How far is Pharr, TX from Elsa, TX?
The driving distance from Pharr, TX to Elsa, TX is about 17.8 miles (28.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 13.6 miles (21.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 50m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 25m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
American labor leader, community organizer, businessman, and Latino American civil rights activist
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Pharr and Elsa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pharr and Elsa.
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1
Start on the route
11 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn sharp left
44 m · 6 sec
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3
Turn right onto North Cage Boulevard
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Cage Boulevard
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4
Take the ramp straight toward I 69C North, US 281 North
6.6 mi · 7 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward FM 2128: Schunior Road, Richardson Road, Chapin Road
1346 ft · 33 sec
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6
Turn straight onto North Expressway 281
706 ft · 18 sec · North Expressway 281
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7
Turn right onto East Richardson Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Richardson Road
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8
Continue on East Richardson Street
1.4 km · 1 min · East Richardson Street
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9
Continue on East Schunior Street
2604 ft · 42 sec · East Schunior Street
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10
Continue on Richardson Road
1.5 km · 1 min · Richardson Road
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11
At the end of the road, turn left
6.1 mi · 9 min
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Edinburg Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pharr and Elsa.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 69C North
Take the ramp straight toward I 69C North, US 281 North
6.58 mi · 00h 07m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Pharr and Mostly Sunny near Elsa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Pharr to Elsa?
The road trip is about 17.8 miles (28.7 km) and usually takes 00h 25m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
César Chávez is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.9 miles from Pharr and 8.9 miles from Elsa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 13.6 miles (21.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.38 one way or $4.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Pharr and Mostly Sunny near Elsa.
Stop Ideas Near César Chávez
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
First Vehicle Services
City of Edinburg Parks & Recreation Department
Triple City Bingo
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to César Chávez.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pharr and Elsa. Straight-line distance: 13.63 mi (21.94 km).
#1 Pharr
The most populous city in Hidalgo County, Texas.
| Population | 79,513 |
| Coordinates | 26.1948000, -98.1836200 |
| Altitude | 34 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elsa
City in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States
| Population | 7,120 |
| Coordinates | 26.2934000, -97.9930600 |
| Altitude | 21 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elsa (-97.99306, 26.2934)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 29 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $2.38 | $4.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.68 | $5.36 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $2.89 | $5.78 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $2.52 | $5.03 |
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.