Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Raymondville, TX to San Antonio, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 22m
Distance
227.5 mi
366 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 9m
★
6 AM
4h 22m
8 AM
4h 49m
10 AM
4h 32m
12 PM
4h 29m
3 PM
4h 33m
5 PM
4h 48m
8 PM
4h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Raymondville, TX
Wikimedia Commons
San Antonio, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Raymondville, TX to San Antonio, TX is 227.5 miles and takes about 4h 22m via US 281 and U.S. Highway 77, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Great Plains region, traversing mostly Texas. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a straightforward trip that gets you from point A to point B without too many complexities. Plan for this drive if you're looking for a practical way to cover ground between these two Texas locations.
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
113.7 miles from Raymondville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 281 | 123.2 mi | 2h 13m |
| U.S. Highway 77 | 66.3 mi | 1h 15m |
| Nueces Street | 14.7 mi | 18m |
| West King Avenue | 14.5 mi | 17m |
| South 6th Street | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| East Commerce Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East Hidalgo Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| FM 772 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 281
— 123.2 mi, about 2h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Raymondville, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on this road
142 ft
·
14 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto US 77 Business
149 ft
·
6 sec
·
South 7th Street
3
Turn right onto TX 186
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Hidalgo Avenue
4
Turn left onto Interstate 69E Frontage Road
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Interstate 69E Frontage Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
6
Merge onto I 69E; US 77
66 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
9
Turn left onto FM 772
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
FM 772
10
Turn straight onto US 77 Business
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
South 6th Street
11
Turn left onto TX 141
14 mi
·
17 min
·
West King Avenue
12
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
13
Merge onto US 281
54 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
US 281
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
15 mi
·
18 min
·
Nueces Street
15
Continue on US 281
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 281
16
Take the exit onto US 281
69 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 141
Toward Commerce Street, Downtown, The Alamo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn straight onto Interstate 37 South
380 ft
·
11 sec
·
Interstate 37 South
19
Turn left onto East Commerce Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Commerce Street
20
Turn left onto Military Plaza
392 ft
·
15 sec
·
Military Plaza
21
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft
·
8 sec
·
Dolorosa Street
22
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 22-minute drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet for maximizing daylight. Since it's a single-day trip, you can afford to be flexible with your timing. The longest stretch without a major town is over 123 miles on US 281, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking on that segment. With only one recommended stop, keep it brief and focused on stretching your legs or grabbing a quick refreshment. Your estimated fuel cost is around $34, which is a good budget to keep in mind.
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 113.7 miles from Raymondville, TX, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.2 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 50 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.7 miles or 2h 16m 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 38m
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 Raymondville, 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 Raymondville, TX
This is one driving day of about 227.5 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Raymondville, 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 281 for about 123.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 113.7 miles from Raymondville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 123.2 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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Kenedy County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Live Oak County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Live Oak County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.8 mi from route
Spanish Governor's Palace
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.1 mi from route
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12102077527
Visit websiteGO RIO San Antonio River Cruises
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+12102274746
Visit websiteSan Antonio | The Saga
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0 mi from route
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9–9:30 pm
+12102259800
Visit websiteHemisfair
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 5 am–12 pm
+12107094750
Visit websiteSan Antonio Fire Museum
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–3:30 pm
+12103907236
Visit websiteThe Amazing Mirror Maze
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10:30 am–8 pm
+12102242288
Visit websiteSEA LIFE San Antonio
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+12106101160
Visit websiteSan Antonio River Lock & Dam
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
+12102271373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 227.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 77 Business / South 7th Street
Turn left onto US 77 Business / South 7th Street
Navigation decision point
4
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Interstate 69E Frontage Road
Turn left onto Interstate 69E Frontage Road
Navigation decision point
5
157.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
|
US 281
Take the exit onto US 281
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
226.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 19m in
Take the exit toward Commerce Street, Downtown, The Alamo
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 141
Toward Commerce Street, Downtown, The Alamo
5
227.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
|
Dolorosa Street
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.16 one way
$62.32 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $34.81 | $69.61 |
| premium | $4.23 | $37.84 | $75.68 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $42.96 | $85.91 |
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: 79.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.3 | 0 | $23.89 | $10.92 |
| Efficient EV | 56.9 | 0 | $19.91 | $9.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91 | 1 | $31.85 | $14.56 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Raymondville, TX
Evening in Raymondville on Sunday
Local time
8:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
98°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 17 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:27PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Evening in San Antonio on Sunday
Local time
8:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:27PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM 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
5 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
4h 22m 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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 219.6
View on nps.gov
Padre Island National Seashore
National Seashore
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$25
near mile 39.2
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 predominantly highway, with 83% of the 227.5 miles on major roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 123.2 miles on US 281 before transitioning to surface streets like Nueces Street. Expect a good amount of cruising on US 281, which constitutes the bulk of your travel time. The shift to town roads will signal the approaching end of your drive.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 123.2 mi on US 281.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 281 and U.S. Highway 77. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 77 Business / South 7th Street.
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 227.5 miles you will encounter 15 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 (US 77 Business / South 7th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (Interstate 69E Frontage Road): Navigation decision point; at 157.3 miles (US 281): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
649 ft
29 ft
Total Climb
721 ft
Total Descent
104 ft
Highest Point
649 ft
~227.5 mi in
Elevation Range
620 ft
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 22m. Total distance: 227.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 123.2 miles on US 281. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 77 Business / South 7th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (Interstate 69E Frontage Road): Navigation decision point; at 157.3 miles (US 281): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Padre Island National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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