Trip from Meridian, TX to San Antonio, TX

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

Drive Time

Distance

206 mi

332 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 48m ★

6 AM

4h 1m

8 AM

4h 27m

10 AM

4h 10m

12 PM

4h 7m

3 PM

4h 11m

5 PM

4h 25m

8 PM

3h 53m

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

Meridian, TX

Wikimedia Commons

San Antonio, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Meridian to San Antonio covers 200.6 miles of Texas landscape, typically requiring about 3 hours and 35 minutes of drive time. Because this route stays entirely within the Great Plains region, you can expect a consistent transition between rural stretches and the approach to the city. Budgeting approximately $30 for fuel should comfortably cover your trip. This journey is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. It is an ideal choice if you prefer a direct, purposeful drive without the need for extensive travel planning.

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

103 miles from Meridian, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Purple Heart Trail	62.2 mi	1h 8m
I 35	55.8 mi	58m
Texas State Highway 6	19.7 mi	22m
State Highway 317	18.9 mi	22m
North Pan Am Expressway	17 mi	20m
North Lone Star Parkway	14.8 mi	18m
Avenue C	2.9 mi	4m
Avenue D	2.8 mi	5m

Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 62.2 mi, about 1h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Meridian, TX and San Antonio, TX.

Start on this road

95 ft · 12 sec · this road

Turn left onto TX 22

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Morgan Street

Continue on TX 22

0.6 mi · 1 min · State Highway 22

Turn left onto TX 6

20 mi · 22 min · Texas State Highway 6

Continue on TX 6

2.9 mi · 4 min · Avenue C

Turn right onto TX 317

0.4 mi · 32 sec · South 7th Street

Continue on TX 317

8.2 mi · 10 min · North Lone Star Parkway

Continue on TX 317

0.4 mi · 49 sec · Avenue G

Continue on TX 317

6.5 mi · 8 min · North Lone Star Parkway

Continue on TX 317

2.5 mi · 3 min · South Main Street

Continue on TX 317

5.6 mi · 6 min · State Highway 317

Continue on TX 317

2.8 mi · 5 min · Avenue D

Continue on TX 317

1.4 mi · 1 min · South Lone Star Parkway

Continue on TX 317

13 mi · 16 min · State Highway 317

Continue on TX 317

2.8 mi · 5 min · North Main Street

Turn left onto East Central Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Central Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto South I-35 Frontage Road

347 ft · 6 sec · South I-35 Frontage Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 19 sec

Toward I 35 South, US 190 West

Merge onto I 35; US 190

0.5 mi · 33 sec · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

56 mi · 58 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290

50 mi · 54 min · Purple Heart Trail

Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street Use the slight left lane.

Continue on I 35

1.7 mi · 1 min · Interstate Highway 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

12 mi · 12 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

10.0 mi · 11 min · North Pan Am Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

0.6 mi · 41 sec · North Pan Am Expressway

Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo Use the slight left lane.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec

Exit 157A Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto East Elmira Street

526 ft · 17 sec · East Elmira Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto North Main Avenue

0.2 mi · 18 sec · North Main Avenue

Use the left / straight lanes.

Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street

159 ft · 3 sec · Navarro Street

Continue on Navarro Street

111 ft · 2 sec · Navarro Street

Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue

0.4 mi · 51 sec · North Main Avenue

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto West Travis Street

222 ft · 10 sec · West Travis Street

Turn left onto North Flores Street

0.2 mi · 20 sec · North Flores Street

Continue on Military Plaza

392 ft · 15 sec · Military Plaza

Turn left onto Dolorosa Street

327 ft · 8 sec · Dolorosa Street

Arrive at destination

Dolorosa Street

Trip Plan

With a total travel time of 3 hours and 35 minutes, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. Aim to complete your one planned stop mid-way to keep your energy levels consistent throughout the drive. Since this route involves local roads rather than high-speed interstates, keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition between Morgan Street, Highway 22, and Highway 6. Set aside $30 for your fuel budget before you head out to ensure you have no logistical worries once you hit the road. Being prepared for a technical, turn-heavy drive will make your journey into San Antonio much smoother.

