Trip from Alvin, TX to Garland, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 26m

Distance

325.7 mi

524 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

6h 14m ★

6 AM

6h 26m

8 AM

6h 51m

10 AM

6h 35m

12 PM

6h 32m

3 PM

6h 36m

5 PM

6h 50m

8 PM

6h 19m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Alvin, TX

Thomas balabaud

Trip Overview

This 325.7-mile drive from Alvin, Texas, to Garland, Texas, is a straightforward journey primarily on highways, taking about 6 hours and 26 minutes. With a 91% highway share, it’s a focused drive that works well as a single-day trip, especially considering the estimated fuel cost of $49. You'll be traveling within the Great Plains region for the entirety of your excursion. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. Expect a direct path with minimal scenic distractions, making it a practical choice for a focused road trip.

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

162.8 miles from Alvin, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 59	57.5 mi	1h 5m
I-69	42 mi	44m
Eastex Freeway	39.8 mi	46m
US 271	29.8 mi	34m
US Route 259	19.2 mi	21m
I 30	17.1 mi	17m
US Highway 259 North	16.5 mi	24m
Brazoria County Expressway	14.3 mi	16m

Longest stretch: US 59 — 57.5 mi, about 1h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Alvin, TX and Garland, TX.

Start on West Sealy Street

8 ft · 7 sec · West Sealy Street

Turn left onto TX 35 Bus

0.4 mi · 39 sec · North Gordon Street

Turn left onto TX 6

10 mi · 15 min · West State Highway 6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec

Toward TX 288 North

Merge onto TX 288

1.9 mi · 2 min · Nolan Ryan Expressway

Continue on TX 288

0.1 mi · 7 sec · South Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

14 mi · 16 min · Brazoria County Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward Cleveland, Victoria Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto TX 288

0.5 mi · 39 sec · South Freeway

Keep slight left at fork

442 ft · 10 sec

Toward TX 288, US 59 North: Dallas, Galveston, Downtown, Cleveland

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward I 69 North, US 59 North: Cleveland, Elgin Avenue, Tuam Avenue

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Toward I 69, US 59 North: Cleveland

Merge onto I 69; US 59

0.7 mi · 50 sec · Southwest Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 69; US 59

40 mi · 46 min · Eastex Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69; US 59

0.7 mi · 44 sec · I 69; US 59

Continue on I-69; US 59

42 mi · 44 min · I-69; US 59

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 59; FM 942

36 mi · 40 min · US 59; FM 942

Take the exit onto US 59

5.7 mi · 7 min · US 59

Toward US 59 North, Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches

Keep slight right at fork onto US 59

16 mi · 17 min · US 59

Toward US 59 North: Nacogdoches

Turn left

0.7 mi · 1 min

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 41 sec · this road

Merge onto Loop 224

5.9 mi · 6 min · Southwest Stallings Drive

Continue on US 59

0.9 mi · 58 sec · North US Highway 59

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Use the left lane.

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 20 sec · this road

Merge onto US 259

11 mi · 12 min · US Highway 259

Continue on US 259

3.0 mi · 3 min · US Route 259

Continue on US 259

2.8 mi · 3 min · South Railroad Avenue

Continue on US 259

16 mi · 18 min · US Route 259

Turn right onto US 79; US 259

1.8 mi · 2 min · Highway 79

Continue on US 259

13 mi · 15 min · Kilgore Drive

Keep slight right at fork onto US 259 Business

2.8 mi · 3 min · US 259 Business

Turn left onto Houston Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Houston Street

Keep slight right at fork onto Houston Street

371 ft · 7 sec · Houston Street

Enter roundabout onto TX 135

124 ft · 1 sec · State Highway 135 North

Continue on TX 135

11 mi · 13 min · State Highway 135 North

Continue on US 271

1.6 mi · 1 min · South Tyler Street

Continue on US 271

0.3 mi · 30 sec · South Main Street

Turn left onto US 80

2.1 mi · 2 min · West Upshur Avenue

Turn right onto FM 2685

4.1 mi · 5 min · FM 2865

Turn right onto FM 2685

6.5 mi · 7 min · FM 2685

Turn right onto TX 155

4.2 mi · 4 min · TX 155

Continue on US 271

30 mi · 34 min · US 271

Turn right onto Burton Road

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Burton Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Merge onto I 30

17 mi · 17 min · I 30

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward US 259: De Kalb, Daingerfield

