Origin
Laredo, TX
Late night in Laredo on Sunday
Local time
2:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Laredo, 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
7h 46m
Distance
438.3 mi
705 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$66
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 37m
★
6 AM
7h 47m
8 AM
8h 5m
10 AM
7h 53m
12 PM
7h 51m
3 PM
7h 54m
5 PM
8h 4m
8 PM
7h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Laredo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Port Arthur, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 438.3-mile journey from Laredo, TX, to Port Arthur, TX, a trip that will take approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes. This drive is best suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. With a projected fuel cost of around $66, it's a budget-friendly option for crossing Texas. You'll primarily navigate I-10, also known as the Purple Heart Trail, and the East Freeway. The experience offers a mixed drive, connecting two points within the Great Plains region of Texas. Plan for two stops along the way to break up the drive and stay refreshed.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
219.2 miles from Laredo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 47m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 151.1 mi | 2h 34m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 144.4 mi | 2h 27m |
| East Freeway | 59.1 mi | 1h 9m |
| TX 73 | 27.3 mi | 29m |
| 90th Infantry Division Highway | 22.2 mi | 23m |
| Katy Freeway | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| South Pan Am Expressway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Jose Lopez Freeway | 8 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 151.1 mi, about 2h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Laredo, TX and Port Arthur, TX.
1
Start on Matamoros Street
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Matamoros Street
2
Turn left onto San Dario Avenue
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
San Dario Avenue
3
Continue on I 35; I 27; US 83
144 mi
·
2 hr 27 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on I 35
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
South Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 153
Toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, Del Rio
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 10; US 87; US 90
8.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Jose Lopez Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 10; US 90
22 mi
·
23 min
·
90th Infantry Division Highway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 10; TX 130
151 mi
·
2 hr 34 min
·
I 10; TX 130
Toward I 10 East: Houston, Austin, Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Use the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Katy Tollway
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
14
Continue on I 10; US 90
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
13 mi
·
16 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
40 mi
·
46 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit onto TX 73
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
·
TX 73
Exit 828
Toward TX 73, TX 124: Winnie, Port Arthur
18
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 73
25 mi
·
25 min
·
TX 73
19
Take the exit onto TX 73
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
TX 73
Toward TX 73 East: Port Arthur, Groves
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward Spur 215
21
Keep slight right at fork
197 ft
·
5 sec
Toward Spur 215
22
Turn straight onto Spur 215
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Savannah Avenue
23
Turn right onto 17th Street
369 ft
·
15 sec
·
17th Street
24
Turn left onto Augusta Avenue
162 ft
·
4 sec
·
Augusta Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
Augusta Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 46-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Laredo to avoid potential afternoon traffic. With two recommended stops, you can easily pace yourself, perhaps one around the halfway point and another closer to Port Arthur. The longest stretch is over 150 miles on I-10, so ensure you have adequate fuel before beginning that segment. Keep your eye on the fuel cost, estimated at $66, and plan your refueling stops accordingly. This single-day trip offers flexibility, but a well-timed early start will ensure a smoother arrival.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 219.2 miles from Laredo, TX, or about 3h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 151.1 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 96 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 219.2 miles or 3h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 38m
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 Laredo, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Laredo, TX
This is one driving day of about 438.3 miles and 7h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 96 miles from Laredo, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 151.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
219 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 96 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 219.2 miles from Laredo, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 151.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 153.2 and 433.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
153.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, Del Rio
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 153
Toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87...
8
153.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Hous...
6
335 mi into trip
|
~5h 45m in
Take the exit toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
6
355.5 mi into trip
|
~6h 11m in
|
I 10 / East Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 / East Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
433.7 mi into trip
|
~7h 39m in
|
TX 73
Take the exit onto TX 73 toward TX 73 East: Port Arthur, Groves
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward TX 73 East: Port Arthur, Groves
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$66.23 one way
$132.46 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
153 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $72.49 | $144.98 |
| premium | $4.54 | $78.26 | $156.51 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $96.77 | $193.54 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.23
Katy Tollway
(3.2 mi)
$0.23
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
$66
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 153.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $46 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 131.5 | 1 | $46.02 | $21.04 |
| Efficient EV | 109.6 | 1 | $38.35 | $17.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 175.3 | 2 | $61.36 | $28.05 |
Gas CO2
153 kg
EV CO2
51 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Port Arthur, TX
Late night in Port Arthur on Sunday
Local time
2:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
San Marcos, TX
219 mi in
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
19 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
7h 46m 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?
This route is predominantly an interstate experience, with 60% of the drive on highways. You'll encounter a 151.1-mile stretch on I-10, which represents the longest uninterrupted segment. Expect a mixed drive profile, meaning it's not entirely monotonous highway; there will be variations in the road as you progress eastward. While much of the journey will be at highway speeds, keep an eye out for changes in road conditions and traffic patterns as you approach more populated areas.
60% 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: 151.1 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 153.2 miles in.
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 18 significant decision points across 438.3 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 153.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 335 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Laredo, TX and Port Arthur, TX, road signs point toward Del Rio, Austin and Waco.
Del Rio
153.2 mi in
|
~2h 38m
Austin
183.9 mi in
|
~3h 11m
|
via I 10; TX 130
Waco
183.9 mi in
|
~3h 11m
|
via I 10; TX 130
About the Cities
Starting in Laredo, TX
Full guide →“The Gateway City” · Founded 1755
Laredo is a city with 262,000 (2019) inhabitants on the South Texas Plains. Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, is just across the Rio Grande.
Top landmarks
- • Cathedral of San Agustin — historic place in Laredo, Webb County, Texas
- • Fort McIntosh — historic district in Laredo, Webb County, Texas
- • San Agustin de Laredo Historic District — historic district in Laredo, Webb County, Texas
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 7h 46m. Total distance: 438.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 46m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 151.1 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.23 in tolls one way, starting with Katy 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 153.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 335 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.6 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.
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