Trip from Ranger, TX to San Antonio, TX

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

Drive Time

Distance

248.8 mi

400 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 47m ★

6 AM

5h 1m

8 AM

5h 28m

10 AM

5h 10m

12 PM

5h 8m

3 PM

5h 12m

5 PM

5h 27m

8 PM

4h 53m

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

Best Time

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Download GPX

Ranger, TX

Wikimedia Commons

San Antonio, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Ranger, TX to San Antonio, TX is 248.8 miles and takes about 5h via South US Highway 281, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route primarily stays on US-281, heading south from the Great Plains region of North Texas into the southern reaches of the state. Expect a straightforward drive with a high percentage of highway miles. With only one recommended stop and a drive time under five hours, this is an easy one-day trip. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained highways, making for a relatively quick transit.

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

124.4 miles from Ranger, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
South US Highway 281	153.1 mi	2h 56m
State Highway 108	22.2 mi	33m
North US Highway 281	19 mi	20m
US 281	17.8 mi	20m
I 20	14.7 mi	14m
North Water Street	3.6 mi	5m
Loop 254 East	3.5 mi	6m
US 281 HOV Lane	2.9 mi	3m

Longest stretch: South US Highway 281 — 153.1 mi, about 2h 56m

Traffic on I-20

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

1 PM

~920 veh/hr typical · worst 1,439

Quietest

2 AM

~165 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

5.6×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 51 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 Ranger, TX and San Antonio, TX.

Start on Loop 254

3.5 mi · 6 min · Loop 254 East

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward I 20 East: Fort Worth

Merge onto I 20

15 mi · 14 min · I 20

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Exit 370 Toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenville

Turn straight onto TX 108

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West Interstate 20

Turn right onto TX 108

22 mi · 33 min · State Highway 108

Continue on TX 108

1.7 mi · 3 min · North Graham Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on TX 108

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Graham Avenue

Continue on TX 108

0.8 mi · 1 min · South State Highway 108

At end of road, turn right onto US 281

17 mi · 19 min · South US Highway 281

Continue on US 281; TX 6

0.4 mi · 28 sec · North 2nd Street

Turn right onto US 281

0.6 mi · 38 sec · North Walnut Street

Use the right lane.

Turn straight onto US 281

19 mi · 20 min · North US Highway 281

Continue on US 281

2.3 mi · 2 min · North Rice Street

Continue on US 281

43 mi · 49 min · South US Highway 281

Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Key Avenue

Turn right onto US 281 Bus

20 mi · 21 min · South US Highway 281

Continue on US 281

3.6 mi · 5 min · North Water Street

Continue on US 281

46 mi · 54 min · South US Highway 281

Continue on US 281

1.2 mi · 2 min · Main Street

Continue on US 281

27 mi · 31 min · South US Highway 281

Turn straight onto US 281

3.1 mi · 3 min · US 281

Keep slight left at fork onto US 281 HOV Lane

2.9 mi · 3 min · US 281 HOV Lane

Merge onto US 281

15 mi · 17 min · US 281

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 37; US 281

1.1 mi · 1 min · William J Bordelon Freeway

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec

Exit 141A Toward Commerce Street, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

180 ft · 4 sec

Toward Downtown, The Alamo, Visitor Information Center

Turn slight right onto East Commerce Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Commerce Street

Turn left onto 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

To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Ranger to avoid any potential afternoon traffic as you approach San Antonio. With a fuel cost estimated around $38, you should have plenty of opportunities to refuel along US-281, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 153.1 miles. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops, but planning one main break will help break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can become more spread out on the southern sections of US-281.

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 124.4 miles from Ranger, TX, or about 2h 31m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.1 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 55 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.4 miles or 2h 31m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 7m

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 Ranger, 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 Ranger, TX

This is one driving day of about 248.8 miles and 5h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Ranger, 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 South US Highway 281 for about 153.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Burnet County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marble Falls, TX

124 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kempner, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.4 miles from Ranger, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South US Highway 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 153.1 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

I-20 Westbound Picnic Area

0 mi from route

I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area

0 mi from route

Eastland County Westbound Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area

1.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 18.5 and 247.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

18.5 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenville

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

Exit 370 Toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenvil...

61.9 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in | US 281 / North Walnut Street

Turn right onto US 281 / North Walnut Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

231.8 mi into trip | ~4h 39m in | US 281

Merge onto US 281

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

247.7 mi into trip | ~4h 58m in

Take the exit toward Commerce Street, Downtown

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 141A Toward Commerce Street, Downtown

247.8 mi into trip | ~4h 58m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown, The Alamo, Visitor Information Center

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Downtown, The Alamo, Visitor Information...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.08 one way

$68.16 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.89	$38.06	$76.13
premium	$4.23	$41.39	$82.77
diesel	$4.80	$46.98	$93.96

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 87.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	74.6	0	$26.12	$11.94
Efficient EV	62.2	0	$21.77	$9.95
EV Truck/SUV	99.5	1	$34.83	$15.92

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 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 Jul 18, 2026

Origin

Ranger, TX

Late night in Ranger on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

90°F

Mostly Sunny

S 10 mph 11% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:39AM CDT until July 19 at 6:12AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:38AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Destination

San Antonio, TX

Late night in San Antonio on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

93°F

Partly Sunny

SSE 10 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:39AM CDT until July 19 at 6:12AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:38AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM 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.

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

3 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

5h 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 248.8

View on nps.gov

Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour Free near mile 188.7

View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is mostly highway, with 93% of the 248.8 miles on main roads like South US Highway 281. You'll experience a significant stretch of 153.1 miles on South US Highway 281 before transitioning to other surface roads. Expect a consistent cruising pace for the majority of the trip. The high highway percentage means you'll encounter fewer intersections and a more direct path for most of the 5-hour duration.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 153.1 mi on South US Highway 281.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South US Highway 281 and State Highway 108. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 18.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 248.8 miles you will encounter 13 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: at 18.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.9 miles (US 281 / North Walnut Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 231.8 miles (US 281): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,497 ft 649 ft

Total Climb

1,244 ft

Total Descent

2,032 ft

Highest Point

1,497 ft

~142.2 mi in

Elevation Range

848 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Ranger, TX and San Antonio, TX, road signs point toward Sh 108 South, Fm 919: Gordon and Stephenville.

Sh 108 South

18.5 mi in | ~21m

Fm 919: Gordon

18.5 mi in | ~21m

Stephenville

18.5 mi in | ~21m

About the Cities

Starting in Ranger, TX

Full guide →

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 5h. Total distance: 248.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 153.1 miles on South US Highway 281. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 6 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 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at San Antonio, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Ranger, TX or browse trips ending in San Antonio, TX.

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Trip from Ranger, TX to San Antonio, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Traffic on I-20

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

I-20 Westbound Picnic Area

I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area

Eastland County Westbound Rest Area

Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area

Love's Travel Stop

TXB Market

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

Ranger, TX

San Antonio, TX

Same local time

3 degrees warmer at arrival

5h on the road

National Parks Near This Route

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Ranger, TX

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

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