Tioga, TX to San Antonio, TX is 329.2 miles and takes about 6 hours 3 minutes via Purple Heart Trail and I-35, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily travels through the Great Plains region, staying within Texas for its entirety. Expect a straightforward drive with a significant portion on major highways, making it a practical choice for a single-day transit. The route is designed for efficiency, allowing you to cover the distance with minimal complication. Consider this a solid option when you need to get from point A to point B without much fuss.
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
164.6 miles from Tioga, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 4m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 112 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,506 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,176
Quietest
2 AM
~583 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Tioga, TX and San Antonio, TX.
1
Start on Gene Autry Drive
280 ft·17 sec·Gene Autry Drive
2
Turn left onto US 377
10 mi·15 min·US 377
3
Turn right onto FM 3524
4.9 mi·8 min·East Sherman Drive
4
Continue on FM 428
5.6 mi·7 min·FM 428
Use the left lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward Loop 288 WestUse the right lane.
6
Merge onto Loop 288; US 380 Truck
2.7 mi·3 min·North Loop 288
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward US 77
8
Turn right onto Spur 77
0.9 mi·1 min·North Elm Street
9
Turn left onto North Interstate 35
0.7 mi·59 sec·North Interstate 35
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 35 South
11
Merge onto I 35; US 77
2.7 mi·2 min·I 35; US 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 35W
17 mi·18 min·I 35W
Exit 467Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort WorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W Express
17 mi·16 min·I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
14
Merge onto I 35W
85 mi·1 hr 27 min·North South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi·7 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi·58 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
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.
19
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi·1 min·Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 35
12 mi·12 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi·11 min·North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
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.
23
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.
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Exit 157AToward Lexington Avenue, Main Avenue, San Pedro AvenueUse the slight right lane.
25
Turn straight onto East Elmira Street
526 ft·17 sec·East Elmira Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Turn left onto North Main Avenue
0.2 mi·18 sec·North Main Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
27
Enter roundabout onto Navarro Street
159 ft·3 sec·Navarro Street
28
Continue on Navarro Street
111 ft·2 sec·Navarro Street
29
Keep slight right at fork onto North Main Avenue
0.4 mi·51 sec·North Main Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
30
Turn right onto West Travis Street
222 ft·10 sec·West Travis Street
31
Turn left onto North Flores Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·North Flores Street
32
Continue on Military Plaza
392 ft·15 sec·Military Plaza
33
Turn left onto Dolorosa Street
327 ft·8 sec·Dolorosa Street
34
Arrive at destination
Dolorosa Street
Trip Plan
For this 6-hour drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and arrive comfortably in San Antonio. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $50, you have flexibility. Consider making your stop around the halfway point to break up the 99.6-mile longest stretch on the Purple Heart Trail. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach your destination, to ensure you have enough to reach your final stop in San Antonio. This route is manageable in one day, so you don't need to plan for an overnight stay.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 164.6 miles from Tioga, TX, or about 3h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.6 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 72 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 164.6 miles or 3h 4m 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 55m
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 Tioga, 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 Tioga, TX
This is one driving day of about 329.2 miles and 6h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Tioga, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 99.6 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 28.8 and 328 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
28.8 mi into trip|~42m in|I 35W
Take the exit onto I 35W toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth
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 467
Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth
8
247.7 mi into trip|~4h 31m 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
7
321.1 mi into trip|~5h 52m in|I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 South
8
327.5 mi into trip|~6h 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
328 mi into trip|~6h 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
$45.09 one way
$90.18 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg115 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$50.37
$100.73
premium
$4.23
$54.76
$109.52
diesel
$4.80
$62.16
$124.32
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 115.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
98.8
1
$34.57
$15.80
Efficient EV
82.3
0
$28.81
$13.17
EV Truck/SUV
131.7
1
$46.09
$21.07
Gas CO2
115 kg
EV CO2
39 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
Tioga, TX
Evening
in Tioga on Monday
Local time
6:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 5 to 10 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:44AM CDT until July 17 at 12:45PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:39AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
San Antonio, TX
Evening
in San Antonio on Monday
Local time
6:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Partly Sunny
SSE 5 to 10 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:44AM CDT until July 17 at 12:45PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:39AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
96°F
Troy, TX
165 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 3m 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
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 147.6
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 329.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 67% of this 329.2-mile drive on highways, primarily the Purple Heart Trail and I-35. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 99.6 miles along the Purple Heart Trail. Outside of the highway segments, you'll encounter more typical surface road driving. Expect a relatively consistent driving experience with periods of higher-speed cruising interspersed with more local traffic and exits.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.6 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Purple Heart Trail and North South Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 28.8 miles in near I 35W.
Driving Effort9/10
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 24 significant decision points across 329.2 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 28.8 miles (I 35W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 247.7 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
909 ft534 ft
Total Climb
706 ft
Total Descent
728 ft
Highest Point
909 ft
~211.6 mi in
Elevation Range
376 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tioga, TX and San Antonio, TX, road signs point toward Loop 288 West and Fm 1515: Fort Worth.
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 6h 3m. Total distance: 329.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 3m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.6 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 28.8 miles (I 35W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 247.7 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 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.
