
36

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward Fredericksburg
37

Merge onto US 290

1.0 mi · 1 min · East Main Street
Toward Fredericksburg
38

Continue on US 290

27 mi · 30 min · West US Highway 290
39

Continue on US 290

0.3 mi · 33 sec · East Main Street
40

Turn left onto Friendship Lane

2.9 mi · 5 min · Friendship Lane
41

Turn left onto TX 16

14 mi · 15 min · South State Highway 16
42

Continue on TX 16

5.7 mi · 6 min · Fredericksburg Road
43

Continue on TX 16

2.3 mi · 5 min · Sidney Baker Street
44

Turn left onto TX 27

69 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
45

Arrive at destination

TX 27

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 35-minute duration, departing from Irving, TX, in the morning will allow you to reach Kerrville, TX, with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop for this 289.7-mile journey, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 80.5-mile stretch on South R L Thornton Freeway, and plan your refueling accordingly. The $44 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a buffer. Consider starting your drive early to maximize your time at your destination.

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 144.8 miles from Irving, TX, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.5 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 64 miles or 1h 12m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 144.8 miles or 2h 35m 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 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kerrville, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Irving, TX

This is one driving day of about 289.7 miles and 5h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Irving, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 80.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Williamson County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jarrell, TX

145 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

Italy, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Belton, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 144.8 miles from Irving, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.5 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 27

5 decision points cluster between mile 7.2 and 169.9 — 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
6
142.3 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in | I 35

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
151.1 mi into trip | ~2h 42m in

Take the exit toward FM 2268, FM 2843: Holland, Florence

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 283 Toward FM 2268, FM 2843: Holland, Florence
6
169.9 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in

Take the exit toward TX 138: Lampasas

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward TX 138: Lampasas

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.77 one way

$87.55 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $47.91 $95.83
premium $4.54 $51.72 $103.45
diesel $5.61 $63.96 $127.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 101.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 86.9 1 $30.42 $13.91
Efficient EV 72.4 0 $25.35 $11.59
EV Truck/SUV 115.9 1 $40.56 $18.54

Gas CO2

101 kg

EV CO2

34 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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Irving, TX

Night in Irving on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

N 15 to 20 mph 41% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 18 at 11:59AM CDT until April 18 at 12:15PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 11:53AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

Destination

Kerrville, TX

Night in Kerrville on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

59°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

6 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 35m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park

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...

1 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 249.7
Park Closure: Texas White House Complex Closure
View on nps.gov
Waco Mammoth National Monument

Waco Mammoth National Monument

National Monument

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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 99.9
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 289.7-mile trip, with 77% of your travel time spent on main roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80.5 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway, indicating periods of consistent speed. While the profile suggests a predominantly highway experience, be aware that segments on South US Highway 281 might offer a slightly different driving feel as you transition. Overall, this route prioritizes efficient travel over winding, scenic byways, keeping you moving steadily toward Kerrville.

77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.5 mi on South R L Thornton Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and Purple Heart Trail. 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 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 27 significant decision points across 289.7 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 142.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Irving, TX and Kerrville, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2268, Fm 2843: Holland, Florence and Fredericksburg.

Fm 2268

151.1 mi in | ~2h 42m

Fm 2843: Holland

151.1 mi in | ~2h 42m

Florence

151.1 mi in | ~2h 42m

Fredericksburg

236 mi in | ~4h 28m

About the Cities

Starting in Irving, TX

Full guide →

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.

Arriving in Kerrville, TX

Full guide →

Kerrville is a city of 24,000 people (2020) in the Texas Hill Country. It is known for its parks that line the Guadalupe River, which runs through the city.

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 35m. Total distance: 289.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 80.5 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. 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 Kerrville, 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 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 142.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Lyndon B Johnson 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kerrville, 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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