Victoria County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Alice, TX to Houston, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 39m
Distance
237.3 mi
382 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 26m
★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 49m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 5m
8 PM
4h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alice, TX
Atahan Demir
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
This 236.8-mile journey from Alice, Texas, to Houston, Texas, is an achievable day trip, estimated to take just under 4 hours. You'll navigate through local streets for the entirety of this drive, with no highway stretches, making it a "turn-heavy local drive." With a fuel cost estimated at $36 and one planned stop, this route is designed for convenience. The drive keeps you within the Great Plains region throughout, offering a consistent landscape. Consider this a straightforward transit between two Texas points, ideal for those prioritizing directness over extensive scenic detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
118.6 miles from Alice, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 59 South | 88.6 mi | 1h 38m |
| US 77 | 37.6 mi | 44m |
| United States Highway 77 | 33 mi | 37m |
| Southwest Freeway | 32.6 mi | 37m |
| East Main Street | 26.2 mi | 30m |
| U.S. Highway 77 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| US 59 Northbound Frontage Road | 2 mi | 4m |
| Louisiana Street | 1.9 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 59 South
— 88.6 mi, about 1h 38m
Traffic on I-69
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~682 veh/hr typical · worst 936
Quietest
2 AM
~109 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alice, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on East 2nd Street
94 ft
·
9 sec
·
East 2nd Street
2
Turn left onto North Cameron Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
North Cameron Street
3
Turn left onto TX 44; TX 359
452 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Front Street
4
Continue on TX 44; TX 359
26 mi
·
30 min
·
East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit onto TX 44
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 44
6
Turn left onto North US Highway 77
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North US Highway 77
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward County Road 44
8
Merge onto I 69E; US 77
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
9
Merge onto I 37; US 77; I 69E
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 37; US 77; I 69E
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
50 sec
11
Continue on I 37; US 77; I 69E
463 ft
·
5 sec
·
I 37; US 77; I 69E
12
Take the exit onto US 77
38 mi
·
44 min
·
US 77
Toward Sinton, Victoria
13
Turn slight right onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
United States Highway 77
14
Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 91
15
Merge onto US 59
89 mi
·
1 hr 38 min
·
US Highway 59 South
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
17
Continue on 59 Northbound Frontage Road
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
59 Northbound Frontage Road
18
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
this road
19
Continue on US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
20
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
21
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 69 North, US 59 North
22
Merge onto I 69; US 59
33 mi
·
37 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street
Use the slight left lane.
24
Take the exit
155 ft
·
3 sec
Toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on Louisiana Street
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 59-minute duration, this trip is best tackled as a single-day excursion. Departing in the morning will allow ample time to reach Houston without feeling rushed, and the single recommended stop provides a good opportunity for a brief break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated $36 cost is based on current prices and distances. Since this is a turn-heavy local drive, pay close attention to your navigation to avoid missing any key turns onto streets like North Cameron Street or East Main Street.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 118.6 miles from Alice, TX, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 52 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.6 miles or 2h 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alice, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Alice, TX
This is one driving day of about 237.3 miles and 4h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Alice, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 59 South for about 88.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
119 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 118.6 miles from Alice, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 59 South if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Victoria County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
San Patricio County Northbound Rest Area
2.2 mi from route
Downtown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteThe Black Cowboy Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Rosenberg, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18324516202
Visit websiteEl Campo Lost Lagoon
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
El Campo, Texas
+19792751600
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 235.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Cameron Street
Turn left onto North Cameron Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
TX 44; TX 359 / East Front Street
Turn left onto TX 44; TX 359 / East Front Street
Navigation decision point
5
27.1 mi into trip
|
~31m in
|
North US Highway 77
Turn left onto North US Highway 77
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
234.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana...
7
235.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.50 one way
$65.01 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $36.31 | $72.61 |
| premium | $4.23 | $39.47 | $78.94 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $44.81 | $89.61 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.2 | 0 | $24.92 | $11.39 |
| Efficient EV | 59.3 | 0 | $20.76 | $9.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.9 | 1 | $33.22 | $15.19 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Alice, TX
Late night in Alice on Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 13 to 17 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Late night in Houston on Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
7% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 39m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a route characterized by frequent turns and local road navigation, as indicated by its "turn-heavy local drive" profile and 0% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, suggesting a constant engagement with changing local streets rather than long, monotonous highway segments. This drive will likely feel like a continuous series of transitions through towns and neighborhoods, rather than a high-speed interstate cruise. You'll be on local roads for the entire 236.8 miles, so be prepared for varying speed limits and traffic patterns.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.6 mi on US Highway 59 South.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 South and US 77. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Cameron Street.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 237.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Cameron Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (TX 44; TX 359 / East Front Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.1 miles (North US Highway 77): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
200 ft
17 ft
Total Climb
142 ft
Total Descent
306 ft
Highest Point
200 ft
Elevation Range
183 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Alice, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward County Road 44, Sinton and Victoria.
County Road 44
28.1 mi in
|
~34m
Sinton
35.3 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 77
Victoria
35.3 mi in
|
~42m
|
via US 77
About the Cities
Starting in Alice, TX
Full guide →Founded 1888
Alice is a city of 19,000 people (2018) on the South Texas Plains between Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, and San Antonio. It is a focal point for the oil industry in the area, and is considered to the "birthplace of Tejano music".
Arriving in Houston, TX
Full guide →“Space City” · Founded 1836
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered. === Welcome World Cup fans === Games will be played at NRG Stadium on the south side of Houston The best way to get to the stadium on game day is to use MetroRail trains (red line to NRG Stadium/Astrodome). Fare cards can be purchased at kiosks at train platforms and cost US$1.25 per ride The best hotels for football fans are downtown or near the medical center (both areas have easy access to MetroRail).
Top landmarks
- • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
- • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
- • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris County, Texas
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 39m. Total distance: 237.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.6 miles on US Highway 59 South. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Houston, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Cameron Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (TX 44; TX 359 / East Front Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.1 miles (North US Highway 77): Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Houston, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Houston, TX
More trips to Houston, TX
Explore more options from Alice, TX or browse trips ending in Houston, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.