How far is Refugio, TX from Houston, TX?
The driving distance from Refugio, TX to Houston, TX is about 165.8 miles (266.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 153.2 miles (246.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 26m 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 43m.
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.
This small community in Wharton County, Texas, is situated on the Gulf Coastal Plain, an area characterized by its flat terrain and fertile soils.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Refugio and Houston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Refugio and Houston.
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1
Start on West Commons Street
13 m · 9 sec · West Commons Street
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2
Turn left onto North Alamo Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Alamo Street
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3
Turn slight right onto United States Highway 77
33 mi · 37 min · United States Highway 77
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Spur 91
1.5 mi · 2 min · Spur 91
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5
Merge slight left onto US Highway 59 South
88.6 mi · 1 hr 38 min · US Highway 59 South
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6
Take the exit slight right
1551 ft · 38 sec
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7
Continue on 59 Northbound Frontage Road
1.6 mi · 2 min · 59 Northbound Frontage Road
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8
Continue straight
2146 ft · 59 sec
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9
Continue on US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
2 mi · 5 min · US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
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10
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
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11
Take the ramp slight left toward I 69 North, US 59 North
1304 ft · 32 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Southwest Freeway
32.6 mi · 38 min · Southwest Freeway
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13
Keep slight left to continue on Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street
1.4 km · 1 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
47 m · 4 sec
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15
Continue on Louisiana Street
1.9 mi · 5 min · Louisiana Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Louisiana Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Refugio and Houston.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 59 South
Merge slight left onto US Highway 59 South
88.6 mi · 01h 38m
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 Refugio and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Houston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Refugio to Houston?
The road trip is about 165.8 miles (266.9 km) and usually takes 02h 43m 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?
Louise is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.8 miles from Refugio and 83 miles from Houston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 153.2 miles (246.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.6 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 1:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.11 one way or $44.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Refugio and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Houston.
Stop Ideas Near Louise
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Louise.
Prairie View, TX
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Refugio and Houston. Straight-line distance: 153.25 mi (246.64 km).
#1 Refugio
Town in Texas, USA
| Population | 2,711 |
| Coordinates | 28.3052800, -97.2752700 |
| Altitude | 14 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Houston
The fourth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Houston metropolitan area.
| Population | 2,316,120 |
| Coordinates | 29.7632800, -95.3632700 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
End: Louisiana Street (-95.363596, 29.76347)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 267 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $22.11 | $44.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.87 | $49.75 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $26.86 | $53.71 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $23.36 | $46.72 |
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.