How far is Mesquite, TX from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance from Mesquite, TX to Killeen, TX is about 162.9 miles (262.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 131.8 miles (212.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 48m 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 54m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mesquite and Killeen.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesquite and Killeen.
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1
Start on South Galloway Avenue
1 m · 7 sec · South Galloway Avenue
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2
Turn left onto West Main Street
2020 ft · 57 sec · West Main Street
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3
Continue on Scyene Road
1 mi · 2 min · Scyene Road
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4
Turn left onto Rodeo Center Boulevard
697 ft · 26 sec · Rodeo Center Boulevard
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5
Turn slight left onto I 635 South
1339 ft · 33 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
16.7 mi · 18 min · Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E South: Waco
1.6 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left onto South R L Thornton Freeway
80.3 mi · 1 hr 22 min · South R L Thornton Freeway
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9
Continue on North Jack Kultgen Expressway
6.6 mi · 8 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway
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10
Continue on Purple Heart Trail
37.9 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Central Texas Expressway
13.1 mi · 14 min · Central Texas Expressway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward FM 3470: Rosewood Drive, Stan Schlueter Loop
1346 ft · 33 sec
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13
Turn straight onto West Central Texas Expressway
2.9 mi · 3 min · West Central Texas Expressway
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14
Turn right onto South W.S. Young Drive
1.3 mi · 3 min · South W.S. Young Drive
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15
Turn left onto East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
1 mi · 2 min · East Veterans Memorial Boulevard
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16
Turn right
25 m · 8 sec
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17
Turn right
23 m · 5 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mesquite and Killeen.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South R L Thornton Freeway
Merge slight left onto South R L Thornton Freeway
80.3 mi · 01h 22m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Mesquite and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Killeen.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mesquite to Killeen?
The road trip is about 162.9 miles (262.1 km) and usually takes 02h 54m 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?
Abbott is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.5 miles from Mesquite and 81.3 miles from Killeen.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 131.8 miles (212.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.1 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.73 one way or $43.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Mesquite and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Killeen.
Stop Ideas Near Abbott
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Historic City Hall
West City Hall
Town Hall Estates Hillsboro
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Abbott.
Waco, TX
Cleburne
McGregor
Temple
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mesquite and Killeen. Straight-line distance: 131.79 mi (212.1 km).
#1 Mesquite
The ninth most populous city in Texas.
| Population | 138,916 |
| Coordinates | 32.7668000, -96.5991600 |
| Altitude | 151 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Killeen
The 11th most populous city in Texas.
| Population | 153,991 |
| Coordinates | 31.1171200, -97.7278000 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Killeen (-97.7278, 31.11712)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 262 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $21.73 | $43.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.45 | $48.90 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $26.40 | $52.80 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $22.96 | $45.92 |
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.