Petersburg, TX to Houston, TX is 559.8 miles and takes about 10 hours 18 minutes via Texas State Highway 71 and US Highway 84, with a fuel budget near $85 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a long-haul drive that spans two days, connecting the Great Plains region of Texas with another part of the Great Plains. While the majority of your travel will be on highways, expect a significant portion on state and U.S. routes. Plan for a two-day trip to comfortably cover the distance and make necessary stops along the way.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
279.9 miles from Petersburg, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Texas State Highway 71
137 mi
2h 25m
US Highway 84
73.9 mi
1h 14m
State Highway 153
69 mi
1h 14m
US 183
51.8 mi
57m
South US Highway 183
35.3 mi
38m
US Highway 84 East
29.2 mi
33m
East Highway 84
26.9 mi
26m
US 67
21.5 mi
24m
Longest stretch:
Texas State Highway 71
— 137 mi, about 2h 25m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,971 veh/hr typical
· worst 7,284
Quietest
2 AM
~653 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 37 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Petersburg, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on Avenue H
149 ft·11 sec·Avenue H
2
Turn left onto FM 789
14 mi·24 min·Main Street
3
Turn right onto US 62; US 82; TX 114; FM 789
13 mi·13 min·US 62; US 82; TX 114; FM 789
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward Loop 289
5
Turn straight onto Idalou Road
0.2 mi·35 sec·Idalou Road
6
Turn left onto Northeast Loop 289
378 ft·9 sec·Northeast Loop 289
7
Continue on East Loop 289
0.3 mi·24 sec·East Loop 289
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec
9
Merge onto Loop 289
4.1 mi·4 min·Loop 289
10
Take the exit
421 ft·10 sec
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
11
Keep slight right at fork
233 ft·5 sec
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
12
Turn straight onto Southeast Loop 289
0.1 mi·16 sec·Southeast Loop 289
13
Turn right onto Spur 331
1.9 mi·2 min·Southeast Drive
14
Merge onto US 84
0.2 mi·13 sec·Slaton Road
15
Continue on US 84
6.9 mi·6 min·East Highway 84
16
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi·4 min·Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
17
Continue on US 84
20 mi·20 min·East Highway 84
18
Continue on US 84
1.0 mi·1 min·North US Highway 84
19
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi·16 sec·East 15th Street
20
Turn right onto TX 207
0.4 mi·37 sec·Ralls Road
21
Turn straight onto TX 207
1.1 mi·2 min·North Avenue F
22
At end of road, turn left onto US 84
74 mi·1 hr 14 min·US Highway 84
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
6.5 mi·6 min·US 84
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 244Toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo
25
Turn slight left onto Southwest Georgia Avenue
0.1 mi·16 sec·Southwest Georgia Avenue
26
Turn right onto TX 70
0.7 mi·1 min·Lamar Street
27
Continue on TX 70
10 mi·10 min·State Highway 70
28
Turn left onto TX 153
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·State Highway 153
29
Continue on TX 153
1.0 mi·1 min·West Walnut Street
30
Continue on TX 153
0.9 mi·1 min·East Walnut Street
31
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 283
9.4 mi·10 min·US 84; US 283
32
Continue on US 67; US 84
21 mi·24 min·US 67; US 84
33
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi·1 min·Garmon Drive
34
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi·33 min·US Highway 84 East
35
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi·25 min·US 183; TX 16
36
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi·15 min·US 183; US 190
37
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft·4 sec·North US Highway 281
38
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi·4 min·North Key Avenue
39
Continue on US 183
35 mi·38 min·South US Highway 183
40
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·29 sec·this road
41
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi·14 min·183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Continue on US 183
15 mi·17 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on 183 Toll
6.3 mi·6 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Continue on US 183
0.4 mi·26 sec·Bastrop Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
45
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward TX 71 East: Austin-Bergstrom International AirportUse the slight left / straight lanes.
