Origin
Live Oak, TX
Afternoon in Live Oak on Sunday
Local time
2:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Live Oak, TX to Houston, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 28m
Distance
193.2 mi
311 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 16m
★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 37m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 38m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Live Oak, TX
Phil Evenden
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
This 193.2-mile drive from Live Oak, TX to Houston, TX can be comfortably completed in about 3 hours and 28 minutes, making it an ideal one-day trip. The journey, primarily on I-10, is a straightforward highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $29, it's an economical option for a quick transition across Texas. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect a direct and efficient route. Since both your origin and destination are within the Great Plains region, the landscape will remain relatively consistent throughout your travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
96.6 miles from Live Oak, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 151.1 mi | 2h 34m |
| 90th Infantry Division Highway | 14.9 mi | 15m |
| Katy Freeway | 10.7 mi | 13m |
| Anderson Loop | 6.7 mi | 8m |
| Katy Tollway | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Interstate 35 North | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 1 mi | 1m |
| Interstate 10 East | 0.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 151.1 mi, about 2h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Live Oak, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on I 35
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
2
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 170
Toward Judson Road
Use the slight right lane.
3
Turn straight onto Interstate 35 North
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Interstate 35 North
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Turn left onto Judson Road
249 ft
·
12 sec
·
Judson Road
5
Turn left onto Interstate 35 North
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Interstate 35 North
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Interstate 35 North
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Interstate 35 North
7
Turn right onto TX 218
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Pat Booker Road
8
Turn slight right onto East Loop 1604 North
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Loop 1604 North
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward Loop 1604 South
Use the left lane.
10
Merge onto Loop 1604
6.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Anderson Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn left onto Interstate 10 East
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Interstate 10 East
12
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
13
Merge onto I 10; US 90; TX 130
15 mi
·
15 min
·
90th Infantry Division Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Use the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Katy Tollway
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 769A
Toward Downtown, Theatre District
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on Smith Street
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Smith Street
21
Turn left onto Preston Street
331 ft
·
16 sec
·
Preston Street
22
Turn left onto Louisiana Street
179 ft
·
5 sec
·
Louisiana Street
23
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 28-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing early in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach Houston. You'll have about 151 miles of continuous driving on I-10, so plan for one main stop for fuel or a break. The estimated fuel cost is $29, so keep that in mind for budgeting. It's wise to check real-time traffic conditions before you leave Live Oak, as congestion can impact your arrival time in the Houston area.
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 96.6 miles from Live Oak, TX, or about 1h 45m 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 43 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 96.6 miles or 1h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Live Oak, 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 Live Oak, TX
This is one driving day of about 193.2 miles and 3h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Live Oak, 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 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
97 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 96.6 miles from Live Oak, 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 1 and 192.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the exit toward Judson Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 170
Toward Judson Road
5
1.5 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Judson Road
Turn left onto Judson Road
Navigation decision point
5
4.1 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the ramp toward Loop 1604 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward Loop 1604 South
6
178.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m 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
8
192.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Theatre District
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 769A
Toward Downtown, Theatre District
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.19 one way
$58.39 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $31.95 | $63.91 |
| premium | $4.54 | $34.49 | $68.99 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.66 | $85.31 |
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
$29
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58 | 0 | $20.29 | $9.27 |
| Efficient EV | 48.3 | 0 | $16.90 | $7.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.3 | 0 | $27.05 | $12.36 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Houston, TX
Afternoon in Houston on Sunday
Local time
2:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Columbus, TX
97 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
5 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
3h 28m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
near mile 13.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 86% of the journey taking place on major interstates like I-10 and the Katy Freeway. You'll encounter the 90th Infantry Division Highway as well. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 151.1 miles on I-10, indicating long periods of consistent travel. Expect a steady pace with minimal deviations from the main highway, offering a predictable driving experience for those who prefer to cover ground efficiently.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 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?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and 90th Infantry Division Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.
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 18 significant decision points across 193.2 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: at 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (Judson Road): Navigation decision point; at 4.1 miles: 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 Live Oak, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward Austin and Waco.
Austin
27 mi in
|
~33m
|
via I 10; TX 130
Waco
27 mi in
|
~33m
|
via I 10; TX 130
About the Cities
Arriving in Houston, TX
Full guide →“Space City” · Founded 1836
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered.
Top landmarks
- • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
- • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
- • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris 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 3h 28m. Total distance: 193.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 Houston, 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (Judson Road): Navigation decision point; at 4.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Houston, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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