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Trip from Murillo Colonia, TX to Houston, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 41m

Distance

344.2 mi

554 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 30m ★
6 AM
6h 42m
8 AM
7h 6m
10 AM
6h 50m
12 PM
6h 48m
3 PM
6h 51m
5 PM
7h 4m
8 PM
6h 34m

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

Downtown Murillo Colonia, TX, TX

Murillo Colonia, TX

Brent Singleton

Downtown houston-tx

Houston, TX

Trace Hudson

Trip Overview

This 344.2-mile drive from Murillo Colonia, TX, to Houston, TX, is designed for a single day, clocking in at about 6 hours and 41 minutes of pure travel time. Primarily utilizing I 69C and US Highway 59 South, this highway-focused route is efficient for covering ground. With a projected fuel cost of around $52, it's an economical option for reaching the major hub of Houston. The journey keeps you within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a straightforward transit experience. Expect a practical and direct trip, perfect for those prioritizing arrival over extensive sightseeing.

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

172.1 miles from Murillo Colonia, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69C 96.7 mi 1h 44m
US Highway 59 South 88.6 mi 1h 38m
US 77 37.6 mi 44m
United States Highway 77 33 mi 37m
Southwest Freeway 32.6 mi 37m
East Main Street 26.2 mi 30m
U.S. Highway 77 4.7 mi 5m
South Alamo Road 2.5 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 69C — 96.7 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Murillo Colonia, TX and Houston, TX.

1

Start on Murillo Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · Murillo Street
2

Turn left onto FM 907

2.5 mi · 4 min · South Alamo Road
3

Continue on FM 907

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Alamo Road
4

Turn left onto FM 2128

0.5 mi · 40 sec · East Schunior Street
5

Continue on FM 2128

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Richardson Street
6

Continue on FM 2128

1.2 mi · 1 min · East Richardson Road
7

Turn right onto North Expressway 281

181 ft · 3 sec · North Expressway 281
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 69C North, US 281 North
9

Merge onto I 69C; US 281

71 mi · 1 hr 15 min · I 69C; US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281

25 mi · 28 min · I 69C; US 281
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
12

Continue on US 281 Business

2.2 mi · 3 min · US 281 Business
13

Turn right onto FM 1352

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Cecilia Street
14

Turn left onto FM 665

345 ft · 7 sec · Old Kingsville Road
15

Turn slight right onto FM 665

1.3 mi · 2 min · South Cameron Street
16

Turn right onto TX 44; TX 359

452 ft · 5 sec · East Front Street
17

Continue on TX 44; TX 359

26 mi · 30 min · East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
18

Take the exit onto TX 44

0.6 mi · 1 min · TX 44
19

Turn left onto North US Highway 77

1.0 mi · 2 min · North US Highway 77
Use the left lane.
20

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward County Road 44
21

Merge onto I 69E; US 77

4.7 mi · 5 min · U.S. Highway 77
22

Merge onto I 37; US 77; I 69E

1.4 mi · 1 min · I 37; US 77; I 69E
23

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 50 sec
24

Continue on I 37; US 77; I 69E

463 ft · 5 sec · I 37; US 77; I 69E
25

Take the exit onto US 77

38 mi · 44 min · US 77
Toward Sinton, Victoria
26

Turn slight right onto US 77

33 mi · 37 min · United States Highway 77
27

Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91

1.5 mi · 1 min · Spur 91
28

Merge onto US 59

89 mi · 1 hr 38 min · US Highway 59 South
29

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
30

Continue on 59 Northbound Frontage Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · 59 Northbound Frontage Road
31

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 58 sec · this road
32

Continue on US 59 Northbound Frontage Road

2.0 mi · 4 min · US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
33

Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

1.3 mi · 2 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
34

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 69 North, US 59 North
35

Merge onto I 69; US 59

33 mi · 37 min · Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street Use the slight left lane.
37

Take the exit

155 ft · 3 sec
Toward Downtown, Louisiana Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Continue on Louisiana Street

1.9 mi · 4 min · Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
39

Arrive at destination

Louisiana Street

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour 41-minute duration, starting your drive from Murillo Colonia in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable arrival in Houston. With only one recommended stop, plan this break strategically to coincide with your longest stretches of driving. The fuel cost is estimated at $52, so ensure your tank is full before departing and keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the 96.7-mile segment on I 69C. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, offering flexibility in departure time.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 172.1 miles from Murillo Colonia, TX, or about 3h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96.7 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 76 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 172.1 miles or 3h 19m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 25m

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 Murillo Colonia, 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 Murillo Colonia, TX

This is one driving day of about 344.2 miles and 6h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Murillo Colonia, 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 69C for about 96.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in and county seat of Refugio County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Refugio, TX

172 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

Alice, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 76 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Refugio, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 172.1 miles from Murillo Colonia, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 69C if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 96.7 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 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 342.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
5.8 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the ramp toward I 69C North, US 281 North

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 69C North, US 281 North
5
6 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 69C; US 281

Merge onto I 69C; US 281

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
134.1 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in | North US Highway 77

Turn left onto North US Highway 77

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
341.4 mi into trip | ~6h 35m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana...
7
342.3 mi into trip | ~6h 36m in

Take the exit toward Downtown, Louisiana Street

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 Downtown, Louisiana Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$52.01 one way

$104.02 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 120 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $56.93 $113.86
premium $4.54 $61.45 $122.91
diesel $5.61 $76.00 $151.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 120.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 103.3 1 $36.14 $16.52
Efficient EV 86.1 0 $30.12 $13.77
EV Truck/SUV 137.7 1 $48.19 $22.03

Gas CO2

120 kg

EV CO2

40 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Murillo Colonia, TX

Morning in Murillo Colonia on Tuesday

Local time

6:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

91°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Houston, TX

Morning in Houston on Tuesday

Local time

6:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°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

7 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

6h 41m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is largely a highway-focused drive, with 88% of the journey on major roads like I 69C and US Highway 59 South. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a notable 96.7-mile segment on I 69C. While mainly an interstate experience, the inclusion of US 77 offers a slight variation in the road's character. The overall profile suggests a consistent pace, allowing you to maintain speed and make steady progress towards Houston. It's a route built for efficiency rather than winding scenic byways.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 96.7 mi on I 69C.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69C and US Highway 59 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 24 significant decision points across 344.2 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 5.8 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (I 69C; US 281): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 miles (North US Highway 77): 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.

Between Murillo Colonia, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward County Road 44, Sinton and Victoria.

County Road 44

135.1 mi in | ~2h 36m

Sinton

142.2 mi in | ~2h 44m | via US 77

Victoria

142.2 mi in | ~2h 44m | via US 77

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 6h 41m. Total distance: 344.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 96.7 miles on I 69C. 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 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 5.8 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (I 69C; US 281): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 miles (North US Highway 77): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Houston, TX before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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