How far is Brownsville, TX from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance from Brownsville, TX to McAllen, TX is about 59.5 miles (95.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 50 miles (80.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 22m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 11m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
In Cameron County, Texas, USA, Palm Valley is a town.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Brownsville and McAllen.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brownsville and McAllen.
-
1
Start on East Washington Street
1682 ft · 41 sec · East Washington Street
-
2
Turn right onto East 7th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · East 7th Street
-
3
Turn left onto North Frontage Road
999 ft · 20 sec · North Frontage Road
-
4
Take the ramp slight left toward I 69E North, US 77 North, US 83 North
2235 ft · 55 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto North Expressway
10.6 mi · 12 min · North Expressway
-
6
Continue on U.S. Highway 77
13.2 mi · 15 min · U.S. Highway 77
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 2 West, US 83: McAllen
30.6 mi · 34 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward Jackson Road
918 ft · 23 sec
-
9
Turn straight onto West Expressway 83
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Expressway 83
-
10
At the end of the road, turn left onto North Jackson Road
134 m · 13 sec · North Jackson Road
-
11
Turn right onto East Business 83
1.6 mi · 3 min · East Business 83
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Business 83
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Brownsville and McAllen.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 2 West
Take the exit slight right toward I 2 West, US 83: McAllen
30.6 mi · 00h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Brownsville and Partly Sunny near McAllen.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Brownsville to McAllen?
The road trip is about 59.5 miles (95.7 km) and usually takes 01h 11m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Palm Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.8 miles from Brownsville and 29.8 miles from McAllen.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 50 miles (80.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.94 one way or $15.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Brownsville and Partly Sunny near McAllen.
Stop Ideas Near Palm Valley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Harlingen City Recreation Department
Weslaco City Hall
Once Upon A Party
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Palm Valley.
Harlingen, Texas
Brownsville, Texas
McAllen, Texas
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Brownsville and McAllen. Straight-line distance: 50.02 mi (80.5 km).
#1 Brownsville
The southernmost city in Texas.
| Population | 183,428 |
| Coordinates | 25.9017500, -97.4974800 |
| Altitude | 10 |
| Country | United States |
#2 McAllen
The second most populous city in Hidalgo County, Texas.
| Population | 143,751 |
| Coordinates | 26.2034100, -98.2300100 |
| Altitude | 37 |
| Country | United States |
End: McAllen (-98.23001, 26.20341)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 96 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $7.94 | $15.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.93 | $17.86 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $9.64 | $19.28 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $8.39 | $16.77 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Texas · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.