46
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi·2 min·East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Turn straight onto 71 Toll
1.9 mi·2 min·Bastrop Freeway
Toward 71 Toll East, TX 45 Toll North, TX 130 Toll NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Continue on TX 71
0.5 mi·29 sec·East State Highway 71
49
Continue on TX 71
137 mi·2 hr 25 min·Texas State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy TollwayUse the slight left lane.
51
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi·4 min·Katy Tollway
52
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
53
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi·13 min·Katy Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
54
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 769AToward Downtown, Theatre DistrictUse the straight / slight right lanes.
55
Continue on Smith Street
0.1 mi·29 sec·Smith Street
56
Turn left onto Preston Street
331 ft·16 sec·Preston Street
57
Turn left onto Louisiana Street
179 ft·5 sec·Louisiana Street
58
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Given the 10-hour drive time, this trip is best split over two days. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight hours for your first leg. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 559.8 miles into manageable segments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches, and utilize the estimated $85 fuel cost to budget accordingly. A good strategy is to complete about half the distance on day one, allowing for rest and refueling before continuing your drive to Houston.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 279.9 miles from Petersburg, TX, or about 5h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 123 miles or 2h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 279.9 miles or 5h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 279.9 miles or 5h 10m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 9h 10m
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 Petersburg, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Petersburg, TX
Aim for roughly 280 miles and 5.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Houston, TX
Aim for roughly 280 miles and 5.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 123 miles from Petersburg, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Texas State Highway 71 for about 137 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 31.6 and 559.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
31.6 mi into trip|~45m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
6
141.8 mi into trip|~2h 38m in|US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84 toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
6
148.3 mi into trip|~2h 44m in
Take the exit toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 244
Toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater,...
6
366.9 mi into trip|~6h 48m in|183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
559.2 mi into trip|~10h 16m 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
$76.67 one way
$153.35 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg196 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$85.64
$171.29
premium
$4.23
$93.12
$186.23
diesel
$4.80
$105.70
$211.40
Estimated Tolls: $1.23
183A Toll Road
(14.3 mi)$1.00
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
$77
Tolls
$1
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$208–$318
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 195.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $59 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
167.9
2
$58.78
$26.87
Efficient EV
140
1
$48.98
$22.39
EV Truck/SUV
223.9
2
$78.37
$35.83
Gas CO2
196 kg
EV CO2
65 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Petersburg, TX
Late night
in Petersburg on Monday
Local time
1:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 10 mph22% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 4:21PM CDT until July 16 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 4:19PM CDT until July 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Late night
in Houston on Monday
Local time
1:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 4:21PM CDT until July 16 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 4:19PM CDT until July 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
9 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
10h 18m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely highway driving, with 90% of the 559.8 miles on major roads. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch on Texas State Highway 71, covering 137 miles before transitioning to other roads. Expect more rural cruising for a significant portion of this drive as you navigate between Texas State Highway 71, US Highway 84, and State Highway 153. This setup means fewer exits and more open road for extended periods.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
58 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 137 mi on Texas State Highway 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Texas State Highway 71 and US Highway 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 30 significant decision points across 559.8 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 31.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 141.8 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 148.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,253 ft35 ft
Total Climb
265 ft
Total Descent
3,482 ft
Highest Point
3,253 ft
Elevation Range
3,218 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Petersburg, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward Sh 70 South, Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo and 71 Toll East.
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.
=== Welcome World Cup fans ===
Games will be played at NRG Stadium on the south side of Houston
The best way to get to the stadium on game day is to use MetroRail trains (red line to NRG Stadium/Astrodome). Fare cards can be purchased at kiosks at train platforms and cost US$1.25 per ride
The best hotels for football fans are downtown or near the medical center (both areas have easy access to MetroRail).
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
The longest stretch is about 137 miles on Texas State Highway 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 280 miles on day one.
Expect about $1.23 in tolls one way, starting with 183A Toll Road. 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 141.8 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 148.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 10.3 hours each way, a round trip means 20.6 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.
