Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Alvin, TX to Frisco, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 26m
Distance
295.4 mi
475 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 13m
★
6 AM
5h 26m
8 AM
5h 53m
10 AM
5h 36m
12 PM
5h 33m
3 PM
5h 37m
5 PM
5h 52m
8 PM
5h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alvin, TX
Thomas balabaud
Frisco, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Alvin, TX to Frisco, TX is 295.4 miles and takes about 5h 26m via North Freeway and Dallas North Tollway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, primarily traversing Texas. Expect a largely highway-focused experience, making it a straightforward drive for those looking to cover ground efficiently. Given its single-day recommendation and moderate distance, this route is well-suited for a quick trip or a segment of a larger Texas adventure.
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
147.7 miles from Alvin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 236.3 mi | 4h 8m |
| Dallas North Tollway | 22.8 mi | 25m |
| Brazoria County Expressway | 16.1 mi | 19m |
| West State Highway 6 | 10 mi | 15m |
| Gulf Freeway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Nolan Ryan Expressway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Parkwood Boulevard | 1 mi | 1m |
| North Olive Street | 1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 236.3 mi, about 4h 8m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,256 veh/hr typical · worst 3,806
Quietest
2 AM
~407 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 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 Alvin, TX and Frisco, TX.
1
Start on West Sealy Street
8 ft
·
7 sec
·
West Sealy Street
2
Turn left onto TX 35 Bus
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
North Gordon Street
3
Turn left onto TX 6
10 mi
·
15 min
·
West State Highway 6
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward TX 288 North
5
Merge onto TX 288
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Nolan Ryan Expressway
6
Continue on TX 288
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
South Freeway
7
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
16 mi
·
19 min
·
Brazoria County Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
Use the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 45
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 45
236 mi
·
4 hr 8 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward Elm Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Turn straight onto Elm Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Elm Street
14
Turn right onto North Olive Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Olive Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on McKinnon Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
McKinnon Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Toward DNT Toll
17
Continue on DNT
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Dallas North Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Stonebrook Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto CR 13
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Dallas Parkway
20
Turn right onto Stonebrook Parkway
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Stonebrook Parkway
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left onto Parkwood Boulevard
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Parkwood Boulevard
22
Continue on 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
5th Street
23
Turn right onto Elm Street
353 ft
·
20 sec
·
Elm Street
24
Turn left onto 6th Street
346 ft
·
15 sec
·
6th Street
25
Turn left onto Main Street
309 ft
·
14 sec
·
Main Street
26
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 26-minute drive, leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive well before evening. With a single recommended day and a relatively short duration, you have flexibility in stopping. Plan for one stop to break up the 236.3-mile stretch on the North Freeway, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; the estimated cost is $43, but prices can fluctuate. The transition from the North Freeway to the Dallas North Tollway will mark a significant change in road type and potentially tolls.
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 147.7 miles from Alvin, TX, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236.3 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 65 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.7 miles or 2h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Frisco, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alvin, 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 Alvin, TX
This is one driving day of about 295.4 miles and 5h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Alvin, 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 North Freeway for about 236.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
148 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 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 147.7 miles from Alvin, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 236.3 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
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
TA Express
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
The Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~10 min detour
Early stretch
4.1 mi from route
~10 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteVisit Frisco
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Frisco, Texas
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+19722925250
Visit websiteKids Colony
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.8 mi from route
~12 min detour
The Colony, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
+19726251106
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 12.8 and 293.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
12.8 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
28.9 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 45 North: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
8
268.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward Main Street West, Elm 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.
Exit 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
8
268.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Elm Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Elm Street
6
293.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 21m in
Take the exit toward Stonebrook Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Stonebrook Parkway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.46 one way
$80.92 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $45.19 | $90.39 |
| premium | $4.23 | $49.14 | $98.27 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $55.78 | $111.55 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.83
Dallas North Tollway
(22.8 mi)
$1.83
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
$40
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88.6 | 1 | $31.02 | $14.18 |
| Efficient EV | 73.9 | 0 | $25.85 | $11.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 118.2 | 1 | $41.36 | $18.91 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Alvin, TX
Afternoon in Alvin on Sunday
Local time
12:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph
15% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:56PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 20 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Frisco, TX
Afternoon in Frisco on Sunday
Local time
12:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Partly Sunny
SSW 10 to 15 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:56PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 20 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
100°F
Italy, TX
148 mi in
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 26m 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 on highways, with 90% of the 295.4 miles covered on high-speed roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 236.3 miles on the North Freeway, indicating extended periods of highway cruising. The remaining 10% of the route will transition to surface roads, likely involving more frequent intersections and lower speed limits as you approach your destination. Be prepared for the dense exit patterns common on major Texas freeways.
90% 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: 236.3 mi on North Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and Dallas North Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.8 miles in near TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 295.4 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: at 12.8 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 268.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
696 ft
44 ft
Total Climb
767 ft
Total Descent
115 ft
Highest Point
696 ft
~295.4 mi in
Elevation Range
652 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 Alvin, TX and Frisco, TX, road signs point toward Main Street West and Dnt Toll.
Main Street West
268.1 mi in
|
~4h 50m
Dnt Toll
270.1 mi in
|
~4h 55m
About the Cities
Starting in Alvin, TX
Full guide →Founded 1893
Alvin is in the Gulf Coast of Texas. Home of the Pitcher Nolan Ryan. It's about 20 miles southeast of Houston, at the intersections of SH-35 and SH-6.
Arriving in Frisco, TX
Full guide →Founded 1904
Frisco is a suburb of Dallas and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Top landmarks
- • Videogame History Museum — computer museum in Texas, USA
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 5h 26m. Total distance: 295.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 236.3 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.83 in tolls one way, starting with Dallas North 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.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Frisco, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.8 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 268.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Frisco, TX before the return drive.
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.
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