Turn left onto US 259

17 mi · 24 min · US Highway 259 North

Turn left onto FM 1701

2.1 mi · 4 min · FM 1701

Arrive at destination

FM 1701

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour and 26-minute duration, starting your trip from Alvin, TX, in the early morning is advisable to avoid potential midday traffic as you approach Garland, TX. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $49, you can plan your journey with relative ease. The longest stretch without a break is 57.5 miles, so consider a brief pause around that mark or when you see a service area. Since this is a single-day, highway-focused drive, flexibility is key; adjust your timing based on your personal comfort level for driving. Keep an eye out for the transition from US 59 to I-69 as you make your way north.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 162.8 miles from Alvin, TX, or about 3h 9m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.5 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 72 miles or 1h 29m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 162.8 miles or 3h 9m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 12m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Garland, 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 325.7 miles and 6h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 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 US 59 for about 57.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Nacogdoches, TX

163 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.

Popular next leg

Nacogdoches, TX to Garland, TX

155.7 mi · 3h 8m

Pacing Suggestions

Conroe, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Nacogdoches, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 162.8 miles from Alvin, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 23.3

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Houston Zoo

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 23.3

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17135336500

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 31

5 decision points cluster between mile 12.8 and 28.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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.

27 mi into trip | ~35m in

Take the exit toward Cleveland, Victoria

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward Cleveland, Victoria

27.8 mi into trip | ~37m in

Keep slight left at fork toward TX 288, US 59 North: Dallas, Galveston, Downtown, Cleveland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward TX 288, US 59 North: Dallas, Galveston,...

27.9 mi into trip | ~37m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 69 North, US 59 North: Cleveland, Elgin Avenue, Tuam Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 69 North, US 59 North: Cleveland, Elgi...

28.1 mi into trip | ~37m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 69, US 59 North: Cleveland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 69, US 59 North: Cleveland

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$49.21 one way

$98.43 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 114 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$53.87	$107.74
premium	$4.54	$58.15	$116.30
diesel	$5.61	$71.91	$143.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$49

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 114 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	97.7	1	$34.20	$15.63
Efficient EV	81.4	0	$28.50	$13.03
EV Truck/SUV	130.3	1	$45.60	$20.84

Gas CO2

114 kg

EV CO2

38 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Alvin, TX

Late night in Alvin on Sunday

Local time

2:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Garland, TX

Late night in Garland on Sunday

Local time

2:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

57°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

20 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

6h 26m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

You'll find this drive to be 91% highway, so prepare for a largely continuous stretch of high-speed travel. The primary roads you'll encounter are US 59 and I-69, also known as the Eastex Freeway, indicating a predominantly interstate-style experience. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll navigate is 57.5 miles on US 59, offering a substantial period of consistent driving. This highway-focused profile means you'll likely experience smooth, albeit potentially monotonous, travel for most of the journey. The road's character remains consistent, emphasizing efficiency over varied landscapes.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 57.5 mi on US 59.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 59 and I-69. 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 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 31 significant decision points across 325.7 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: at 12.8 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 27 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Garland, TX, road signs point toward Cleveland, Victoria, Galveston, Downtown, Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches and Daingerfield.

Cleveland

27 mi in | ~35m

Victoria

27 mi in | ~35m

Galveston

27.8 mi in | ~37m

Downtown

27.8 mi in | ~37m

Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches

147.7 mi in | ~2h 51m | via US 59

Daingerfield

306.8 mi in | ~5h 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 Garland, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1891

Garland is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area in the State of Texas. Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, used to live in Garland, as well as some other small towns around Texas. So, yeah. Don't be shocked if you take a wrong turn through a downscale neighborhood and see someone barbecuing hot dogs using one of those things that turns your truck's air filter into a grill. On the other hand, Garland's north side is a palacial monument to suburban living in all its McMansioned, strip malling, Starbucks-sipping glory. Garland is basically an unprepossessing, pleasant place. While it's hard to get too excited about much that happens in Garland, it is just so darned pleasant.

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 6h 26m. Total distance: 325.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 26m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 57.5 miles on US 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Garland, 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Garland, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Alvin, TX or browse trips ending in Garland, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.

Trip from Alvin, TX to Garland, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Children's Museum Houston

Houston Zoo

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Alvin, TX

Garland, TX

Same local time

20 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 26m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Alvin, TX

Arriving in Garland, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Garland, TX

More from Alvin, TX

More trips to Garland, TX