If you’re sitting in Houston right now, staring at your screen and wondering exactly how far is Kerrville Texas from my location, the short answer is about 250 miles. Give or take.
Honestly, the distance matters way less than the traffic on I-10. If you leave at 5:00 PM on a Friday? You’re looking at a grueling five-hour crawl. But if you sneak out on a Tuesday morning? You can probably pull into Kerrville in about three hours and forty-five minutes.
It’s the classic Texas trade-off. You swap the humidity and the concrete sprawl of the Bayou City for the rocky, cedar-scented air of the Hill Country. Most people think of Kerrville as just a pit stop on the way to Fredericksburg, but they’re wrong. It’s a destination in its own right, sitting pretty at an elevation of about 1,600 feet—which is a massive jump from Houston’s measly 43 feet.
Getting There: The I-10 Reality Check
Most of us are going to take I-10 West. It’s the straightest shot. You go through Katy, Sealy, and Columbus. Then Luling (stop for the BBQ, obviously) and Seguin. Finally, you skirt around the northern edge of San Antonio.
Pro tip: Do not trust your GPS blindly when you hit San Antonio. The construction near the I-10 and Loop 1604 interchange is a perpetual mess. If it looks red on the map, it's actually deep maroon.
The Mileage Breakdown
- From Downtown Houston: Approximately 248 miles.
- From The Woodlands: About 275 miles (add another 30-40 minutes).
- From Sugar Land: Roughly 240 miles.
You'll feel the change long before you see the "Welcome to Kerrville" sign. Somewhere past Luling, the land starts to wrinkle. The flat coastal plains start giving way to those iconic rolling hills. By the time you hit Boerne, the sky feels wider.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Drive
A lot of folks think the drive is boring. It can be, if you don't know where to look. But if you’re asking "how far is Kerrville Texas from my location," you're likely planning a getaway, not just a commute.
Stop in Columbus for a quick look at the "Confederate Memorial Museum" which is actually housed in an old water tower. It’s weird and very Texas. Or, if you’ve got kids, the Buc-ee’s in Luling is basically a rite of passage.
Is it a long drive? Yeah. But it’s manageable.
Why the Elevation Matters
Houston is basically a swamp. We love it, but it’s a swamp. Kerrville is the Guadalupe River Valley.
The air is thinner and drier. When you step out of the car in Kerrville, you’ll notice you don't immediately start sweating through your shirt in the summer. It’s still hot—Texas hot—but the "dry heat" thing actually makes a difference here. In January, it gets legit cold. We’re talking 30-degree nights while Houston is still sitting at a muggy 60.
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The Hill Country Landscape
The terrain in Kerrville is rugged. We’re talking limestone bluffs and massive cypress trees lining the river. It’s a world away from the piney woods or the coastal marshes.
Things to Do Once You Arrive
So you’ve driven the 250-ish miles. Now what?
Louise Hays Park is the heart of the city. It’s got a massive splash pad and access to the Guadalupe River. You can rent a kayak or just sit on the bank and watch the water.
If you’re into weird art, Stonehenge II is just down the road in Ingram. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a concrete replica of the original Stonehenge, but with added Easter Island heads because... why not? It was originally a joke between neighbors that turned into a local landmark.
Culture and Shopping
- The Museum of Western Art: This place is legit. Even if you aren't a "museum person," the architecture alone is worth the visit. It looks like a fortress on a hill.
- James Avery Craftsman Center: This is the mothership. Most people in Texas own a piece of James Avery jewelry, and this is where it all started. You can see the workshop and buy pieces you won't find at the mall.
- Pint & Plow Brewing: Good coffee, better beer, and a very "local" vibe that makes you feel like you’ve actually escaped the city.
The Cost of the Trip
Gas in 2026 isn't exactly cheap, but the drive won't break the bank. Most modern SUVs can make it on a single tank.
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If you don't want to drive, there’s always the bus. FlixBus and Greyhound run routes from Houston to Kerrville, usually taking about 5 to 6 hours because of the stops. It’s a budget-friendly option, but honestly, you’ll want a car once you’re in the Hill Country. Everything is spread out.
Planning Your Departure
If you want the best experience, leave Houston around 9:30 AM on a weekday. You’ll miss the morning rush, and you’ll hit Kerrville just in time for a late lunch at the Kerrville Hills Winery.
Avoid Sunday afternoons for the return trip. Everyone from San Antonio and Austin is heading back home, and the 1-10 eastbound stretch can turn into a parking lot.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your tires: The heat on I-10 is brutal on rubber, especially during the summer months.
- Download your maps: Cell service can get spotty once you get west of San Antonio into the deeper parts of the Hill Country.
- Book ahead: If you’re eyeing a stay at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel, do it early. It fills up fast during the Kerrville Folk Festival or hunting season.
- Pack layers: The temperature swings in the Hill Country are much more dramatic than the steady warmth of the coast.
Kerrville isn't just a number on a GPS. It’s a shift in pace. Whether you’re going for the river, the art, or just to breathe air that doesn't feel like a wet blanket, the 250-mile trek is one of the best "bang for your buck" road trips you can take from Houston.