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 103 miles from Meridian, TX, or about 2h 5m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.2 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 45 miles or 55m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103 miles or 2h 5m 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 17m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Meridian, 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 Meridian, TX

This is one driving day of about 206 miles and 4h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Meridian, 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 62.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wells Branch, TX

103 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

Troy, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Round Rock, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103 miles from Meridian, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

0.8 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+12102271373

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 68.6 and 204.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

68.6 mi into trip | ~1h 29m in | I 35

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

124.4 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street

197.9 mi into trip | ~3h 49m 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

204.3 mi into trip | ~3h 57m 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

204.8 mi into trip | ~3h 57m in

Take the exit toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 157A Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.13 one way

$62.25 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$34.07	$68.14
premium	$4.54	$36.78	$73.56
diesel	$5.61	$45.48	$90.96

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	61.8	0	$21.63	$9.89
Efficient EV	51.5	0	$18.03	$8.24
EV Truck/SUV	82.4	1	$28.84	$13.18

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Meridian, TX

Morning in Meridian on Sunday

Local time

11:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

San Antonio, TX

Morning in San Antonio on Sunday

Local time

11:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

89°F

Mostly Cloudy

SSE 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued April 17 at 5:31PM CDT until April 18 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 17 at 2:03PM CDT until April 18 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Norman OK

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

15 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 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

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...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 206

View on nps.gov

Waco Mammoth National Monument

National Monument

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...

17 mi from route ~41 min detour Free near mile 28.4

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 rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. You will navigate via Morgan Street, Highway 22, and Highway 6, which collectively define the character of this 200.6-mile path. Since there is no highway share for this route, you should stay alert for frequent turns and shifting road conditions. The nature of these local roads means you will be actively engaged behind the wheel for the entire 3-hour and 35-minute duration. Unlike a monotonous highway stretch, this route offers a more hands-on driving experience as you transition through the local Texas geography.

63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 62.2 mi on Purple Heart Trail.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Purple Heart Trail and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 68.6 miles in near I 35.

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 19 significant decision points across 206 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 68.6 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 124.4 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 197.9 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in San Antonio, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1718

San Antonio is the second largest city in the state of Texas and the 7th largest in the United States. It's the 24th largest metropolitan area in the country. Visited by more than 31 million annual visitors, San Antonio is a beautiful city at the axis of three different geological terrains: Hill Country, South Texas Plains and Prairie and Lakes. There's a lot to do in this city: fine art museums, historical missions and plenty of amusement parks in addition to great dining and lots of drinking. The culture and people are vibrant and interesting. San Antonio's downtown is one of the most lively in the nation.

Top landmarks

• Alamo Mission in San Antonio — historic place in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park — historic district in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
• Fort Sam Houston — military base in San Antonio, 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. Total distance: 206 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 62.2 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 15 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 San Antonio, 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at San Antonio, 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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Trip from Meridian, TX to San Antonio, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Bell County Northbound Rest Area

Rest Area

Service Plaza

Buc-ee's

Walburg Travel Center & Food Court

TA

Flying J Travel Plaza

Marlstone Retail Center

Pilot Travel Center

Service Plaza

Bell County Southbound Rest Area

QuikTrip

Rest Area

Pilot Travel Center

Petro Stopping Centers

Spanish Governor's Palace

GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises

San Antonio | The Saga

Hemisfair

San Antonio Fire Museum

The Amazing Mirror Maze

SEA LIFE San Antonio

San Antonio River Lock & Dam

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Meridian, TX

San Antonio, TX

Same local time

15 degrees warmer at arrival

4h on the road

National Parks Near This Route

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Waco Mammoth National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in San Antonio, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From San Antonio, TX

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