How far is Killeen, TX from Watauga, TX?
The driving distance from Killeen, TX to Watauga, TX is about 156.5 miles (251.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.4 miles (198.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 44m 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 02h 52m.
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.
City in McLennan County, Texas
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Killeen and Watauga.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Killeen and Watauga.
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1
Start on the route
23 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn left
25 m · 11 sec
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3
Turn left onto East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
5.1 mi · 9 min · East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
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4
Turn slight right onto Edwards Drive
2510 ft · 55 sec · Edwards Drive
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5
Take the ramp straight toward I 14 East, US 190 East
3164 ft · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Central Texas Expressway
10.7 mi · 11 min · Central Texas Expressway
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7
Merge slight left onto Purple Heart Trail
37.8 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail
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8
Continue on South Jack Kultgen Expressway
6.6 mi · 8 min · South Jack Kultgen Expressway
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9
Continue on Purple Heart Trail
33 mi · 33 min · Purple Heart Trail
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 35W: Fort Worth
51.5 mi · 54 min
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11
Take the exit slight left toward I 35W Express North: I 35W TEXpress North
5.5 mi · 5 min · I 35W TEXpress
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 820 Express East
1.1 mi · 2 min
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13
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
1.3 km · 48 sec · I 820 TEXpress
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 377: Denton Highway
1.3 km · 2 min
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15
Turn slight left onto Northeast Loop 820
2611 ft · 54 sec · Northeast Loop 820
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16
Turn left onto Denton Highway
1 mi · 2 min · Denton Highway
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17
Turn right onto Shipp Drive
2785 ft · 1 min · Shipp Drive
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18
Turn left onto Whitley Road
1552 ft · 1 min · Whitley Road
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Whitley Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Killeen and Watauga.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 35W
Keep slight left to continue on I 35W: Fort Worth
51.5 mi · 00h 54m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Killeen and Partly Sunny near Watauga.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Killeen to Watauga?
The road trip is about 156.5 miles (251.8 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
West is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.4 miles from Killeen and 78.1 miles from Watauga.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.4 miles (198.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.1 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.86 one way or $41.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Killeen and Partly Sunny near Watauga.
Stop Ideas Near West
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Historic City Hall
Lacy-Lakeview City Hall
Town Hall Estates Hillsboro
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to West.
Waco, TX
McGregor
Cleburne
Temple
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Killeen and Watauga. Straight-line distance: 123.43 mi (198.64 km).
#1 Killeen
The 11th most populous city in Texas.
| Population | 153,991 |
| Coordinates | 31.1171200, -97.7278000 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Watauga
City in Tarrant County, Texas, United States
| Population | 24,188 |
| Coordinates | 32.8579100, -97.2547400 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| Country | United States |
End: Watauga (-97.25474, 32.85791)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 252 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $20.86 | $41.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.47 | $46.94 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $25.34 | $50.68 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $22.04 | $44.08 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.