Andrews, TX to Plano, TX is 370.2 miles and takes about 6h 36m via I 20 and West Highway 176, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, making it a straightforward trip for a single day. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between West Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex without extensive 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
185.1 miles from Andrews, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 20
244.1 mi
4h 6m
West Highway 176
60.3 mi
1h 16m
Jim Wright Freeway
12.6 mi
14m
SH 183 TEXpress
11.7 mi
11m
I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi
6m
North Central Expressway
6.7 mi
8m
West Freeway
5.6 mi
5m
SH 121/183 TEXpress
4.4 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 244.1 mi, about 4h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Andrews, TX and Plano, TX.
1
Start on this road
76 ft·7 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto TX 115; TX 176
1.2 mi·2 min·East Broadway Street
3
Continue on TX 115; TX 176
60 mi·1 hr 16 min·West Highway 176
4
At end of road, turn left onto West Interstate 20
0.1 mi·15 sec·West Interstate 20
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward I 20 East: Abilene
6
Merge onto I 20
244 mi·4 hr 6 min·I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
5.6 mi·5 min·West Freeway
Exit 421Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort WorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 5BToward I 820 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 820
13 mi·14 min·Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 820
0.3 mi·18 sec·Northeast Loop
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi·6 min·I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas EntranceUse the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
4.4 mi·4 min·SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
12 mi·11 min·SH 183 TEXpress
Toward TX 183 Express EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto Loop 12 TEXpress
2.6 mi·2 min·Loop 12 TEXpress
Toward I 35E Toll NorthUse the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto Loop 12
0.8 mi·53 sec·North Walton Walker Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 35E
2.1 mi·2 min·North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi·50 sec
Exit 440BToward I 635 EastUse the right lane.
18
Merge onto I 635
4.4 mi·4 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 635
2.6 mi·2 min·Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the right lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Exit 19AToward US 75 North, US 75 South: McKinney, DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward US 75 North: McKinneyUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto US 75
5.3 mi·5 min·North Central Expressway
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 28AToward Plano Parkway, 15th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto North Central Expressway
1.4 mi·2 min·North Central Expressway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
25
Turn right onto East 15th Street
0.6 mi·1 min·East 15th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
East 15th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 36-minute drive time, starting in the morning is ideal to ensure you reach Plano with plenty of daylight. While the route has only one recommended stop, it's wise to take breaks as needed, especially during the longest stretch on I 20. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the 370.2-mile journey will require careful planning, with a fuel cost estimated around $56. Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you have flexibility, but plan to refuel before the longest segment on I 20 to avoid any last-minute searches.
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 185.1 miles from Andrews, TX, or about 3h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 244.1 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 81 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185.1 miles or 3h 23m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Plano, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Andrews, 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 Andrews, TX
This is one driving day of about 370.2 miles and 6h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Andrews, 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 20 for about 244.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 305.9 and 367.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
305.9 mi into trip|~5h 25m in|I 30 / West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
7
311.5 mi into trip|~5h 31m in
Take the exit toward I 820 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5B
Toward I 820 North
7
325.2 mi into trip|~5h 47m in|I 820 TEXpress
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas Entrance
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas E...
8
361.3 mi into trip|~6h 25m in
Take the exit toward US 75 North, US 75 South: McKinney, Dallas
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 19A
Toward US 75 North, US 75 South: McKinney, Dall...
8
367.8 mi into trip|~6h 32m in
Take the exit toward Plano Parkway, 15th 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 28A
Toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.94 one way
$111.88 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$61.23
$122.46
premium
$4.54
$66.10
$132.19
diesel
$5.61
$81.74
$163.47
Estimated Tolls: $0.54
Central Expressway
(6.7 mi)$0.54
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
$56
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.1
1
$38.87
$17.77
Efficient EV
92.6
1
$32.39
$14.81
EV Truck/SUV
148.1
1
$51.83
$23.69
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
43 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 18, 2026
Origin
Andrews, TX
Night
in Andrews on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Plano, TX
Night
in Plano on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 15 mph81% chanceLive 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
29 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 36m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is almost entirely on the highway, with 98% of the journey utilizing major roads like I 20. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 244.1 miles on I 20, offering a consistent pace. The route generally features a highway-focused profile, meaning you'll likely experience straightforward driving with minimal complex intersections or slow-downs once you're on the main interstates. The presence of West Highway 176 and Jim Wright Freeway indicates the approach to your destination will involve these key arteries.
98% 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: 244.1 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and West Highway 176. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 305.9 miles in near I 30 / West Freeway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 370.2 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 305.9 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 311.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 325.2 miles (I 820 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Plano is a city of 285,000 people (2020) in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex region of Texas and is north of Dallas. It is home to the headquarters of several large corporations.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 36m. Total distance: 370.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 244.1 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.54 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. 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 Plano, 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: at 305.9 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 311.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 325.2 miles (I 820 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Plano, TX before the return drive.
