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Trip from Mineral Wells, TX to Killeen, TX

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

Drive Time

2h 53m

Distance

150.8 mi

243 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 42m ★
6 AM
2h 53m
8 AM
3h 15m
10 AM
3h 1m
12 PM
2h 59m
3 PM
3h 2m
5 PM
3h 14m
8 PM
2h 47m

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 Palo Pinto and Parker Counties, Texas, United States

Mineral Wells, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Bell County, Texas, United States

Killeen, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 150.8-mile drive from Mineral Wells, TX to Killeen, TX is an efficient journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes. You'll primarily be on US Highway 281, with portions of FM 116 and FM 1241, making it a predominantly highway-focused experience. With a fuel cost estimated at around $23, this route offers a budget-friendly option for your travels within the Great Plains region. The drive is straightforward, with only one recommended stop, making it ideal for those looking for a direct and uncomplicated trip.

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

75.4 miles from Mineral Wells, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US Highway 281 39.9 mi 44m
FM 116 22.3 mi 28m
FM 1241 19.9 mi 21m
North US Highway 281 19 mi 20m
South US Highway 281 18 mi 20m
US 84 11.6 mi 11m
Central Texas Expressway 4.1 mi 4m
Highway 9 3.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: US Highway 281 — 39.9 mi, about 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mineral Wells, TX and Killeen, TX.

1

Start on US 180; BH

247 ft · 8 sec · Southeast 1st Street
2

Turn right onto Southeast 1st Avenue

260 ft · 13 sec · Southeast 1st Avenue
3

Turn right onto Southeast 2nd Street

278 ft · 17 sec · Southeast 2nd Street
4

Turn left onto US 281

1.6 mi · 1 min · South Oak Avenue
5

Continue on US 281

40 mi · 44 min · US Highway 281
Use the straight lane.
6

Continue on US 281

1.1 mi · 1 min · East Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7

Continue on US 281

18 mi · 20 min · South US Highway 281
8

Continue on US 281; TX 6

0.4 mi · 28 sec · North 2nd Street
9

Turn right onto US 281

0.6 mi · 38 sec · North Walnut Street
Use the right lane.
10

Turn straight onto US 281

19 mi · 20 min · North US Highway 281
11

Continue on US 281

1.8 mi · 2 min · North Rice Street
12

Turn left onto East Baker Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Baker Street
13

Continue on FM 932

0.6 mi · 1 min · Farm-to-Market Road 932
14

Turn straight onto FM 1241

20 mi · 21 min · FM 1241
15

At end of road, turn right onto FM 932

1.1 mi · 1 min · Farm-to-Market Road 932
16

Continue on FM 932

0.6 mi · 48 sec · Farm-to-Market Road 932
17

Turn left onto US 84

12 mi · 11 min · US 84
18

Take the exit

164 ft · 7 sec
19

Turn straight onto FM 116

22 mi · 28 min · FM 116
20

Continue on FM 116

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Farm-to-Market Road 116
21

Keep slight right at fork onto FM 116

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Farm-to-Market Road 116
22

Turn left onto TX 9

3.3 mi · 3 min · Highway 9
23

Merge onto US 190 Business

0.3 mi · 22 sec · US 190 Business
24

Continue on I 14; US 190

4.1 mi · 4 min · Central Texas Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward T.J. Mills Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
26

Continue on US 190 Bus

3.0 mi · 5 min · West Veterans Memorial Boulevard
27

Turn left

83 ft · 8 sec
28

Turn right

74 ft · 5 sec
29

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given its manageable 2-hour and 53-minute duration, this 150.8-mile trip is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure, so you can leave when you're ready. Plan for your single stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or where it best suits your needs, considering the longest stretch is nearly 40 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that longer segment on US Highway 281, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably. With a fuel cost of approximately $23, it's a cost-effective journey, but always good to have a little extra buffer.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 75.4 miles from Mineral Wells, TX, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.9 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 33 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 75.4 miles or 1h 24m 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 18m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Mineral Wells, 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 Mineral Wells, TX

This is one driving day of about 150.8 miles and 2h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Mineral Wells, 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 US Highway 281 for about 39.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Hamilton County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hico, TX

75 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

Stephenville, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Springtown, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 75.4 miles from Mineral Wells, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Great Escape of Central Texas

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 150.8

Killeen, Texas

Hours: 3:30–9:30 pm

+12546802686

Visit website

Lions Club Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 150.8

Killeen, Texas

Hours: 5 am–10 pm

+12545016390

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 0 and 147.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Southeast 1st Avenue

Turn right onto Southeast 1st Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Southeast 2nd Street

Turn right onto Southeast 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

5
61.2 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | US 281 / North Walnut Street

Turn right onto US 281 / North Walnut Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
139.6 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in | FM 116 / Farm-to-Market Road 116

Keep slight right at fork onto FM 116 / Farm-to-Market Road 116

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
147.6 mi into trip | ~2h 47m in

Take the exit toward T.J. Mills Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward T.J. Mills Boulevard

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.79 one way

$45.57 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $24.94 $49.88
premium $4.54 $26.92 $53.85
diesel $5.61 $33.29 $66.59

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.2 0 $15.83 $7.24
Efficient EV 37.7 0 $13.20 $6.03
EV Truck/SUV 60.3 0 $21.11 $9.65

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Mineral Wells, TX

Late night in Mineral Wells on Sunday

Local time

3:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Killeen, TX

Late night in Killeen on Sunday

Local time

3:10 AM

CDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

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

15 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

2h 53m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

You'll find this drive to be 92% highway, offering a consistent and relatively fast-paced experience for most of its 150.8 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 39.9 miles on US Highway 281, allowing for sustained progress. While largely highway, expect some transitions as you navigate through FM 116 and FM 1241, offering slight variations in road feel without significantly slowing your pace. This route prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads, providing a clear path from origin to destination.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 39.9 mi on US Highway 281.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 281 and FM 116. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Southeast 1st Avenue.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 150.8 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Southeast 1st Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Southeast 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 61.2 miles (US 281 / North Walnut Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,341 ft 780 ft

Total Climb

1,058 ft

Total Descent

1,116 ft

Highest Point

1,341 ft

~86.2 mi in

Elevation Range

561 ft

About the Cities

Arriving in Killeen, TX

Full guide →

Killeen is a city in the Central Hill Country of Texas. It is home to U.S. Army installation Fort Cavasos, one of the largest military bases in the world.

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 2h 53m. Total distance: 150.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 39.9 miles on US Highway 281. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Southeast 1st Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Southeast 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 61.2 miles (US 281 / North Walnut Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Killeen, TX before heading back.

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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Killeen, TX to Mineral Wells, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

150.6 mi 2h 52m

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