El Paso to Houston: Distance & Drive Time

Distance: ~850 miles (1,370 km) via I-10 East.

Drive Time: 12–13 hours non-stop (legally, with 2+ drivers). Realistically **14–16 hours** with fuel, food, rest stops, and traffic.

Route & Highlights

1. El Paso → Van Horn (120 mi): Desert, Guadalupe Mountains views.
2. Van Horn → Fort Stockton (130 mi): Chihuahuan Desert, oil fields.
3. Fort Stockton → Sonora (90 mi): Edwards Plateau transition.
4. Sonora → Junction → Kerrville (100 mi): Hill Country begins.
5. Kerrville → San Antonio (65 mi): I-10 / I-35 interchange.
6. San Antonio → Houston (200 mi): Rolling plains, increasing suburbanization.

Tips

• Fuel in Fort Stockton or Sonora—long gaps west.
• Watch for wildlife (deer, javelina) at dawn/dusk.
• San Antonio traffic (I-410 / I-10 / Loop 1604) adds 30–60 min.
• Houston rush hour (6–9 AM, 4–7 PM) adds 1+ hr.

Flight: 1 hr 45 min (ELP → IAH/HOU). Often cheaper than gas + wear for solo driver.