If you are planning a trip from Arlington to Port Arthur, expect a 315-mile journey that typically takes about 6 hours and 6 minutes. This route is well-suited for a single-day push, as it is designed as a straightforward, highway-focused drive. You should budget approximately $48 for fuel to cover the distance across the Great Plains. While the trip is manageable in one go, planning for at least one dedicated stop will help keep you refreshed behind the wheel. Given the duration, you have the flexibility to leave in the morning and reach the coast by late afternoon.
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
157.5 miles from Arlington, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 69 South
63.3 mi
1h 11m
C F Hawn Freeway
58.8 mi
1h 3m
East Denman Avenue
38.5 mi
43m
US 69
25.4 mi
27m
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
21.4 mi
22m
US Highway 175 East
20.8 mi
22m
US Highway 69 North
16.2 mi
18m
Rusk Street
15.1 mi
19m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 69 South
— 63.3 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, TX and Port Arthur, TX.
1
Start on West Abram Street
93 ft·8 sec·West Abram Street
2
Continue on West Abram Street
0.6 mi·1 min·West Abram Street
3
Turn right
153 ft·6 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Turn slight right onto South Collins Street
4.1 mi·7 min·South Collins Street
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto East Interstate 20
0.3 mi·28 sec·East Interstate 20
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward I 20 EastUse the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Merge onto I 20
5.9 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 20
21 mi·22 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 479BToward US 175 East: KaufmanUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto US 175
59 mi·1 hr 3 min·C F Hawn Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 175 Bus
151 ft·9 sec·US Highway 175 West
12
Turn left onto US 175 Bus; TX 31 Bus
2.5 mi·4 min·West Corsicana Street
13
Continue on US 175 Bus
21 mi·22 min·US Highway 175 East
14
Continue on US 175
2.0 mi·3 min·West Pine Street
15
Continue on US 175
13 mi·14 min·US Highway 175
16
Continue on US 175
0.6 mi·58 sec·Frankston Highway
17
Continue on US 175
0.2 mi·21 sec·Alexander Boulevard
18
At end of road, turn right onto US 69
3.3 mi·4 min·North Jackson Street
19
Continue on US 69
9.5 mi·10 min·US Highway 69 North
20
Continue on US 69
3.4 mi·3 min·North Dickinson Drive
21
Continue on US 69
9.3 mi·10 min·US Highway 69 South
22
Continue on US 69
1.5 mi·1 min·North Marcus Street
23
Continue on US 69
11 mi·13 min·US Highway 69 South
24
Continue on US 69
15 mi·19 min·Rusk Street
25
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
26
Continue on Loop 287 Frontage Road
0.5 mi·49 sec·Loop 287 Frontage Road
27
Continue on Loop 287
0.1 mi·17 sec·Loop 287 Frontage Road
28
Turn right onto US 69 Bus
2.1 mi·3 min·Kurth Drive
29
Turn straight onto US 59 Bus; US 69 Bus; TX 103
1.2 mi·2 min·North Timberland Drive
30
Turn left onto US 69 Bus
0.6 mi·1 min·South Chestnut Street
31
Turn left onto US 69 Bus
39 mi·43 min·East Denman Avenue
32
Continue on US 69
3.0 mi·3 min·North Wheeler Avenue
33
Continue on US 69
6.7 mi·7 min·US Highway 69 North
34
Continue on US 69
2.9 mi·3 min·North Magnolia Street
35
Continue on US 69; US 287
42 mi·48 min·US Highway 69 South
36
Merge onto US 69; US 96; US 287
9.5 mi·10 min·US 69; US 96; US 287
37
Keep slight right at fork onto US 69; US 96; US 287
3.1 mi·4 min·Eastex Freeway
Toward Houston, Port Arthur
38
Take the exit onto US 69; US 96; US 287
16 mi·17 min·US 69; US 96; US 287
Exit 849Toward US 69 South, US 96 South, US 287 South: Port Arthur
39
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward TX 73 West: Winnie
40
Merge onto TX 73
0.6 mi·44 sec·TX 73
41
Turn slight right onto H O Mills Boulevard
0.4 mi·46 sec·H O Mills Boulevard
42
Turn left onto Spur 215
2.0 mi·3 min·Savannah Avenue
43
Turn right onto 17th Street
369 ft·15 sec·17th Street
44
Turn left onto Augusta Avenue
162 ft·4 sec·Augusta Avenue
45
Arrive at destination
Augusta Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 315-mile trek, aim to depart early to avoid potential congestion, especially when clearing the Arlington area. Since the drive takes just over six hours, one well-timed break is sufficient to manage fatigue effectively. Keep a close watch on your fuel gauge during the longer stretches, particularly on the 63.3-mile segment of US Highway 69 South where services may be spaced out. Because this is a single-day trip, you have the advantage of reaching Port Arthur in time for dinner without needing an overnight stay. Prioritize a comfortable pace to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling ready for the rest of your trip.
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 157.5 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.3 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 69 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.5 miles or 3h 1m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Port Arthur, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Arlington, 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 Arlington, TX
This is one driving day of about 315 miles and 6h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Arlington, 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 Highway 69 South for about 63.3 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.8 and 295.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
4.8 mi into trip|~9m in|East Interstate 20
Turn left onto East Interstate 20
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
5.1 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the ramp toward I 20 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 20 East
7
32.7 mi into trip|~39m in
Take the exit toward US 175 East: Kaufman
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 479B
Toward US 175 East: Kaufman
6
292.5 mi into trip|~5h 38m in|US 69; US 96; US 287 / Eastex Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 69; US 96; US 287 / Eastex Freeway toward Houston, Port Arthur
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Houston, Port Arthur
6
295.6 mi into trip|~5h 42m in|US 69; US 96; US 287
Take the exit onto US 69; US 96; US 287 toward US 69 South, US 96 South, US 287 South: Port Arthur
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 849
Toward US 69 South, US 96 South, US 287 South:...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.60 one way
$95.19 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg110 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$52.10
$104.20
premium
$4.54
$56.24
$112.48
diesel
$5.61
$69.55
$139.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94.5
1
$33.07
$15.12
Efficient EV
78.8
0
$27.56
$12.60
EV Truck/SUV
126
1
$44.10
$20.16
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 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.
Forecast as of Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Arlington, TX
Late night
in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
3:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 15 mph34% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:44AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Port Arthur, TX
Late night
in Port Arthur on Tuesday
Local time
3:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 10 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:44AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
84°F
Jacksonville, TX
158 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
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
6h 6m 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?
Expect a drive defined by efficiency, with 71% of the route utilizing major highways. You will navigate via the C F Hawn Freeway, East Denman Avenue, and US Highway 69 South to reach your destination. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is 63.3 miles along US Highway 69 South, which provides a steady rhythm for your cruise. As you transition between these road types, the character of the drive shifts from the busier urban corridors near Arlington to the more consistent pace of the highway system. It is a functional, focused route that keeps you moving toward the Texas coast.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.3 mi on US Highway 69 South.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 69 South and C F Hawn Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in near East Interstate 20.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 315 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 4.8 miles (East Interstate 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 32.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
679 ft1 ft
Total Climb
245 ft
Total Descent
848 ft
Highest Point
679 ft
~13.1 mi in
Elevation Range
679 ft
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 Arlington, TX to Port Arthur, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Houston along the way.
Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.
Top landmarks
•Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
•Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
•Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 6m. Total distance: 315 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 6m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.3 miles on US Highway 69 South. 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 Port Arthur, 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 4.8 miles (East Interstate 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 32.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Port Arthur, TX before the return drive.
