Driving from Killeen to Cloverleaf covers 211.1 miles across the Great Plains, making for a straightforward trek that typically takes about 4 hours and 9 minutes. Because the total duration is quite manageable, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $32 for fuel to complete the journey. The path relies heavily on major arteries like the North Earl Rudder Freeway, the Aggie Expressway, and FM 485. This is a practical, highway-focused drive that connects two points within Texas efficiently, keeping you on the move through the heart of the region.
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
105.6 miles from Killeen, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
North Earl Rudder Freeway
30.1 mi
31m
Aggie Expressway
24.7 mi
27m
FM 485
20.4 mi
25m
Farm-to-Market Road 979
15.3 mi
19m
South State Highway 6
13.7 mi
14m
North Sam Houston Tollway East
13.2 mi
15m
West Adams Avenue
12 mi
14m
Central Texas Expressway
10.7 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
North Earl Rudder Freeway
— 30.1 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Killeen, TX and Cloverleaf, TX.
1
Start on this road
74 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn left
83 ft·11 sec
3
Turn left onto US 190 Bus
5.1 mi·8 min·East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
4
Turn slight right onto Edwards Drive
0.5 mi·55 sec·Edwards Drive
5
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 14 East, US 190 East
6
Merge onto I 14; US 190
11 mi·11 min·Central Texas Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 35; US 190
6.8 mi·7 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 301Toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams AvenueUse the slight right lane.
9
Turn straight onto South General Bruce Drive
0.2 mi·17 sec·South General Bruce Drive
Toward TX 53, FM 2305
10
Turn slight right
222 ft·8 sec
11
Turn slight right onto TX 53
1.0 mi·1 min·West Central Avenue
12
Turn left onto TX 53; Spur 290
216 ft·3 sec·North 3rd Street
13
Turn right onto TX 53
12 mi·14 min·West Adams Avenue
14
Turn right onto FM 485
20 mi·25 min·FM 485
15
Turn left onto FM 979
15 mi·19 min·Farm-to-Market Road 979
16
Continue on FM 979
0.7 mi·1 min·Browning Street
17
Turn right onto TX 6
1.3 mi·2 min·South Main Street
18
Continue on TX 6
6.2 mi·6 min·North State Highway 6
19
Continue on US 79; TX 6
2.1 mi·2 min·North Market Street
20
Continue on US 190; TX 6
14 mi·14 min·South State Highway 6
21
Continue on US 190; TX 6
30 mi·31 min·North Earl Rudder Freeway
22
Continue on TX 6
3.4 mi·3 min·State Highway 6
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
24
Turn straight onto TX 105
0.2 mi·24 sec·State Highway 6
25
Turn left onto TX 105
5.9 mi·6 min·State Highway 105
26
Turn straight onto TX 249
25 mi·27 min·Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on TX 249 Toll
3.6 mi·4 min·MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on TBT
7.0 mi·8 min·Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on TX 249
7.8 mi·8 min·Tomball Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway EastUse the slight right lane.
31
Merge onto SHT
1.6 mi·1 min·North Sam Houston Tollway West
32
Keep slight right at fork onto SHT
2.6 mi·3 min·North Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the slight right lane.
33
Continue on BW 8
9.3 mi·10 min·North Sam Houston Parkway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on SHT
13 mi·15 min·North Sam Houston Tollway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on BW 8
1.7 mi·1 min·East Sam Houston Parkway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward Woodforest BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn straight onto BW 8
0.2 mi·26 sec·East Sam Houston Parkway North
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Turn right onto Woodforest Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Woodforest Boulevard
39
Turn left onto Barbara Mae Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Barbara Mae Street
Use the left lane.
40
Turn right onto Waxahachie Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·Waxahachie Street
41
Turn left onto Hollywood Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·Hollywood Street
42
Arrive at destination
Hollywood Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 211.1-mile journey, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic flow on the major expressways. Since the trip only requires one planned stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace your driving to suit your personal comfort. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when transitioning between the North Earl Rudder Freeway and the Aggie Expressway to ensure you stay within your $32 budget. Because this is a single-day commitment, prioritize a mid-way break to stretch your legs before hitting the final stretch of the drive. Planning your single stop around the transition to FM 485 can help you stay refreshed for the final leg of your trip.
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 105.6 miles from Killeen, TX, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.1 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 46 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.6 miles or 2h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cloverleaf, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Killeen, TX
This is one driving day of about 211.1 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Killeen, 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 North Earl Rudder Freeway for about 30.1 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 23.8 and 210.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
23.8 mi into trip|~29m in
Take the exit toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams 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 301
Toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams Av...
6
179.8 mi into trip|~3h 30m in
Take the exit toward SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway East
6
182.5 mi into trip|~3h 34m in|SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West
Keep slight right at fork onto SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
6
209.3 mi into trip|~4h 5m in
Take the exit toward Woodforest Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Woodforest Boulevard
6
210.2 mi into trip|~4h 7m in|Barbara Mae Street
Turn left onto Barbara Mae Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.90 one way
$63.80 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$34.91
$69.83
premium
$4.54
$37.69
$75.38
diesel
$5.61
$46.61
$93.22
Estimated Tolls: $2.14
Sam Houston Tollway
(17.5 mi)$1.40
Tomball Tollway
(7 mi)$0.49
MCTRA 249 Tollway
(3.6 mi)$0.25
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.3
0
$22.17
$10.13
Efficient EV
52.8
0
$18.47
$8.44
EV Truck/SUV
84.4
1
$29.55
$13.51
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Afternoon
in Killeen on Sunday
Local time
1:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cloverleaf, TX
Afternoon
in Cloverleaf on Sunday
Local time
1:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 9m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by its highway-focused nature, with roughly 64% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will find yourself navigating long, consistent stretches, including a significant 30.1-mile run specifically on the North Earl Rudder Freeway. The experience shifts between high-speed highway driving and the transition onto secondary roads like FM 485. While the pace is generally fast, the mix of infrastructure keeps the drive from feeling like a monotonous interstate grind. You can anticipate a steady flow behind the wheel as you navigate these primary roads toward your final destination.
64% 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: 30.1 mi on North Earl Rudder Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Earl Rudder Freeway and Aggie Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.8 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 211.1 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 23.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.5 miles (SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West): 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 Killeen, TX and Cloverleaf, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2305, Spur 515: Conroe and Sht East: Sam Houston Tollway East.
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 4h 9m. Total distance: 211.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.1 miles on North Earl Rudder Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.14 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Cloverleaf, 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 23.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 182.5 miles (SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Cloverleaf, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
