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
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 42 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,333 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,130
Quietest
2 AM
~412 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
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 153Toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, Del RioUse 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: HoustonUse 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, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy TollwayUse 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 828Toward 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, GrovesUse 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 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
$60.03 one way
$120.07 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg153 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$67.06
$134.11
premium
$4.23
$72.91
$145.81
diesel
$4.80
$82.76
$165.52
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
$60
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
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, 2026-07-13.
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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Laredo, TX
Morning
in Laredo on Sunday
Local time
10:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 15 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:48PM CDT until July 17 at 4:47PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:29PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Destination
Port Arthur, TX
Morning
in Port Arthur on Sunday
Local time
10:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:48PM CDT until July 17 at 4:47PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:29PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
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
1 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
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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 151.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
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 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
682 ft1 ft
Total Climb
302 ft
Total Descent
714 ft
Highest Point
682 ft
~125.2 mi in
Elevation Range
682 ft
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.
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.
Yes — we found about 61 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 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. There are 61 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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.
