Origin
Alvarado, TX
Late night in Alvarado on Tuesday
Local time
5:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Alvarado, TX to Houston, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 22m
Distance
236.7 mi
381 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 10m
★
6 AM
4h 23m
8 AM
4h 49m
10 AM
4h 32m
12 PM
4h 29m
3 PM
4h 33m
5 PM
4h 48m
8 PM
4h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alvarado, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Alvarado, TX to Houston, TX is 236.7 miles and takes about 4h 22m via I 35W and East State Highway 6, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive. With a recommended one-day pace, you'll spend most of your time on highways. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to get from the northern to the southern part of Texas without extensive planning.
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
118.3 miles from Alvarado, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35W | 57.6 mi | 58m |
| East State Highway 6 | 46.6 mi | 46m |
| North Earl Rudder Freeway | 30.1 mi | 31m |
| Aggie Expressway | 24.7 mi | 27m |
| South State Highway 6 | 13.7 mi | 14m |
| Tomball Parkway | 12.6 mi | 16m |
| North Freeway | 7.4 mi | 9m |
| Tomball Tollway | 7 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 35W
— 57.6 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alvarado, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on this road
79 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn slight right onto South Friou Street
113 ft
·
14 sec
·
South Friou Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 67 Bus
413 ft
·
10 sec
·
East College Street
4
Turn right onto FM 1706
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Sparks Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto I 35 Bus
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
South Parkway Drive
6
Continue on I 35 Bus
487 ft
·
22 sec
·
I 35 Bus
7
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward I 35W South
9
Merge onto I 35W
58 mi
·
58 min
·
I 35W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 337
Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
13
Turn left onto US 77 Bus
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Loop Drive
14
Continue on Loop 484
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Marlin Highway
15
Continue on TX 6
9.1 mi
·
9 min
·
East State Highway 6
16
Continue on TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Memorial Street
17
Continue on TX 6
37 mi
·
37 min
·
East State Highway 6
18
Continue on TX 6
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
19
Continue on TX 6
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
North State Highway 6
20
Continue on US 79; TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Market Street
21
Continue on US 190; TX 6
14 mi
·
14 min
·
South State Highway 6
22
Continue on US 190; TX 6
30 mi
·
31 min
·
North Earl Rudder Freeway
23
Continue on TX 6
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 6
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
25
Turn straight onto TX 105
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
State Highway 6
26
Turn left onto TX 105
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 105
27
Turn straight onto TX 249
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on TX 249 Toll
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on TBT
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on TX 249
13 mi
·
16 min
·
Tomball Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on TX 249
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
West Mount Houston Road
32
Turn right onto Veterans Memorial Drive
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Veterans Memorial Drive
33
Continue on North Freeway Frontage Road
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
North Freeway Frontage Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Take the ramp
453 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 45 South
35
Merge onto I 45
7.4 mi
·
9 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
39
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
40
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
41
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
42
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 22m estimated drive time, leaving Alvarado, TX in the morning allows ample time to reach Houston, TX before dark. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically for a break or fuel top-off. Pay attention to your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 57.6 miles on I 35W, as services might be less frequent. The $36 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting, but always factor in potential price fluctuations. This is a manageable one-day drive, so you have flexibility in your departure time.
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 118.3 miles from Alvarado, TX, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.6 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 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.3 miles or 2h 5m 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 27m
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 Alvarado, 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 Alvarado, TX
This is one driving day of about 236.7 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Alvarado, 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 I 35W for about 57.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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 118.3 miles from Alvarado, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 235.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 67 Bus / East College Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 67 Bus / East College Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
5
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 35 Bus / South Parkway Drive
At end of road, turn left onto I 35 Bus / South Parkway Drive
Navigation decision point
7
59.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Take the exit toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 337
Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
7
235.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 19m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
7
235.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Milam Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Milam Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.77 one way
$71.53 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $39.15 | $78.30 |
| premium | $4.54 | $42.26 | $84.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.26 | $104.52 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.74
Tomball Tollway
(7 mi)
$0.49
MCTRA 249 Tollway
(3.6 mi)
$0.25
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71 | 0 | $24.85 | $11.36 |
| Efficient EV | 59.2 | 0 | $20.71 | $9.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.7 | 1 | $33.14 | $15.15 |
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.
Destination
Houston, TX
Late night in Houston on Tuesday
Local time
5:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 22m 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?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 88% of the 236.7 miles on major roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 57.6 miles on I 35W, indicating long, uninterrupted highway cruising. The transition to surface roads will happen later in the trip, offering a change of pace after extended highway time. Expect a relatively consistent driving experience for the majority of the 4h 22m duration.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57.6 mi on I 35W.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35W and East State Highway 6. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 67 Bus / East College Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 236.7 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 (US 67 Bus / East College Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.9 miles (I 35 Bus / South Parkway Drive): Navigation decision point; at 59.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
On the drive from Alvarado, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 515: Conroe along the way.
Spur 515: Conroe
170 mi in
|
~3h
About the Cities
Starting in Alvarado, TX
Full guide →Founded 1885
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.
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 22m. Total distance: 236.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 57.6 miles on I 35W. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.74 in tolls one way, starting with Tomball Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 67 Bus / East College Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.9 miles (I 35 Bus / South Parkway Drive): Navigation decision point; at 59.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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