Trip from Keller, TX to San Antonio, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 8m

Distance

283.1 mi

456 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 55m ★

6 AM

5h 8m

8 AM

5h 35m

10 AM

5h 18m

12 PM

5h 15m

3 PM

5h 19m

5 PM

5h 34m

8 PM

5h 0m

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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Keller, TX

Thomas balabaud

San Antonio, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Keller to San Antonio covers 302.7 miles, typically taking about 4 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, you will experience consistent terrain throughout the trip. Budget approximately $45 for fuel to complete the trek. While you could technically tackle this distance in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the local roads makes it a focused driving experience. One well-planned stop should be sufficient to keep you refreshed for the duration of the trip.

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

141.6 miles from Keller, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Purple Heart Trail	99.6 mi	1h 46m
North South Freeway	84.6 mi	1h 27m
I 35	55.8 mi	58m
North Pan Am Expressway	17 mi	20m
I 35W TEXpress	10.2 mi	10m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway	6.6 mi	7m
Heritage Trace Parkway	2.8 mi	5m
Interstate Highway 35	1.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 99.6 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Keller, TX and San Antonio, TX.

Start on this road

16 ft · 0 sec · this road

Continue on South Elm Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Elm Street

Enter roundabout onto Bear Creek Parkway

17 ft · 0 sec · Bear Creek Parkway

Continue on Bear Creek Parkway

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Bear Creek Parkway

Turn left onto US 377

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Main Street

Turn right onto Kroger Drive

1.0 mi · 1 min · Kroger Drive

Continue on Heritage Trace Parkway

2.8 mi · 5 min · Heritage Trace Parkway

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto North Freeway

510 ft · 9 sec · North Freeway

Take the ramp

0.9 mi · 1 min

Toward I 35W TEXPress South

Merge onto I 35W TEXpress

10 mi · 10 min · I 35W TEXpress

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 35W

85 mi · 1 hr 27 min · North South Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

56 mi · 58 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Continue on I 35

1.7 mi · 1 min · Interstate Highway 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

12 mi · 12 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

10.0 mi · 11 min · North Pan Am Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

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.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec

Exit 157A Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto East Elmira Street

526 ft · 17 sec · East Elmira Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto North Main Avenue

0.2 mi · 18 sec · North Main Avenue

Use the left / straight lanes.

Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street

159 ft · 3 sec · Navarro Street

Continue on Navarro Street

111 ft · 2 sec · Navarro Street

Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue

0.4 mi · 51 sec · North Main Avenue

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto West Travis Street

222 ft · 10 sec · West Travis Street

Turn left onto North Flores Street

0.2 mi · 20 sec · North Flores Street

Continue on Military Plaza

392 ft · 15 sec · Military Plaza

Turn left onto Dolorosa Street

327 ft · 8 sec · Dolorosa Street

Arrive at destination

Dolorosa Street

Trip Plan

Given the 302.7-mile distance, aim to depart early in the morning to navigate the turn-heavy local sections during daylight hours. Since the route consists of local roads rather than highways, your average speed will be lower than a typical interstate trip, so keep your pace steady. Plan for at least one dedicated break to stretch your legs, as the continuous turns require more physical focus than a straight highway drive. With a fuel budget of $45, make sure to top off your tank before leaving Keller to avoid searching for stations on unfamiliar local roads. Flexibility is your greatest asset here, allowing you to adjust your pace to the local traffic flow without the pressure of a rigid highway schedule.

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 141.6 miles from Keller, TX, or about 2h 32m 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 62 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 141.6 miles or 2h 32m 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 9m

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 Keller, 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 Keller, TX

This is one driving day of about 283.1 miles and 5h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Keller, 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

Belton, TX

142 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.

Popular next leg

Belton, TX to San Antonio, TX

138.7 mi · 2h 33m

Pacing Suggestions

Italy, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Temple, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 141.6 miles from Keller, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12106101160

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 145.7 and 281.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

145.7 mi into trip | ~2h 37m 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.

201.6 mi into trip | ~3h 36m 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

275 mi into trip | ~4h 57m 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

281.4 mi into trip | ~5h 5m 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

281.9 mi into trip | ~5h 5m 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

$42.78 one way

$85.55 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$46.82	$93.65
premium	$4.54	$50.55	$101.09
diesel	$5.61	$62.50	$125.01

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 99.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	84.9	1	$29.73	$13.59
Efficient EV	70.8	0	$24.77	$11.32
EV Truck/SUV	113.2	1	$39.63	$18.12

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 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 Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Keller, TX

Morning in Keller on Tuesday

Local time

7:22 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

San Antonio, TX

Morning in San Antonio on Tuesday

Local time

7:22 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

84°F

Belton, TX

142 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

11 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 8m 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.

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 ~13 min detour Free near mile 97.6

View on nps.gov

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...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 283.1

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 unique driving experience that favors local navigation over high-speed transit. Unlike a standard interstate cruise, this route features zero highway miles, relying instead on South Elm Street, Bear Creek Parkway, and South Main Street to reach your destination. You will navigate a turn-heavy local drive where the longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on South Elm Street. This constant need for attention keeps you engaged with the road's personality as you transition through the various local segments.

63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

31 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 is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Purple Heart Trail and North South Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 145.7 miles in near I 35.

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 19 significant decision points across 283.1 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 145.7 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 201.6 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 275 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Keller, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1881

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 8m. Total distance: 283.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 8m 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.

Yes — we found about 27 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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. There are 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 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.

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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Explore more options from Keller, TX or browse trips ending in San Antonio, TX.

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Trip from Keller, TX to San Antonio, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Bell County Northbound Rest Area

Service Plaza

Hill County Northbound Rest Area

Buc-ee's

Flying J Travel Center

Walburg Travel Center & Food Court

Buc-ee's

QuikTrip

QuikTrip

Love's Travel Stop

TA

Flying J Travel Plaza

Pilot Travel Center

Hill County Southbound Rest Area

QuikTrip

Road Ranger

Marlstone Retail Center

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Buc-ee's

Pilot Travel Center

TA

Service Plaza

Bell County Southbound Rest Area

QuikTrip

Pilot Travel Center

Petro Stopping Centers

Spanish Governor's Palace

GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises

San Antonio | The Saga

Hemisfair

San Antonio Fire Museum

The Amazing Mirror Maze

Tornado Terry's Family Amusement Center

SEA LIFE San Antonio

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Keller, TX

San Antonio, TX

Same local time

11 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 8m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Waco Mammoth National Monument

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in Keller, TX

Arriving in San Antonio, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From San Antonio, TX

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