How Long Does It Take to Drive Across Texas?
Quick Answer
11–14 hours east to west (El Paso to Orange, 834 miles on I-10). North to south takes 8–10 hours (Texline to Brownsville, 640 miles).
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Driving across Texas east to west takes 11–14 hours nonstop along I-10 from El Paso to Orange (834 miles). The north-to-south route from the Oklahoma panhandle to the southern tip takes 8–10 hours (roughly 640 miles). Add 1–2 hours for gas stops, food, and traffic through metro areas like San Antonio and Houston.
Major Routes Across Texas
| Route | Start – End | Distance | Drive Time (nonstop) | Realistic Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-10 (east–west) | El Paso – Orange | 834 mi | 11 hrs 30 min | 13–14 hrs |
| I-20 (east–west) | Monahans – Waskom | 580 mi | 8 hrs | 9–10 hrs |
| I-35 (north–south) | Gainesville – Laredo | 480 mi | 7 hrs | 8–9 hrs |
| US-287/I-35/US-77 (north–south) | Texline – Brownsville | 640 mi | 9 hrs 30 min | 10–11 hrs |
| I-10/I-35 (diagonal) | El Paso – Dallas | 636 mi | 9 hrs | 10–11 hrs |
Speed Limits and Driving Conditions
Texas has some of the highest speed limits in the United States. Most rural interstates are posted at 75 mph, and some stretches of I-10 and I-20 in West Texas allow 80 mph. State Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio has an 85 mph posted limit — the highest in the country.
However, speed limits drop to 60–65 mph through cities. Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin all have significant urban traffic that can add 30–60 minutes to your trip during rush hours.
The I-10 East-to-West Trip in Detail
This is the iconic "drive across Texas" route and the longest crossing:
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso to Van Horn | 120 mi | 1 hr 35 min |
| Van Horn to Fort Stockton | 120 mi | 1 hr 30 min |
| Fort Stockton to Sonora | 135 mi | 1 hr 45 min |
| Sonora to San Antonio | 210 mi | 2 hrs 50 min |
| San Antonio to Houston | 197 mi | 2 hrs 50 min |
| Houston to Orange (LA border) | 112 mi | 1 hr 30 min |
| Total | 834 mi | ~11 hrs 30 min |
Rest Stop Planning
Texas has well-maintained rest stops (called Texas Travel Information Centers at borders) roughly every 50–80 miles on major interstates. The West Texas stretch between El Paso and San Antonio is the most remote — gas stations can be 50–100 miles apart. Fill up at every opportunity on I-10 west of San Antonio.
Recommended fuel stops on I-10: Van Horn, Fort Stockton, Ozona, Sonora, Junction, Kerrville, then San Antonio.
Best Stops Along the Way
- El Paso: Franklin Mountains State Park, Mexican food on the border
- Marfa: Art galleries, the Marfa Lights viewing area (just south of I-10)
- Fort Stockton: Paisano Pete (giant roadrunner statue), affordable fuel stop
- Fredericksburg: German heritage town, 75 minutes north of San Antonio
- San Antonio: The Alamo, River Walk (worth a 2–3 hour detour)
- Buc-ee's (various locations): Texas-famous mega gas station/rest stop chain
Tips for the Drive
- Start early. Leave before 6 AM to avoid city traffic and afternoon fatigue
- Watch for wind in West Texas. Crosswinds on I-10 between El Paso and Fort Stockton can be severe, especially for high-profile vehicles
- Bring water and snacks. Stretches of 50+ miles with no services are common in West Texas
- Check for construction. TxDOT's DriveTexas.org has real-time road conditions
- Set cruise control. Texas Highway Patrol actively patrols the long interstate stretches