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Trip from Lost Creek, TX to Laredo, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 18m

Distance

239.9 mi

386 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 5m ★
6 AM
4h 18m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Lost Creek, TX, TX

Lost Creek, TX

Emilio Sánchez Hernández

city in and county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States

Laredo, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 239.9-mile drive from Lost Creek, TX, to Laredo, TX, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Purple Heart Trail, North Pan Am Expressway, and South Pan Am Expressway, with about 14% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $36. This route offers a turn-heavy local drive experience, making it a straightforward journey through the Great Plains region of Texas. It's a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing for a relatively quick transit between these two points.

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

120 miles from Lost Creek, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Purple Heart Trail 199 mi 3h 24m
North Pan Am Expressway 18.5 mi 22m
South Pan Am Expressway 10.4 mi 12m
South Capital of Texas Highway 4.7 mi 6m
US 290 2.7 mi 3m
Interstate Highway 35 1.7 mi 1m
Bee Caves Road 0.7 mi 1m
Canyon Rim Drive 0.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 199 mi, about 3h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lost Creek, TX and Laredo, TX.

1

Start on Whippoorwill Trail

220 ft · 12 sec · Whippoorwill Trail
2

Turn right onto Guinevere Lane

347 ft · 15 sec · Guinevere Lane
3

Turn straight onto Canyon Rim Drive

0.6 mi · 2 min · Canyon Rim Drive
4

At end of road, turn right onto RM 2244

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bee Caves Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward Loop 360 South Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 22 sec · this road
Toward South Loop 360
7

Merge onto Loop 360

4.7 mi · 6 min · South Capital of Texas Highway
Use the straight lane.
8

Merge onto US 290; TX 71

2.2 mi · 2 min · US 290; TX 71
9

Take the exit onto US 290

0.5 mi · 59 sec · US 290
Toward I 35 North, US 290 East, I 35 South: Waco, San Antonio Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 35 South: San Antonio Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 35

43 mi · 45 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on I 35

1.7 mi · 1 min · Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 35

12 mi · 12 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on I 35

10.0 mi · 11 min · North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

6.4 mi · 8 min · North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo Use the slight left lane.
17

Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87

10 mi · 12 min · South Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street Use the slight right lane.
18

Continue on I 35

144 mi · 2 hr 26 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn right onto Houston Street

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Houston Street
20

Turn left onto I 35 Bus

272 ft · 12 sec · Salinas Avenue
21

Turn left onto Matamoros Street

306 ft · 5 sec · Matamoros Street
22

Arrive at destination

Matamoros Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour, 18-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip. Consider an early morning departure from Lost Creek to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With only one designated stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pull over as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 199-mile stretch on the Purple Heart Trail, as services might be less frequent. The $36 fuel cost is a reasonable budget to keep in mind for this approximately 240-mile journey.

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 120 miles from Lost Creek, TX, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 199 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 53 miles or 1h 2m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 120 miles or 2h 16m 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 34m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Laredo, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lost Creek, 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 Lost Creek, TX

This is one driving day of about 239.9 miles and 4h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Lost Creek, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 199 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown San Antonio, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

San Antonio, TX

120 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

New Braunfels, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Natalia, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 120 miles from Lost Creek, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 199 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Main Event Laredo

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 239.9

Laredo, Texas

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+19567222695

Visit website

Petro Travel Center

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 137.1

Pearsall, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18303348222

Visit website

Children's Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 34.3

San Marcos, Texas

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+15123938400

Visit website

Imaginarium of South Texas

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 239.9

Laredo, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19567280404

Visit website

Roosevelt Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 85.7

San Antonio, Texas

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+12102077275

Visit website

Slaughter Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 239.9

Laredo, Texas

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+19567952350

Visit website

Hemisfair

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 85.7

San Antonio, Texas

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+12107094750

Visit website

Spanish Governor's Palace

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 85.7

San Antonio, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12102077527

Visit website

Frio Farm & Ranch Ace Hardware

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 137.1

Pearsall, Texas

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+18303348707

Visit website

GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 85.7

San Antonio, Texas

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+12102274746

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.7 and 84.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
8.7 mi into trip | ~13m in | US 290

Take the exit onto US 290 toward I 35 North, US 290 East, I 35 South: Waco, San Antonio

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 I 35 North, US 290 East, I 35 South: Wac...
7
9.1 mi into trip | ~14m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35 South: San Antonio

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 35 South: San Antonio
7
76.1 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 South
8
82.5 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
84.7 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in | I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Housto...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.25 one way

$72.50 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 84 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $39.68 $79.36
premium $4.54 $42.83 $85.67
diesel $5.61 $52.97 $105.93

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72 0 $25.19 $11.52
Efficient EV 60 0 $20.99 $9.60
EV Truck/SUV 96 1 $33.59 $15.35

Gas CO2

84 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 17, 2026

Origin

Lost Creek, TX

Afternoon in Lost Creek on Sunday

Local time

4:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Laredo, TX

Afternoon in Laredo on Sunday

Local time

4:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Mostly Clear

SE 15 mph 0% chance Live 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

11 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 18m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

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...

8 mi from route ~19 min detour Free near mile 91
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, rather than a monotonous interstate grind. While 14% of the drive is on highways, much of your time will be spent on the Purple Heart Trail and the Pan Am Expressways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 199 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, offering a significant period of consistent driving. As you progress, the road character will likely shift between these named routes, providing a varied, yet predictable, driving experience.

Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 199 mi on Purple Heart Trail.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.7 miles in near US 290.

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 14 significant decision points across 239.9 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 8.7 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

On the drive from Lost Creek, TX to Laredo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 536: Houston along the way.

Spur 536: Houston

84.7 mi in | ~1h 38m | via I 10; US 87

About the Cities

Arriving 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

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 4h 18m. Total distance: 239.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 199 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Laredo, 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 8.7 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Laredo, 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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