The drive from Fort Worth, TX to Waco, TX covers roughly 88 miles and typically takes 1 hr 25 min – 1 hr 45 min, mainly on I-35W South. Below you'll find the recommended route, major highways, worthwhile stops, airport alternatives, and a button to open live, current directions in Google Maps.
Distance and typical drive time
Fort Worth, TX to Waco, TX is about 88 miles. A typical drive takes 1 hr 25 min – 1 hr 45 min, though your actual time depends on traffic, weather, and construction — these are typical estimates, not live traffic.
Fort Worth to Waco is the shortest of the major metro connections to Waco. Once past Burleson, I-35W is an easy, mostly rural run south to Hillsboro and on to Waco.
Best route and highways
Primary route: I-35W South. Main highways on this trip: I-35W, I-35.
Alternate route: US-81/US-77 through Cleburne and Hillsboro for a two-lane alternative.
Toll information: The I-35W route is toll-free, though optional TEXpress lanes exist in the Fort Worth metro.
Where to stop along the way
Good places to break up the Burleson, Hillsboro, West corridor include:
Burleson — Southern Fort Worth suburb with full services.
Hillsboro — I-35W rejoins I-35 here; outlets and fuel.
West — Czech bakeries just before Waco.
Flying instead of driving
If you'd rather fly, the most relevant airports for this trip are: Waco Regional Airport (ACT), Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW).
Waco Regional Airport (ACT) offers limited commercial service, so many travelers to and from the Waco area also use larger airports in Dallas–Fort Worth or Austin.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Fort Worth, TX from Waco, TX?
It's approximately 88 miles by road via I-35W South.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Worth, TX to Waco, TX?
A typical drive takes 1 hr 25 min – 1 hr 45 min, depending on traffic, weather, and construction. Use the live directions button for a current estimate.
What is the best route from Fort Worth, TX to Waco, TX?
Most drivers take I-35W South. A useful alternate is US-81/US-77 through Cleburne and Hillsboro for a two-lane alternative.
Are there tolls between Fort Worth, TX and Waco, TX?
The I-35W route is toll-free, though optional TEXpress lanes exist in the Fort Worth metro.
Last verified September 19, 2026
Details like hours, prices, routes, boundaries, and availability can change. This page is provided for general information — always confirm current details with the official source before you rely on them.