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Trip from Killeen, TX to Harlingen, TX

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

Drive Time

6h 55m

Distance

371.9 mi

599 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$56

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
6h 44m ★
6 AM
6h 56m
8 AM
7h 19m
10 AM
7h 4m
12 PM
7h 2m
3 PM
7h 5m
5 PM
7h 18m
8 PM
6h 49m

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 Bell County, Texas, United States

Killeen, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Cameron County, Texas, United States

Harlingen, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 371.9-mile drive from Killeen, Texas, to Harlingen, Texas, is a straightforward highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day, taking approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes. Primarily utilizing U.S. Highway 77 and TX 130 Toll, this route is largely on high-speed roads, with 84% of the drive being on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $57, it's an economical trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently within the Great Plains region of Texas. The profile suggests a direct, no-frills experience, making it ideal for travelers prioritizing speed and ease of navigation over extensive sightseeing.

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

185.9 miles from Killeen, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
U.S. Highway 77 88.2 mi 1h 37m
TX 130 Toll 58.5 mi 54m
TX 80 51.2 mi 56m
South US Highway 181 40.2 mi 45m
South Fort Hood Street 33.8 mi 37m
I 69E 31.3 mi 33m
US Highway 181 South 16.1 mi 18m
US 77 12 mi 13m
Longest stretch: U.S. Highway 77 — 88.2 mi, about 1h 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Killeen, TX and Harlingen, 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

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
4

Turn left onto TX 195

34 mi · 37 min · South Fort Hood Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
6

Continue on North Interstate 35

0.2 mi · 16 sec · North Interstate 35
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
8

Continue on TX 130 Toll

59 mi · 54 min · TX 130 Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on US 183

0.5 mi · 35 sec · United States Highway 183
11

Continue on US 183

4.9 mi · 8 min · North Colorado Street
12

Continue on US 183

10 mi · 11 min · US 183
13

Continue on US 183

4.2 mi · 6 min · North Magnolia Avenue
14

Continue on TX 80

51 mi · 56 min · TX 80
15

Turn slight left onto FM 792

8.4 mi · 10 min · Farm-to-Market Road 792
16

Continue on TX 72; TX 239

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Main Street
17

Turn left onto US 181

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Sunset Strip Drive
18

Continue on US 181

40 mi · 45 min · South US Highway 181
19

Continue on US 181

0.8 mi · 55 sec · North 8th Street
20

Continue on US 181

16 mi · 18 min · US Highway 181 South
21

Take the exit onto US 181

0.3 mi · 45 sec · US 181
22

Keep slight right at fork onto US 181

213 ft · 5 sec · US Route 181
23

Turn straight onto US 181

0.7 mi · 1 min · US Highway 181
24

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 46 sec
25

Merge onto US 77

12 mi · 13 min · US 77
26

Take the exit onto US 77

0.1 mi · 13 sec · US 77
Toward I 37, US 77, I 69E
27

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
28

Merge onto I 37; US 77; I 69E

2.5 mi · 2 min · I 37; US 77; I 69E
Use the straight lane.
29

Take the exit onto I 69E; US 77

31 mi · 33 min · I 69E; US 77
Toward I 69E, US 77: Kingsville, Brownsville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Keep slight left at fork onto US 77

61 mi · 1 hr 9 min · U.S. Highway 77
31

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69E; US 77

27 mi · 27 min · U.S. Highway 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Exit 29A Toward US 77 Business, Loop 499: Valley International Airport, Primera Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

At end of road, turn left onto US 77 Bus

0.4 mi · 44 sec · Business 77
34

Turn slight right onto US 77 Bus

0.8 mi · 1 min · North 77 Sunshine Strip
35

Turn slight right onto North Commerce Street

2.1 mi · 3 min · North Commerce Street
36

Arrive at destination

South Commerce Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour and 55-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Killeen to avoid any potential traffic and maximize daylight driving. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch of 88.2 miles on U.S. Highway 77, where services might be more spaced out. The estimated fuel cost of $57 is manageable, but it's always wise to factor in a small buffer for unexpected detours or higher prices.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 185.9 miles from Killeen, TX, or about 3h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.2 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 82 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 185.9 miles or 3h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 48m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Harlingen, 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 371.9 miles and 6h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 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 U.S. Highway 77 for about 88.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Floresville, TX

186 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

Austin, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 82 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

George West, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 185.9 miles from Killeen, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before U.S. Highway 77 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 371.9

Harlingen, Texas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19562165951

Visit website

Great Escape of Central Texas

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Killeen, Texas

Hours: 3:30–9:30 pm

+12546802686

Visit website

Lions Club Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Killeen, Texas

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+12545016390

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 0 and 368.3 — 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

7
93.8 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward US 183 South: Lockhart

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
7
248.8 mi into trip | ~4h 38m in | I 69E; US 77

Take the exit onto I 69E; US 77 toward I 69E, US 77: Kingsville, Brownsville

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. Toward I 69E, US 77: Kingsville, Brownsville
6
341.4 mi into trip | ~6h 21m in | I 69E; US 77 / U.S. Highway 77

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69E; US 77 / U.S. Highway 77

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
368.3 mi into trip | ~6h 49m in

Take the exit toward US 77 Business, Loop 499: Valley International Airport, Primera Road

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 29A Toward US 77 Business, Loop 499: Valley Interna...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$56.19 one way

$112.39 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 130 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $61.51 $123.02
premium $4.54 $66.40 $132.80
diesel $5.61 $82.11 $164.22

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$56

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$81–$106

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 130.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 111.6 1 $39.05 $17.85
Efficient EV 93 1 $32.54 $14.88
EV Truck/SUV 148.8 1 $52.07 $23.80

Gas CO2

130 kg

EV CO2

44 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 15, 2026

Origin

Killeen, TX

Late night in Killeen on Sunday

Local time

2:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Harlingen, TX

Late night in Harlingen on Sunday

Local time

2:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°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

8 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

6h 55m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 371.9-mile trip, as 84% of the route is on high-speed roads like U.S. Highway 77 and TX 130 Toll. The character of the drive is largely consistent, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 88.2 miles on U.S. Highway 77. This suggests a steady pace for extended periods, minimizing the need for frequent turns or transitions. While not explicitly scenic, the highway nature means you'll be moving efficiently through the Texas landscape.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
U.S. Highway 77 is the longest continuous segment at about 88.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on U.S. Highway 77 and TX 130 Toll. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

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 19 significant decision points across 371.9 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 93.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 248.8 miles (I 69E; US 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

892 ft 27 ft

Total Climb

96 ft

Total Descent

879 ft

Highest Point

892 ft

~26.6 mi in

Elevation Range

864 ft

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 Harlingen, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Brownsville along the way.

Brownsville

248.8 mi in | ~4h 38m | via I 69E; US 77

About the Cities

Starting in Killeen, TX

Full guide →

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.

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 6h 55m. Total distance: 371.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 55m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Killeen, TX to Harlingen, TX covers 371.9 miles and takes about 6h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are U.S. Highway 77, TX 130 Toll, TX 80. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 185.9 miles from Killeen, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $56.19 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 371.9 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.

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 93.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 248.8 miles (I 69E; US 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

On the drive from Killeen, TX to Harlingen, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Brownsville along the way.

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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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