Spanning 204.6 miles, the drive from Killeen to Stafford is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 2 minutes. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting roughly $31 for fuel will get you from the Great Plains of Killeen to your destination in the Stafford area. Since you will be traveling within the same state and region, the transition remains consistent throughout the journey. This route is ideal for travelers looking for a direct, highway-focused path rather than a scenic winding detour.
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
102.3 miles from Killeen, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 290
35.4 mi
40m
North Earl Rudder Freeway
30.1 mi
31m
State Highway 6
22.4 mi
25m
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
Central Texas Expressway
10.7 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
US 290
— 35.4 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Killeen, TX and Stafford, 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
22 mi·25 min·State Highway 6
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 290 Business
423 ft·10 sec·US 290 Business
Toward US 290 East, TX 6 South
24
Turn left
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward US 290 East, TX 6 SouthUse the left lane.
25
Merge onto US 290
35 mi·40 min·US 290
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Toward SHT North, SHT South: Sam Houston TollwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward SHT SouthUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto SHT
7.8 mi·9 min·West Sam Houston Tollway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT
5.6 mi·6 min·West Sam Houston Tollway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on BW 8
1.9 mi·2 min·West Sam Houston Parkway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit onto BW 8
1.1 mi·2 min·BW 8
Toward StaffordUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn right onto Stafford Road
2.0 mi·3 min·Stafford Road
33
Take the ramp onto Stafford Road
0.2 mi·29 sec·Stafford Road
34
Turn right onto US 90 Alt
132 ft·7 sec·North Main Street
35
Turn left
55 ft·6 sec
36
Turn right
53 ft·3 sec
37
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Planning a single stop along the way is the best way to break up your 4-hour trek and keep your energy levels high. Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, though aiming for mid-morning or mid-afternoon can help you avoid potential peak traffic on the main highways. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you navigate the 204.6-mile distance, ensuring you utilize the $31 budget effectively before reaching your destination. A route-specific tip is to pay close attention to your navigation when transitioning between US 290 and State Highway 6 to ensure you stay on the most efficient path. This straightforward planning approach ensures you arrive in Stafford feeling refreshed and ready for your next move.
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 102.3 miles from Killeen, TX, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.4 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 45 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.3 miles or 2h 4m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stafford, 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 204.6 miles and 4h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 US 290 for about 35.4 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 23.8 and 193.8 — 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...
7
149.6 mi into trip|~2h 56m in
Turn left toward US 290 East, TX 6 South
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 290 East, TX 6 South
7
185.4 mi into trip|~3h 37m in
Take the exit toward SHT North, SHT South: Sam Houston Tollway
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 SHT North, SHT South: Sam Houston Tollwa...
7
185.6 mi into trip|~3h 37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SHT South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SHT South
6
193.8 mi into trip|~3h 47m in|SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.92 one way
$61.83 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$33.84
$67.68
premium
$4.54
$36.53
$73.06
diesel
$5.61
$45.17
$90.35
Estimated Tolls: $1.08
Sam Houston Tollway
(13.4 mi)$1.08
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
$31
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.4
0
$21.48
$9.82
Efficient EV
51.2
0
$17.90
$8.18
EV Truck/SUV
81.8
1
$28.64
$13.09
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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 12, 2026
Origin
Killeen, TX
Late night
in Killeen on Sunday
Local time
2:53 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Stafford, TX
Late night
in Stafford on Sunday
Local time
2:53 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 15 mph56% chanceLive 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
22 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 2m 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 highway-focused experience with 69% of your travel taking place on major thoroughfares. You will navigate via US 290, the North Earl Rudder Freeway, and State Highway 6, which provide a mix of fast-paced transit and regional connectivity. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 35.4-mile segment on US 290, allowing you to settle into a consistent rhythm. While the road personality is functional and efficient, the changing infrastructure keeps you engaged as you transition between the freeway and state highway segments. It is a practical drive designed for steady progress rather than technical maneuvering.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.4 mi on US 290.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 290 and North Earl Rudder Freeway. 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 Effort10/10
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 22 significant decision points across 204.6 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 149.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Stafford, TX, road signs point toward Fm 2305, Sht North, Sht South: Sam Houston Tollway and Sht South.
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 2m. Total distance: 204.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 35.4 miles on US 290. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.08 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 Stafford, 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 149.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Stafford, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
