This 444.1-mile drive from Red Lick, TX to San Antonio, TX will take approximately 7 hours and 52 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. The route primarily utilizes I-30 and the Purple Heart Trail, with a significant portion on the South R L Thornton Freeway. You'll traverse the Great Plains region of Texas for the entirety of this journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $67 and two planned stops, this highway-focused drive is straightforward. It's designed for efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
222.1 miles from Red Lick, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 30
167.4 mi
2h 52m
Purple Heart Trail
99.6 mi
1h 46m
South R L Thornton Freeway
89.9 mi
1h 32m
I 35
55.8 mi
58m
North Pan Am Expressway
17 mi
20m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
6.6 mi
7m
West New Boston Road
2 mi
2m
Interstate Highway 35
1.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 30
— 167.4 mi, about 2h 52m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~4,090 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~671 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Red Lick, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on FM 3419
1.1 mi·2 min·FM 3419
2
Turn right onto US 82
2.0 mi·2 min·West New Boston Road
3
Turn right onto FM 2253
0.5 mi·1 min·FM 2253
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
5
Merge onto I 30
167 mi·2 hr 52 min·I 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 46AToward I 35E: Denton, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
8
Keep slight left at fork
221 ft·5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward I 35E South: WacoUse the left / right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi·44 sec·South R L Thornton Freeway
11
Continue on I 35E
89 mi·1 hr 31 min·South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426Toward Dallas ZooUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi·7 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi·58 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi·54 min·Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton StreetUse the slight left lane.
16
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi·1 min·Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 35
12 mi·12 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi·11 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi·8 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.6 mi·41 sec·North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, LaredoUse the slight left lane.
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Exit 157AToward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro AvenueUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn straight onto East Elmira Street
526 ft·17 sec·East Elmira Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Turn left onto North Main Avenue
0.2 mi·18 sec·North Main Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street
159 ft·3 sec·Navarro Street
25
Continue on Navarro Street
111 ft·2 sec·Navarro Street
26
Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue
0.4 mi·51 sec·North Main Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
27
Turn right onto West Travis Street
222 ft·10 sec·West Travis Street
28
Turn left onto North Flores Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·North Flores Street
29
Continue on Military Plaza
392 ft·15 sec·Military Plaza
30
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft·8 sec·Dolorosa Street
31
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 52-minute journey, consider an early morning departure from Red Lick to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to San Antonio. With two stops recommended, plan to break up the 167.4-mile stretch on I-30 to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as there are long stretches between services on the highway portions. The estimated $67 fuel cost is a good starting point for budgeting, but always factor in potential price variations. This drive is well-suited for a single day, but having flexibility allows you to adjust your stop times as needed.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 222.1 miles from Red Lick, TX, or about 3h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.4 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 98 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 222.1 miles or 3h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 43m
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 Red Lick, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Red Lick, TX
This is one driving day of about 444.1 miles and 7h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 98 miles from Red Lick, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 30 for about 167.4 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 171.2 and 442.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
171.2 mi into trip|~2h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
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 46A
Toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
9
171.9 mi into trip|~3h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
8
362.6 mi into trip|~6h 19m in|I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
8
442.4 mi into trip|~7h 48m in|I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
442.9 mi into trip|~7h 49m in
Take the exit toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 157A
Toward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.83 one way
$121.66 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg155 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$67.94
$135.89
premium
$4.23
$73.87
$147.74
diesel
$4.80
$83.85
$167.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$61
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 155.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $47 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
133.2
1
$46.63
$21.32
Efficient EV
111
1
$38.86
$17.76
EV Truck/SUV
177.6
2
$62.17
$28.42
Gas CO2
155 kg
EV CO2
52 kg (66% 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Red Lick, TX
Late night
in Red Lick on Sunday
Local time
3:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
0 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:29PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:26PM CDT until July 17 at 11:37AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Late night
in San Antonio on Sunday
Local time
3:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 5 to 10 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:29PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:26PM CDT until July 17 at 11:37AM CDT by NWS San Angelo 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
2 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
7h 52m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 260.3
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 444.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 77% of the drive on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 167.4 miles on I-30, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While largely a high-speed affair, you will transition onto the Purple Heart Trail and South R L Thornton Freeway, offering a slight change in pace and environment as you approach your destination. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.
77% 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: 167.4 mi on I 30.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 30 and Purple Heart Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 171.2 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 444.1 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 171.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 362.6 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
809 ft277 ft
Total Climb
840 ft
Total Descent
552 ft
Highest Point
809 ft
~349 mi in
Elevation Range
533 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Red Lick, TX and San Antonio, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.
Waco
171.2 mi in|~2h 59m
Denton
171.8 mi in|~3h
Dallas Zoo
172.9 mi in|~3h 2m|via I 35E
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 52m. Total distance: 444.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 52m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.4 miles on I 30. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 48 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 48 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 171.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 362.6 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.7 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.
