How to Get to Killeen From Dallas [2026-2027 Guide]
To reach Killeen from Dallas, drive south along Interstate 35 and Highway 190, take an intercity coach, ride Amtrak to Temple followed by a regional shuttle, or fly directly. Driving takes 2.25 to 2.75 hours over 150 miles and costs $18 to $28 in fuel. Bus transit takes 3.5 to 5 hours, costing $25 to $48. Rail-to-shuttle transfers take 3.5 to 4 hours, costing $30 to $65.
American Eagle operates 55-minute nonstop flights between DFW and Killeen-Fort Cavazos Regional Airport (GRK), costing $140 to $320. Personal driving remains the fastest and most flexible travel mode.
🚗 Driving From Dallas to Killeen
Driving is the most direct, convenient, and common way to travel from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to Killeen and Fort Cavazos. The standard route spans roughly 150 miles south via Interstate 35. Drivers head south through Hillsboro and Waco on I-35 down to Belton, where they take Exit 293A onto Interstate 14 / US Highway 190 West, leading directly into downtown Killeen and the Fort Cavazos main gates.
Under standard traffic conditions, the drive takes between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 45 minutes. Peak weekday commute hours—particularly leaving downtown Dallas, traversing southern Dallas County, or passing through ongoing construction zones near Waco and Temple—can extend travel time past 3 hours. Fuel expenses typically run between $18 and $28 one-way depending on vehicle efficiency.
🚌 Bus From Dallas to Killeen
For budget-conscious travelers without a personal vehicle, regional motorcoach service offers affordable point-to-point transit. Intercity bus operators, including Greyhound and FlixBus, operate scheduled daily routes departing from the Dallas Bus Station (located on South Lamar Street) or regional transit hubs in Arlington and Fort Worth, arriving at the Killeen Greyhound Station or regional transit transfer stops.
Most scheduled bus runs make intermediate stops in Waxahachie, Hillsboro, and Waco, resulting in a total trip duration of 3.5 to 5 hours. One-way bus fares generally range from $25 to $48 when booked in advance. While buses take roughly twice as long as driving, they provide onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and generous luggage allowances for soldiers, contractors, and visiting families.
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🚆 Train + Shuttle Option
While Killeen does not have direct passenger rail service, travelers can utilize Amtrak’s long-distance network by booking the Texas Eagle (Route 21/22). The train departs daily from Dallas Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station, traveling south through Fort Worth, Cleburne, and McGregor before arriving at the historic Temple Amtrak Station (TPL), located just 25 miles east of Killeen.
The train leg from Dallas to Temple takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours and 15 minutes, with one-way coach fares starting between $14 and $28. Upon arrival at the Temple depot, travelers complete the final 25-minute leg into Killeen by booking an Uber, Lyft, local taxi, or Hill Country Transit District (The HOP) regional shuttle, which costs roughly $25 to $45. This combined route offers a scenic, productive alternative for travelers who prefer to work or relax without driving.
✈️ Flying From Dallas to Killeen
For air travelers connecting from national or international origins, commercial flights provide direct runway access into Central Texas. American Airlines (operated by American Eagle) provides multiple daily nonstop regional jet flights from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) directly into Killeen-Fort Cavazos Regional Airport (GRK).
The airborne flight time is brief, typically lasting just 50 to 60 minutes aboard Embraer 175 or Bombardier CRJ regional aircraft. One-way commercial fares generally range from $140 to $320 depending on booking lead times and seasonal demand. While total door-to-door transit time (including TSA security and terminal arrival windows) is comparable to driving, flying directly into GRK is exceptionally useful for business travelers, military personnel, and inbound air passengers avoiding a rental car drive from North Texas.
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Travel Cost and Travel Time Summary
| Travel Mode & Route | Transit Time & Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Personal Vehicle via I-35 S & I-14 / US-190 W | 2 hrs 15 mins – 2 hrs 45 mins | $18 – $28 (fuel) |
| Direct Regional Flight (DFW to GRK on American Eagle) | 50 – 60 mins flight (2.5 hrs total) | $140 – $320 one-way |
| Intercity Coach Bus (Greyhound / FlixBus) | 3.5 – 5 hours | $25 – $48 one-way |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle to Temple + Rideshare to Killeen | 3.5 – 4 hours | $39 – $73 total |
| Private Airport Shuttle / Regional Van Service | 2.5 – 3 hours | $160 – $280 one-way |
FAQs About How to Get to Killeen From Dallas [2026-2027 Guide]
What is the distance from Dallas to Killeen?
The driving distance from downtown Dallas to Killeen is approximately 150 miles (241 km) heading south down the Interstate 35 corridor before connecting to Interstate 14 / US Highway 190 West at Belton.
Which airline flies directly from Dallas to Killeen?
American Airlines (operated via American Eagle regional carriers) is the sole commercial airline offering nonstop daily scheduled flights between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Killeen-Fort Cavazos Regional Airport (GRK).
Can you take a train directly into Killeen?
No, there is no direct passenger train depot in Killeen. The nearest Amtrak station is located 25 miles east in Temple, Texas, on the Texas Eagle route. Travelers must take a 25-minute taxi, rideshare, or shuttle from Temple to reach Killeen.
How far is Fort Cavazos from Dallas?
Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) is approximately 152 miles southwest of Dallas. Driving via I-35 South and I-14 West takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes under normal highway conditions to reach the main visitor center and gates.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Dallas to Killeen?
The cheapest option for solo travelers is taking an intercity bus via Greyhound or FlixBus, with advance purchase tickets starting around $25. For groups or pairs, driving a personal vehicle is often more economical, requiring under $30 in fuel for the entire vehicle.