Quality Services Towing & Tires
0 mi from route
Trip from Kingsville, TX to Killeen, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 28m
Distance
287.2 mi
462 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 15m
★
6 AM
5h 29m
8 AM
5h 55m
10 AM
5h 38m
12 PM
5h 35m
3 PM
5h 39m
5 PM
5h 54m
8 PM
5h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kingsville, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Killeen, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 287.2-mile drive from Kingsville, TX to Killeen, TX will take you approximately 5 hours and 28 minutes. Primarily utilizing Pickle Parkway and US 281, with a final stretch on State Highway 195, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip. The journey through the Great Plains region of Texas is estimated to cost around $43 in fuel. With a highway share of 74%, expect a focused drive that makes good time. This is a straightforward trip, perfect if you're looking to cover ground efficiently.
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 Kingsville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pickle Parkway | 58.5 mi | 54m |
| US 281 | 54.2 mi | 1h 1m |
| State Highway 195 | 34 mi | 38m |
| King David Drive | 31.8 mi | 39m |
| State Highway 80 North | 30.8 mi | 35m |
| State Highway 80 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| East King Avenue | 15.2 mi | 19m |
| Nueces Street | 11.1 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
Pickle Parkway
— 58.5 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kingsville, TX and Killeen, TX.
1
Start on US 77 Business
54 ft
·
5 sec
·
South 14th Street
2
Turn right onto TX 141
15 mi
·
19 min
·
East King Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
4
Merge onto US 281
54 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
US 281
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Nueces Street
6
Turn right onto TX 72
32 mi
·
39 min
·
King David Drive
7
Continue on TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
8
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239
233 ft
·
3 sec
·
East Main Street
9
Continue on FM 792
8.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Helena Road
10
Turn straight onto TX 80
24 mi
·
25 min
·
State Highway 80
11
Continue on TX 80
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Nixon Avenue
12
Continue on TX 80; TX 97
31 mi
·
35 min
·
State Highway 80 North
13
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
14
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
South Colorado Street
15
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
United States Highway 183
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
17
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
59 mi
·
54 min
·
Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward TX 195 North: Florence, Killeen
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on North Interstate 35
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
North Interstate 35
20
Turn left onto TX 195
34 mi
·
38 min
·
State Highway 195
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Turn slight right
263 ft
·
9 sec
Use the right lane.
22
Turn slight right onto US 190 Bus
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Use the right lane.
23
Turn left
83 ft
·
8 sec
24
Turn right
74 ft
·
5 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Starting your journey from Kingsville in the morning will allow you to reach Killeen with ample daylight, given the 5-hour 28-minute estimated duration. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the 58.5-mile stretch on Pickle Parkway, as services can be spaced out. This is a manageable day trip, so you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay.
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 Kingsville, TX, or about 2h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.5 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 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.6 miles or 2h 51m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Killeen, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kingsville, 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 Kingsville, TX
This is one driving day of about 287.2 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Kingsville, 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 Pickle Parkway for about 58.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 143.6 miles from Kingsville, 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Circle K
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.7 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.3 mi from route
Great Escape of Central Texas
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Killeen, Texas
Hours: 3:30–9:30 pm
+12546802686
Visit websiteDick Kleberg Park
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Kingsville, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+13612218705
Visit websiteLions Club Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Killeen, Texas
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
+12545016390
Visit websitePioneer Farms
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~11 min detour
Final third
4.2 mi from route
~11 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 10 am–2 pm
+15128371215
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 287.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
TX 141 / East King Avenue
Turn right onto TX 141 / East King Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
192.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
5
193.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m in
|
TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway
Merge onto TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
251.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward TX 195 North: Florence, Killeen
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 195 North: Florence, Killeen
5
287.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 28m in
Turn right
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.34 one way
$78.67 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
101 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $43.94 | $87.88 |
| premium | $4.23 | $47.77 | $95.54 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $54.23 | $108.46 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
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, 2026-07-13.
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.
Origin
Kingsville, TX
Late night in Kingsville on Monday
Local time
1:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Partly Cloudy
SE 8 to 16 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:21PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Killeen, TX
Late night in Killeen on Monday
Local time
1:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
SSE 10 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:21PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 28m 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?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 74% of the route on faster roads. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 58.5 miles on Pickle Parkway, allowing for smooth progress. While much of the journey involves efficient travel on main roads like US 281, be prepared for the transition as you approach Killeen on State Highway 195. The overall feel is one of steady movement across the Texas landscape.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.5 mi on Pickle Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pickle Parkway and US 281. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near TX 141 / East King Avenue.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 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 (TX 141 / East King Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 192.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 193.3 miles (TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,025 ft
58 ft
Total Climb
1,261 ft
Total Descent
496 ft
Highest Point
1,025 ft
~266.7 mi in
Elevation Range
967 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Kingsville, TX to Killeen, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
192.8 mi in
|
~3h 52m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Starbucks
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Killeen, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteChaparral Coffee
Cafe
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Chau's Cafe
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Summer Moon
Cafe
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Starbucks
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.6 mi from route
~7 min detour
Fort Hood, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteStarbucks
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Alice, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteMcDonald's
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0 mi from route
Kingsville, TX
Cuisine: burger
Hours: Mo-Th 05:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 05:00-24:00; Su...
Visit websiteBurger King
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Kingsville, TX
Cuisine: burger
Hours: Mo-Sa 06:00-23:00; Su 07:00-22:00
Visit websiteKFC
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Kingsville, TX
Cuisine: chicken
Visit websiteSonic
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Kingsville, TX
Cuisine: burger
Hours: Mo-Th 06:00-23:00; Fr 06:00-24:00; Sa 07...
Visit websiteChurch's Chicken
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Kingsville, TX
Cuisine: chicken
Visit websiteDomino's
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Kingsville, TX
Cuisine: pizza
Hours: Mo-Th 10:30-24:00; Fr-Sa 10:30-01:00; Su...
Visit website1904 Train Depot Museum
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Kingsville, TX
Hours: Mo,Tu,Th,Fr 10:00-12:00,13:00-15:00; We...
Visit websiteEnglishmen in South Texas
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches
Museum
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Memorial
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
First Presbyterian Church of Lockhart
Memorial
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Economy Inn
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in Kingsville, TX
Full guide →Founded 1904
Kingsville is a city in the South Barrier Coast region of Texas. Originally meant to be a supply/commerce center for the King Ranch when it was created as a planned city in 1904, Kingsville has evolved to incorporate a naval air station and a Texas A&M campus (TAMUK) as well. However, its identity will always probably be inseparable from the ranch.
Top landmarks
- • King Ranch — historic district in Kingsville, Kleberg, Kenedy County, Texas
Arriving in Killeen, TX
Full guide →Founded 1872
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.
Top landmarks
- • Killeen High School — historic place in Killeen, Bell County, 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 28m. Total distance: 287.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m 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 58.5 miles on Pickle Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Killeen, 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. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (TX 141 / East King Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 192.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 193.3 miles (TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Killeen, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Killeen, TX
More from Kingsville, TX
More trips to Killeen, TX
Explore more options from Kingsville, TX or browse trips ending in Killeen, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.