Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Killeen, TX to Port Arthur, TX

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

Drive Time

5h 35m

Distance

287.2 mi

462 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
5h 22m ★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 44m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 0m
8 PM
5h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in Bell County, Texas, United States

Killeen, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Jefferson County, Texas, United States

Port Arthur, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Killeen to Port Arthur covers 287.2 miles across the Texas Great Plains, a journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 35 minutes. Because the drive is under six hours, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $44 for fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Navigating this route involves a combination of the North Earl Rudder Freeway, US Highway 90, and the Grand Parkway. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that keeps you moving toward the Gulf Coast. Whether you are heading to the coast for work or a quick getaway, the route offers a consistent pace for your travel itinerary.

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

143.6 miles from Killeen, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Grand Parkway 43.9 mi 46m
US Highway 90 36 mi 41m
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
West Adams Avenue 12 mi 14m
Longest stretch: Grand Parkway — 43.9 mi, about 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Killeen, TX and Port Arthur, 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 301 Toward TX 53, FM 2305: Central Avenue, Adams Avenue Use 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

4.7 mi · 5 min · Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward TX 99 Toll: Grand Parkway, Boudreaux Road Use the slight right lane.
30

Turn straight onto TX 249

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Tomball Parkway
31

Turn left onto North Grand Parkway West

0.4 mi · 43 sec · North Grand Parkway West
32

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 1 min · this road
Toward Toll 99
33

Merge onto TX 99 Toll

44 mi · 46 min · Grand Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward FM 1960: Dayton, Humble
35

Turn left onto FM 1960

5.1 mi · 6 min · FM 1960
36

Turn right onto TX 321

0.2 mi · 25 sec · North Cleveland Street
37

Turn left onto US 90; TX 146

10 mi · 11 min · United States Highway 90 West
38

Continue on US 90

36 mi · 41 min · US Highway 90
Use the left lane.
39

Turn right onto Interstate 10 South Frontage Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Interstate 10 South Frontage Road
Use the right lane.
40

Take the ramp

16 mi · 17 min
Toward US 69 South, US 96 South, US 287 South
41

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward TX 73 West: Winnie
42

Merge onto TX 73

0.6 mi · 44 sec · TX 73
43

Turn slight right onto H O Mills Boulevard

0.4 mi · 46 sec · H O Mills Boulevard
44

Turn left onto Spur 215

2.0 mi · 3 min · Savannah Avenue
45

Turn right onto 17th Street

369 ft · 15 sec · 17th Street
46

Turn left onto Augusta Avenue

162 ft · 4 sec · Augusta Avenue
47

Arrive at destination

Augusta Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 5-hour and 35-minute trip, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near major interchanges. You only need to plan for one major stop to refuel and stretch your legs, making this a very flexible route for most drivers. Keep your $44 fuel budget in mind when planning your stops, as prices can fluctuate between interior Texas and the coastal areas. Since you are spending nearly three-quarters of your time on highways, stay alert during the 43.9-mile stretch on the Grand Parkway where speeds remain high. Having a light snack and water on hand will help you maintain your momentum throughout the day.

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 143.6 miles from Killeen, TX, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.9 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 63 miles or 1h 19m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 143.6 miles or 2h 49m 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 33m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Port Arthur, 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 287.2 miles and 5h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 Grand Parkway for about 43.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Montgomery County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Conroe, TX

144 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

Marlin, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Conroe, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 143.6 miles from Killeen, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Tilt Studio Beaumont

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 266.7

Beaumont, Texas

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+14092424301

Visit website

Dennis Johnston Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 184.6

Spring, Texas

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17132740930

Visit website

Museum of the Gulf Coast

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 287.2

Port Arthur, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14099827000

Visit website

Imagination Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 266.7

Beaumont, Texas

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+14098611929

Visit website

Beaumont Children's Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 266.7

Beaumont, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14093477919

Visit website

Roger's Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 266.7

Beaumont, Texas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14098611929

Visit website

Beaumont Escape Room

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 266.7

Beaumont, Texas

Hours: 12–7 pm

+14097293300

Visit website

World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 266.7

Beaumont, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14098803927

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

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 28

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 169.7 — 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
6.2 mi into trip | ~11m 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.
5
17 mi into trip | ~22m in | I 35; US 190 / Purple Heart Trail

Merge onto I 35; US 190 / Purple Heart Trail

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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...
7
169.7 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in

Take the exit toward TX 99 Toll: Grand Parkway, Boudreaux Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward TX 99 Toll: Grand Parkway, Boudreaux Roa...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.40 one way

$86.79 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $47.50 $95.00
premium $4.54 $51.28 $102.56
diesel $5.61 $63.41 $126.82

Estimated Tolls: $0.58

Tomball Tollway (4.7 mi) $0.33
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

$43

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 86.2 1 $30.16 $13.79
Efficient EV 71.8 0 $25.13 $11.49
EV Truck/SUV 114.9 1 $40.21 $18.38

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

34 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 12, 2026

Origin

Killeen, TX

Afternoon in Killeen on Sunday

Local time

3:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SE 10 to 15 mph 47% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:44AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

Destination

Port Arthur, TX

Afternoon in Port Arthur on Sunday

Local time

3:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Mostly Cloudy

SE 10 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:44AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

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

2 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 35m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 74% of this 287.2-mile trek is spent on high-speed roads. You will find yourself cruising along the North Earl Rudder Freeway and US Highway 90 before transitioning to the Grand Parkway. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the Grand Parkway, lasting 43.9 miles, which allows you to settle into a steady rhythm. The road's personality is functional and efficient, prioritizing speed over technical or winding terrain. While the landscape remains within the Great Plains region, the shift from central Texas toward the coastal plains keeps the drive feeling productive rather than monotonous.

74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43.9 mi on Grand Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Grand Parkway and US Highway 90. 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 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 28 significant decision points across 287.2 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 6.2 miles (I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17 miles (I 35; US 190 / Purple Heart Trail): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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 Port Arthur, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2305, Spur 515: Conroe, Toll 99, Fm 1960: Dayton and Humble.

Fm 2305

24 mi in | ~30m | via South General Bruce Drive

Spur 515: Conroe

130.5 mi in | ~2h 34m

Toll 99

170.6 mi in | ~3h 20m

Fm 1960: Dayton

215 mi in | ~4h 8m

Humble

215 mi in | ~4h 8m

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.

Arriving in Port Arthur, TX

Full guide →

Port Arthur is in the Gulf Coast region of 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 35m. Total distance: 287.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 43.9 miles on Grand Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.58 in tolls one way, starting with Tomball 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 Port Arthur, 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: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 6.2 miles (I 14; US 190 / Central Texas Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 17 miles (I 35; US 190 / Purple Heart Trail): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Port Arthur, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Port Arthur, TX

El Paso, TX 831.8 mi · 14h Amarillo, TX 659.6 mi · 12h 12m Lubbock, TX 621.6 mi · 11h 19m Fort Worth, TX 346.7 mi · 6h 15m

More from Killeen, TX

El Paso, TX 585.2 mi · 10h 1m Socorro, TX 570.6 mi · 9h 46m Pampa, TX 450 mi · 8h 32m Canyon, TX 438.9 mi · 7h 52m Hereford, TX 434.8 mi · 8h 1m Alton, TX 392.7 mi · 6h 54m

More trips to Port Arthur, TX

Laredo, TX 438.3 mi Frisco, TX 322.2 mi Arlington, TX 315 mi Montopolis, TX 246.6 mi Houston, TX 89.1 mi
Escape planner: Killeen, TX Scenic drives in TX

Explore more options from Killeen, TX or browse trips ending in Port Arthur, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.