The drive from Waco, TX to Laredo, TX covers roughly 331 miles and typically takes 4 hr 50 min – 5 hr 30 min, mainly on I-35 South the entire way. 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
Waco, TX to Laredo, TX is about 331 miles. A typical drive takes 4 hr 50 min – 5 hr 30 min, though your actual time depends on traffic, weather, and construction — these are typical estimates, not live traffic.
This is a long, single-interstate haul following I-35 all the way to the U.S.–Mexico border. Fuel up before the sparser stretches south of San Antonio.
Best route and highways
Primary route: I-35 South the entire way. Main highways on this trip: I-35.
Alternate route: SH-130 (toll) around Austin to save time through the metro.
Toll information: I-35 is toll-free; SH-130 around Austin is optional and tolled.
Where to stop along the way
Good places to break up the Austin, San Antonio, Cotulla / Encinal corridor include:
Austin — First major metro; last easy big-city services for a while.
San Antonio — Roughly two-thirds of the way; a common overnight or meal stop.
Cotulla / Encinal — Fuel stops on the final rural stretch of I-35 to the border.
Flying instead of driving
If you'd rather fly, the most relevant airports for this trip are: Laredo International (LRD), San Antonio International (SAT).
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 Waco, TX from Laredo, TX?
It's approximately 331 miles by road via I-35 South the entire way.
How long does it take to drive from Waco, TX to Laredo, TX?
A typical drive takes 4 hr 50 min – 5 hr 30 min, depending on traffic, weather, and construction. Use the live directions button for a current estimate.
What is the best route from Waco, TX to Laredo, TX?
Most drivers take I-35 South the entire way. A useful alternate is SH-130 (toll) around Austin to save time through the metro.
Are there tolls between Waco, TX and Laredo, TX?
I-35 is toll-free; SH-130 around Austin is optional and tolled.
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.