Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Somerset, TX to Houston, 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
3h 48m
Distance
213.6 mi
344 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 35m
★
6 AM
3h 48m
8 AM
4h 13m
10 AM
3h 57m
12 PM
3h 54m
3 PM
3h 58m
5 PM
4h 12m
8 PM
3h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Somerset, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
This 213.6-mile drive from Somerset, Texas, to Houston, Texas, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, with an estimated fuel cost of $32. The route is a straightforward highway-focused journey, primarily utilizing I 10. Given its manageable length and efficient road profile, this trip is perfectly suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The drive is efficient and gets you across the Great Plains region of Texas quickly.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
106.8 miles from Somerset, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 151.1 mi | 2h 34m |
| 90th Infantry Division Highway | 22.2 mi | 23m |
| Katy Freeway | 10.7 mi | 13m |
| South Pan Am Expressway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Jose Lopez Freeway | 8 mi | 9m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 4 mi | 4m |
| Katy Tollway | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Anderson Loop | 2.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 151.1 mi, about 2h 34m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,987 veh/hr typical · worst 3,856
Quietest
2 AM
~378 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Somerset, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on K Street
61 ft
·
8 sec
·
K Street
2
Turn left onto FM 2790
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
Somerset Road
3
Turn left onto Loop 1604
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
·
South TX 1604 Loop West
4
Continue on Loop 1604
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Anderson Loop
5
Turn right onto Interstate 35 South
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Interstate 35 South
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35 North
7
Merge onto I 35
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 35
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
South Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 153
Toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, Del Rio
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 10; US 87; US 90
8.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Jose Lopez Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 10; US 90
22 mi
·
23 min
·
90th Infantry Division Highway
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 10; TX 130
151 mi
·
2 hr 34 min
·
I 10; TX 130
Toward I 10 East: Houston, Austin, Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Use the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Katy Tollway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 769A
Toward Downtown, Theatre District
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on Smith Street
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Smith Street
20
Turn left onto Preston Street
331 ft
·
16 sec
·
Preston Street
21
Turn left onto Louisiana Street
179 ft
·
5 sec
·
Louisiana Street
22
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
For this 3 hour and 48 minute trip, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic as you approach Houston. With a total distance of 213.6 miles, you'll only need one planned stop, which you can strategically place after the longest stretch on I 10. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, with an estimated cost of $32 for the journey. Since this is a single-day drive, flexibility is key; you can easily adjust your stop time based on your needs.
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 106.8 miles from Somerset, TX, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 151.1 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 47 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.8 miles or 1h 54m 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 4m
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 Somerset, 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 Somerset, TX
This is one driving day of about 213.6 miles and 3h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Somerset, 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 10 for about 151.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
107 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 106.8 miles from Somerset, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 151.1 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.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Guadalupe County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Guadalupe County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Roady's Truck Stops
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Colorado County Eastbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Colorado County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Jud's Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Amigos Country Corner
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.4 mi from route
Super Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.2 mi from route
Downtown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteKaty Heritage Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.8 mi from route
~5 min detour
Katy, Texas
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+12813914840
Visit websiteRoosevelt Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 5 am–11 pm
+12102077275
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 4.4 and 213 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
4.4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 35 / Purple Heart Trail
Merge onto I 35 / Purple Heart Trail
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
16.8 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, Del Rio
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 153
Toward I 10 East, US 90 West, US 90 East, US 87...
8
16.9 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Hous...
6
198.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
8
213 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m 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
$29.26 one way
$58.51 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $32.68 | $65.36 |
| premium | $4.23 | $35.53 | $71.06 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $40.33 | $80.66 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.23
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
$29
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.1 | 0 | $22.43 | $10.25 |
| Efficient EV | 53.4 | 0 | $18.69 | $8.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 85.4 | 1 | $29.90 | $13.67 |
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Somerset, TX
Evening in Somerset on Monday
Local time
6:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:05PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:04PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Evening in Houston on Monday
Local time
6:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:05PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:04PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
98°F
Brownsboro, TX
107 mi in
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
3h 48m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 14.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-intensive experience on this route, with 84% of your travel occurring on major roads like I 10 and the Katy Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 151.1 miles along I 10, meaning you can settle in for a good period of consistent driving. This profile suggests a predominantly fast-paced journey with minimal deviations onto slower local roads. The "90th Infantry Division Highway" also contributes to the high highway share of this drive.
84% 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: 151.1 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and 90th Infantry Division Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.4 miles in near I 35 / Purple Heart Trail.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 213.6 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 4.4 miles (I 35 / Purple Heart Trail): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
660 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
115 ft
Total Descent
726 ft
Highest Point
660 ft
~30.5 mi in
Elevation Range
625 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Somerset, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward Del Rio, Austin and Waco.
Del Rio
16.8 mi in
|
~20m
Austin
47.5 mi in
|
~53m
|
via I 10; TX 130
Waco
47.5 mi in
|
~53m
|
via I 10; TX 130
About the Cities
Starting in Somerset, TX
Full guide →Founded 1909
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. === 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
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 3h 48m. Total distance: 213.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 151.1 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.23 in tolls one way, starting with Katy Tollway. 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.
Yes — we found about 28 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 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. There are 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.4 miles (I 35 / Purple Heart Trail): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Houston, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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