Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Aransas Pass, TX to Dallas, 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
6h 51m
Distance
381.7 mi
614 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$58
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 40m
★
6 AM
6h 51m
8 AM
7h 14m
10 AM
6h 59m
12 PM
6h 57m
3 PM
7h 0m
5 PM
7h 13m
8 PM
6h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Aransas Pass, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Aransas Pass to Dallas covers 374.2 miles across the Great Plains of Texas. Expect to spend about 6 hours and 19 minutes behind the wheel, making this a manageable single-day trip if you prefer a steady pace. You will primarily navigate via West Wheeler Avenue, FM 1069 North, and Highway 188. Budget approximately $56 for fuel to complete the journey. Since this route functions as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a direct interstate sprint, it requires more active attention than a typical highway cruise. Whether you are heading north for business or a visit, this drive offers a straightforward path through the heart of the state.
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
190.9 miles from Aransas Pass, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 97.7 mi | 1h 39m |
| Pickle Parkway | 58.5 mi | 54m |
| I 35E | 58.1 mi | 1h |
| North US Highway 183 | 51.4 mi | 56m |
| US 183 | 35.9 mi | 41m |
| US Highway 183 | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 10 mi | 11m |
| FM 2678 | 9.6 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 97.7 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Aransas Pass, TX and Dallas, TX.
1
Start on Loop 90
196 ft
·
3 sec
·
Harrison Boulevard
2
Continue on TX 35 Bus
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Wheeler Avenue
3
Turn right onto FM 1069
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
FM 1069 North
4
Turn left onto TX 188
7.2 mi
·
7 min
·
State Highway 188
5
Turn right onto FM 136
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
6
Continue on FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
7
At end of road, turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 774
8
Turn right onto US 77
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Alamo Street
9
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Alamo Street
10
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
23 mi
·
24 min
·
US Highway 183
11
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183; TX 239
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
South Jefferson Street
12
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
29 mi
·
31 min
·
North US Highway 183
13
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 87; US 183
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
South Esplanade Street
14
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
23 mi
·
24 min
·
North US Highway 183
15
Continue on US 183; TX 111
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
US 183; TX 111
16
Continue on US 183; TX 97
20 mi
·
23 min
·
US 183; TX 97
17
Turn right onto US 183; TX 80
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
South Magnolia Avenue
18
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
19
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
South Colorado Street
20
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
United States Highway 183
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
22
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
59 mi
·
54 min
·
Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 35 North: Waco
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 35
65 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 35
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on I 35; US 77
33 mi
·
33 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
58 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 35E
Toward I 35E: Dallas
Use the slight right lane.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 429A
Toward Continental Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
29
Turn right onto Continental Avenue
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Continental Avenue
Use the right lane.
30
Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street
433 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Lamar Street
31
Arrive at destination
North Lamar Street
Trip Plan
To keep your 6-hour and 19-minute trek comfortable, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and reset. Given the nature of these local roads, leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic congestion on smaller segments. Keep your $56 fuel budget in mind, and consider topping off your tank before you leave Aransas Pass to avoid searching for stations on unfamiliar local roads. Because this trip relies on turn-heavy local routes like FM 1069 North and Highway 188, ensure your GPS is updated and ready to handle frequent turn-by-turn directions. Taking a flexible approach to your pace will make the transition between these local roads much smoother.
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 190.9 miles from Aransas Pass, TX, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.7 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 84 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 190.9 miles or 3h 35m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Aransas Pass, 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 Aransas Pass, TX
This is one driving day of about 381.7 miles and 6h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Aransas Pass, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 97.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
191 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 84 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 190.9 miles from Aransas Pass, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.7 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 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
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
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Circle K
0.1 mi from route
Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.5 mi from route
City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteNTER - The Great Escape
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Waxahachie, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+12149801053
Visit websiteHike And Bike Trail Conn Brown Harbor / Redfish Bay
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Aransas Pass, Texas
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 159.4 and 381.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
159.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
7
218.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35 North: Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 North: Waco
7
323.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 48m in
|
I 35E
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E toward I 35E: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 35E: Dallas
7
381.2 mi into trip
|
~6h 49m in
Take the exit toward Continental Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 429A
Toward Continental Avenue
6
381.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 50m in
|
Continental Avenue
Turn right onto Continental Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.68 one way
$115.35 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
134 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $63.13 | $126.26 |
| premium | $4.54 | $68.15 | $136.30 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $84.27 | $168.55 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 114.5 | 1 | $40.08 | $18.32 |
| Efficient EV | 95.4 | 1 | $33.40 | $15.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 152.7 | 1 | $53.44 | $24.43 |
Gas CO2
134 kg
EV CO2
45 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
Aransas Pass, TX
Late night in Aransas Pass on Tuesday
Local time
3:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Dallas, TX
Late night in Dallas on Tuesday
Local time
3:58 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
5 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
6h 51m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 289.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route trades the monotony of high-speed interstates for a more hands-on, turn-heavy local experience. With a 0% highway share, you should prepare for a drive that demands constant focus on local road navigation. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on West Wheeler Avenue, meaning you will be making frequent turns and adjustments as you transition between roads. You will find that the personality of the drive remains consistent as you move through the Great Plains, keeping you engaged with the local road network throughout the entire 374.2-mile journey. Be prepared to shift gears often as you navigate this technical route.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.7 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Purple Heart Trail and Pickle Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 159.4 miles in.
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 13 significant decision points across 381.7 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 159.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 218.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 323.1 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
790 ft
15 ft
Total Climb
964 ft
Total Descent
551 ft
Highest Point
790 ft
~327.2 mi in
Elevation Range
774 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.
On the drive from Aransas Pass, TX to Dallas, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
159.4 mi in
|
~3h 5m
About the Cities
Starting in Aransas Pass, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Dallas, TX
Full guide →“Big D” · Founded 1841
Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
Top landmarks
- • Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
- • Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
- • George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...
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 51m. Total distance: 381.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 51m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 97.7 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 30 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 Dallas, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 159.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 218.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 323.1 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Dallas, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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