Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Arlington, TX to Richwood, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 39m
Distance
307.5 mi
495 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 26m
★
6 AM
5h 39m
8 AM
6h 6m
10 AM
5h 48m
12 PM
5h 46m
3 PM
5h 50m
5 PM
6h 4m
8 PM
5h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Richwood, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Arlington, TX to Richwood, TX is 307.5 miles and takes about 5h 39m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, moving you from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. With a 93% highway share, you'll spend most of your time on major freeways, making it a straightforward trip. If you're looking for a direct route with minimal complexity, this option should work well for a single-day drive.
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
153.7 miles from Arlington, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 46m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 227.2 mi | 3h 57m |
| Nolan Ryan Expressway | 24.6 mi | 28m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 15.4 mi | 16m |
| TX 288 Toll | 14.4 mi | 16m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| South Collins Street | 4.1 mi | 7m |
| Brazosport Boulevard North | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| South Velasco Street | 3.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 227.2 mi, about 3h 57m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,183 veh/hr typical · worst 3,862
Quietest
2 AM
~397 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 100 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 Arlington, TX and Richwood, 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 East
Use 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
15 mi
·
16 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 473C
Toward I 45 South: Houston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 45
227 mi
·
3 hr 57 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 45
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 46B
Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
14
Continue on TX 288
0.6 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
14 mi
·
16 min
·
TX 288 Toll
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Merge onto TX 288
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
South Freeway
17
Continue on TX 288
25 mi
·
28 min
·
Nolan Ryan Expressway
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 35
19
Turn left onto TX 35
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
TX 35
20
Turn right onto Loop 274
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
Front Street
21
Turn straight onto TX 288 Bus
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
South Velasco Street
22
Continue on TX 288 Bus
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Brazosport Boulevard North
23
Turn right onto Cedar Drive
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Cedar Drive
24
Arrive at destination
Cedar Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 39m estimated drive time, leaving Arlington in the morning should allow you to reach Richwood with plenty of daylight to spare. The fuel cost is estimated at $45, so plan accordingly. While this route is designed for a single day, the flexibility of a shorter drive means you can stop for breaks whenever you feel the need. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch on the Julius Schepps Freeway, as services can be spaced out.
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 153.7 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 227.2 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 68 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153.7 miles or 2h 46m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richwood, 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 307.5 miles and 5h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 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 Julius Schepps Freeway for about 227.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
154 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 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 153.7 miles from Arlington, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Julius Schepps Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 227.2 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
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
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
Buc-ee's
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
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
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
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Brazosport Museum of Natural Science
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Clute, Texas
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
+19792657661
Visit websiteThe Center for the Arts & Sciences
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Clute, Texas
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
+19792657661
Visit websiteMorrison Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Lake Jackson, Texas
+19792974533
Visit websiteLake Jackson Historical Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
Lake Jackson, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19792971570
Visit websiteCarl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websiteSea Center Texas
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Lake Jackson, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19792920100
Visit websiteKids Party Planet
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
Lake Jackson, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19795292076
Visit websiteLake Jackson Recreation Center
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Lake Jackson, Texas
Hours: 5:45 am–9 pm
+19792974533
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 4.8 and 257.5 — 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
26.7 mi into trip
|
~33m in
Take the exit toward I 45 South: Houston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 473C
Toward I 45 South: Houston
8
256.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 34m in
Take the exit toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria
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 46B
Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: L...
6
257.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.16 one way
$92.32 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
108 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $51.08 | $102.15 |
| premium | $4.57 | $55.27 | $110.53 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $75.98 | $151.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 107.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 92.3 | 1 | $32.29 | $14.76 |
| Efficient EV | 76.9 | 0 | $26.91 | $12.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 123 | 1 | $43.05 | $19.68 |
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 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.
Origin
Arlington, TX
Late night in Arlington on Thursday
Local time
5:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Partly Cloudy
SE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Richwood, TX
Late night in Richwood on Thursday
Local time
5:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
81°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
29 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
5h 39m 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?
You'll encounter mostly highway driving on this route, with 93% of the 307.5 miles on major roads like the Julius Schepps Freeway. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 227.2 miles, so expect long periods of steady cruising. Surface roads will likely begin around mile 286. Pay attention to the dense exit patterns as you approach your destination.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 227.2 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and Nolan Ryan Expressway. 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 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 307.5 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 26.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
604 ft
15 ft
Total Climb
84 ft
Total Descent
672 ft
Highest Point
604 ft
Elevation Range
588 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 Arlington, TX and Richwood, TX, road signs point toward Freeport and Victoria.
Freeport
256.7 mi in
|
~4h 34m
Victoria
256.7 mi in
|
~4h 34m
About the Cities
Starting in Arlington, TX
Full guide →Founded 1876
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
Arriving in Richwood, TX
Full guide →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 39m. Total distance: 307.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 227.2 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 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 Richwood, 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 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 26.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Richwood, 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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