Killeen, TX to Canyon, TX is 438.9 miles and takes about 7h 52m via Marshall Formby Memorial Highway and US 84, with a fuel budget near $66 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region from start to finish. Expect a straightforward, highway-focused drive that's manageable for a single day. It's a good option if you're looking for efficiency and don't need to make many detours. Plan for about 105 miles of continuous driving on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway at one point.
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
219.4 miles from Killeen, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
105.2 mi
1h 46m
US 84
104.9 mi
1h 49m
State Highway 153
69 mi
1h 14m
North US Highway 183
36.9 mi
40m
East Commerce Street
22 mi
25m
Highway 84
20 mi
19m
US 190
12.8 mi
14m
State Highway 70
10.4 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
— 105.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Killeen, TX and Canyon, TX.
1
Start on this road
74 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn left
83 ft·8 sec
3
Turn right onto US 190 Bus
2.6 mi·4 min·East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
5
Merge onto I 14; US 190
4.3 mi·4 min·Central Texas Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 190
13 mi·14 min·US 190
Toward US 190 West: LampasasUse the slight left lane.
7
Turn right onto FM 1715
6.4 mi·8 min·FM 1715
8
At end of road, turn left onto FM 580
2.6 mi·2 min·East FM 580
9
Continue on FM 580
1.1 mi·2 min·East Avenue J
10
At end of road, turn right onto US 183; US 190; US 281
0.4 mi·32 sec·North Key Avenue
11
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
0.2 mi·14 sec·North US Highway 281
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190
37 mi·40 min·North US Highway 183
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 183; TX 16
30 mi·34 min·US 84; US 183; TX 16
14
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
1.7 mi·2 min·Early Boulevard
15
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
22 mi·25 min·East Commerce Street
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283
7.2 mi·8 min·Wallis Avenue
17
Turn right onto TX 153
0.9 mi·1 min·East Walnut Street
18
Continue on TX 153; TX 206
1.0 mi·1 min·West Walnut Street
19
Continue on TX 153
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·State Highway 153
20
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153
19 ft·0 sec·State Highway 153
21
Turn right onto TX 70
10 mi·10 min·State Highway 70
22
Continue on TX 70
0.8 mi·1 min·Lamar Street
23
Turn left onto Northwest Georgia Avenue
0.1 mi·16 sec·Northwest Georgia Avenue
24
Take the ramp
340 ft·8 sec
Toward I 20 West: Midland
25
Merge onto I 20; US 84
6.0 mi·5 min·I 20; US 84
26
Take the exit onto US 84
0.3 mi·19 sec·US 84
Exit 238AToward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
74 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 84
28
Turn right onto Loop 46
1.0 mi·1 min·South Avenue F
29
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 207
0.1 mi·10 sec·North Avenue F
30
Turn straight onto TX 207
0.4 mi·38 sec·Ralls Road
31
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi·17 sec·East 15th Street
32
Turn right onto US 84
1.0 mi·1 min·North US Highway 84
33
Continue on US 84
20 mi·19 min·Highway 84
34
Continue on US 84
4.6 mi·4 min·Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
35
Continue on US 84
6.8 mi·6 min·East Highway 84
36
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi·5 min·Slaton Road
37
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
38
Turn slight right onto Interstate 27
321 ft·6 sec·Interstate 27
39
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
40
Merge onto I 27; US 87
105 mi·1 hr 46 min·Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
41
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward TX 217: Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park
42
Turn straight onto I-27 Frontage Road
0.3 mi·43 sec·I-27 Frontage Road
43
Turn left onto TX 217
2.3 mi·3 min·4th Avenue
44
Turn right onto US 87
180 ft·5 sec·23rd Street
45
Arrive at destination
US 87
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 52m duration, starting early from Killeen is advisable to maximize daylight and avoid feeling rushed. With only 2 planned stops, you can be strategic about when and where you refuel. The longest stretch without a break is over 100 miles, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before entering that segment. Consider a mid-morning stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and grab a bite. Given the single-day nature of this drive, flexibility is key, but always keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning onto State Highway 153.
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 219.4 miles from Killeen, TX, or about 4h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.2 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 97 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 219.4 miles or 4h 6m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Canyon, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Killeen, 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 Killeen, TX
This is one driving day of about 438.9 miles and 7h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 97 miles from Killeen, 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 Marshall Formby Memorial Highway for about 105.2 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 0 and 436.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
5
3.1 mi into trip|~5m in|I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway
Merge onto I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
7.4 mi into trip|~9m in|US 190
Keep slight left at fork onto US 190 toward US 190 West: Lampasas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 190 West: Lampasas
6
217.3 mi into trip|~4h 4m in|US 84
Take the exit onto US 84 toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 238A
Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
5
436.1 mi into trip|~7h 48m in
Take the exit toward TX 217: Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 217: Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State P...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$66.32 one way
$132.64 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg154 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$72.59
$145.18
premium
$4.54
$78.36
$156.73
diesel
$5.61
$96.90
$193.81
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$66
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 153.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $46 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
131.7
1
$46.08
$21.07
Efficient EV
109.7
1
$38.40
$17.56
EV Truck/SUV
175.6
2
$61.45
$28.09
Gas CO2
154 kg
EV CO2
51 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 15, 2026
Origin
Killeen, TX
Night
in Killeen on Saturday
Local time
11:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Canyon, TX
Night
in Canyon on Saturday
Local time
11:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
59°F
Sweetwater, TX
219 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
27 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 52m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 64% of the journey utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a good portion of your time on the Marshall Formby Memorial Highway and US 84. The longest uninterrupted stretch measures 105.2 miles on the Marshall Formby Memorial Highway, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While primarily a highway experience, the route incorporates State Highway 153, offering a slight variation in the driving pace as you transition. Overall, it's a steady drive across the Texas landscape.
64% 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: 105.2 mi on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway and US 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 438.9 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: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 3.1 miles (I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles (US 190): 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.
On the drive from Killeen, TX to Canyon, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Lubbock along the way.
Killeen is a city in the Central Hill Country of Texas. It is home to U.S. Army installation Fort Cavasos, one of the largest military bases in the world.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 52m. Total distance: 438.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 52m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.2 miles on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway. 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 Canyon, 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: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 3.1 miles (I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles (US 190): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Canyon, TX before the return drive.
