Jefferson, TX to San Antonio, TX is 383.6 miles and takes about 7h 10m via Purple Heart Trail, State Highway 31 East, and I 35, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Great Plains region of East Texas southwest into the Great Plains of Central Texas. Expect a mix of surface roads for much of the drive, with a significant portion on I 35 towards the end. Given the 7-hour drive time and the predominantly surface road profile, it's a manageable single-day trip, but plan for a steady pace.
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
191.8 miles from Jefferson, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 38m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,916 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~672 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.8×
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 Jefferson, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on West Lafayette Street
296 ft·15 sec·West Lafayette Street
2
Turn right onto North Vale Street
374 ft·21 sec·North Vale Street
3
Turn left onto West Henderson Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·West Henderson Street
4
Continue on East Jefferson Street
0.4 mi·59 sec·East Jefferson Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 59
15 mi·16 min·South Walcott Street
6
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
7
Merge onto US 80
5.7 mi·6 min·East Grand Avenue
8
Turn left onto FM 968
2.7 mi·3 min·FM 968
9
Turn left onto FM 3251
0.7 mi·58 sec·FM 3251
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
11
Merge onto I 20
21 mi·21 min·I 20
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward US 259 South, SH 31 West: Kilgore, Henderson
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward US 259 South, SH 31 West: Kilgore, Henderson
14
Continue on US 259; TX 31
0.6 mi·41 sec·US Highway 259 North
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 259 Business; TX 31
1.3 mi·1 min·US Highway 259 Business North
16
Turn right onto TX 31
29 mi·34 min·State Highway 31 East
17
Continue on TX 31
1.9 mi·2 min·Chandler Highway
18
Continue on TX 31
5.6 mi·6 min·State Highway 31 West
19
Continue on TX 31
2.0 mi·2 min·East Highway 31
20
Continue on TX 31
21 mi·23 min·State Highway 31 East
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
22
Merge onto US 175; TX 19; TX 31; Loop 7
6.2 mi·7 min·Jed Robinson Loop
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
24
Keep slight left at fork
445 ft·14 sec
25
Turn right onto TX 31
4.0 mi·4 min·State Highway 31 West
26
Continue on TX 31
5.4 mi·6 min·East Royall Boulevard
27
Continue on TX 31
9.9 mi·11 min·State Highway 31 East
28
Continue on TX 31
9.3 mi·10 min·Northwest 2nd Street
29
Turn left onto TX 31
12 mi·13 min·Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
30
At end of road, turn left onto TX 31
19 mi·21 min·West State Highway 31
31
Continue on TX 31
5.5 mi·5 min·Hubbard Bypass
32
Continue on TX 31
17 mi·17 min·State Highway 31
33
Continue on US 84
2.5 mi·2 min·East US Highway 84
34
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi·4 min·Bellmead Drive
35
Turn straight onto US 84
0.4 mi·1 min·East Waco Drive
36
Turn left onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
519 ft·12 sec·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
37
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 35 South, US 77 South
38
Merge onto I 35; US 77
6.1 mi·6 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi·58 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi·54 min·Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton StreetUse the slight left lane.
42
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi·1 min·Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on I 35
12 mi·12 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi·11 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi·8 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.6 mi·41 sec·North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, LaredoUse the slight left lane.
47
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Exit 157AToward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro AvenueUse the slight right lane.
48
Turn straight onto East Elmira Street
526 ft·17 sec·East Elmira Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
49
Turn left onto North Main Avenue
0.2 mi·18 sec·North Main Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
50
Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street
159 ft·3 sec·Navarro Street
51
Continue on Navarro Street
111 ft·2 sec·Navarro Street
52
Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue
0.4 mi·51 sec·North Main Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
53
Turn right onto West Travis Street
222 ft·10 sec·West Travis Street
54
Turn left onto North Flores Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·North Flores Street
55
Continue on Military Plaza
392 ft·15 sec·Military Plaza
56
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft·8 sec·Dolorosa Street
57
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7h 10m drive, consider an early morning departure from Jefferson, TX, aiming to get the longest stretch on the Purple Heart Trail completed before midday. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 383.6 miles comfortably. The $58 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to top off your tank before leaving Jefferson. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition to surface roads where services might be less frequent than on the interstate.
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 191.8 miles from Jefferson, TX, or about 3h 38m 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 84 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 191.8 miles or 3h 38m 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 1m
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 Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, TX
This is one driving day of about 383.6 miles and 7h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Jefferson, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 99.6 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 34
5 decision points cluster between mile 46.2 and 382.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
46.2 mi into trip|~53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 259 South, SH 31 West: Kilgore, Henderson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 259 South, SH 31 West: Kilgore, Hende...
8
302 mi into trip|~5h 37m 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
7
375.5 mi into trip|~6h 58m in|I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 South
8
381.9 mi into trip|~7h 6m 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
382.4 mi into trip|~7h 7m 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
$52.54 one way
$105.08 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg134 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$58.69
$117.38
premium
$4.23
$63.81
$127.61
diesel
$4.80
$72.43
$144.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 134.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
115.1
1
$40.28
$18.41
Efficient EV
95.9
1
$33.57
$15.34
EV Truck/SUV
153.4
1
$53.70
$24.55
Gas CO2
134 kg
EV CO2
45 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Jefferson, TX
Late night
in Jefferson on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 17 at 12:26AM CDT until July 17 at 12:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 11:42PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Late night
in San Antonio on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 10 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 17 at 12:26AM CDT until July 17 at 12:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 11:42PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
77°F
Italy, TX
192 mi in
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
1 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
7h 10m 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.
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 198.4
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 383.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route covers 383.6 miles, with 57% of it on highways. You'll encounter your longest stretch without a major highway transition for 99.6 miles on the Purple Heart Trail. After the highway segments, you'll transition to mostly surface roads for the remainder of your drive. Be prepared for a more varied driving experience with potentially more intersections and slower speeds once you leave the interstate.
Only 57% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
57 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?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 46.2 miles in.
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 34 significant decision points across 383.6 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 46.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 302 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 375.5 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
707 ft193 ft
Total Climb
715 ft
Total Descent
259 ft
Highest Point
707 ft
~356.2 mi in
Elevation Range
514 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jefferson, TX and San Antonio, TX, road signs point toward Sh 31 West: Kilgore and Henderson.
Jefferson is a historic town in Marion County, in the Central Piney Woods of east Texas. A center of tourism, Jefferson identifies itself as the "Bed & Breakfast Capital of Texas", and is home to a number of popular attractions.
Top landmarks
•Jefferson Historic District — historic district in Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
•Old United States Post Office and Courts Building — courthouse in Jefferson, Texas, United States
•Presbyterian Manse — building in Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 10m. Total distance: 383.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 10m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
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 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 46.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 302 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 375.5 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 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.
