Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, covering 268,597 square miles. With such a vast area and diverse landscape, many people wonder how long it takes to drive across Texas. The answer to this question varies depending on several factors such as traffic, speed limits, and route preferences.
Driving across Texas is a long journey that requires a lot of planning, especially if you want to make the most out of your trip. The most direct route across Texas is from El Paso to Orange and would take approximately 13 hours to cover the 857 miles. However, this journey can be broken down into segments that can be more manageable and enjoyable for travelers.
Starting from El Paso, one can travel through West Texas, where you encounter a flat desert landscape that is dominated by mesas, cacti, and tumbleweeds. The drive from El Paso to Laredo covers around 762 miles and can take approximately 10 hours. This stretch of the journey is mostly on Interstate 10 and will take drivers through towns such as Fort Stockton and Del Rio.
From Laredo, drivers can head north up to San Antonio, which is approximately 150 miles away. The drive to San Antonio is scenic, with the countryside giving way to rolling hills and oak trees. This section of the journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and quality of roads.
San Antonio is an excellent place to stopover and explore, with several attractions to see, including the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and historic missions. From San Antonio, drivers can continue east to Houston, which is about 200 miles away. The drive can take between 3-4 hours, depending on the route taken and traffic.
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States, with plenty of attractions and landmarks to explore. After exploring Houston, drivers can continue heading east towards Beaumont, which is approximately 85 miles away. This stretch of the journey is relatively short and can take about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Once in Beaumont, drivers can then head towards Orange, which is only about 30 miles away. The drive from Beaumont to Orange takes approximately 30 minutes, making it the last stretch of the journey. Upon arrival in Orange, drivers will have successfully traveled across Texas from west to east.
In conclusion, driving across Texas is a long journey that takes patience, planning, and time. The journey from El Paso to Orange, without any stops, would take approximately 13 hours, covering a distance of 857 miles. However, breaking down the journey into segments and exploring various cities along the way can make the trip much more enjoyable for travelers.