Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Arlington, TX to Spring, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 9m
Distance
233.6 mi
376 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 56m
★
6 AM
4h 10m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 35m
8 PM
4h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Spring, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Arlington, TX to Spring, TX is 233.6 miles and takes about 4h 9m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive will take you across Texas, staying within the Great Plains region for both your departure and arrival points. With 94% of the drive on highways, expect a straightforward trip with minimal time on surface streets. This route is ideal for a single-day trip, offering a predictable and efficient way to travel between these two Texas cities. The total travel time and distance make it a manageable drive for most people.
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
116.8 miles from Arlington, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 6m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 202.3 mi | 3h 27m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 15.4 mi | 16m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| South Collins Street | 4.1 mi | 7m |
| Interstate 45 North Frontage Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Spring Stuebner Road | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| West Abram Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| West Hardy Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 202.3 mi, about 3h 27m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~1,643 veh/hr typical · worst 2,385
Quietest
2 AM
~247 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 88 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 Spring, 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
202 mi
·
3 hr 27 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 72A
Toward Grand Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn straight onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto Spring Stuebner Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Spring Stuebner Road
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on West Riley Fuzzel Road
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
West Riley Fuzzel Road
15
Turn right onto West Hardy Road
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
West Hardy Road
16
Turn left onto East Noble Street
155 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Noble Street
17
Turn right onto East Hardy Road
258 ft
·
11 sec
·
East Hardy Road
18
Arrive at destination
East Hardy Road
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to reach Spring, TX. With only one recommended stop and a short overall duration, flexibility is key; you can easily adjust your departure time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of highway driving, as the $34 fuel cost is an estimate. The predominantly highway profile means you'll encounter many exits, so stay alert for your desired turn-offs as you approach your destination.
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 116.8 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 202.3 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 51 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.8 miles or 2h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spring, 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 233.6 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 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 202.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
117 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 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 116.8 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 202.3 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
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
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 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
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
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Dennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteCandy Cane Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 9 am–11 pm
+19365223804
Visit websiteCarl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 4.8 and 231.6 — 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
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
7
229.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 1m in
Take the exit toward Grand Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 72A
Toward Grand Parkway
6
231.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 5m in
|
Spring Stuebner Road
Keep slight right at fork onto Spring Stuebner Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.77 one way
$71.53 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.29 | $39.47 | $78.95 |
| premium | $4.64 | $42.65 | $85.31 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $56.83 | $113.65 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.1 | 0 | $24.53 | $11.21 |
| Efficient EV | 58.4 | 0 | $20.44 | $9.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 93.4 | 1 | $32.70 | $14.95 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Sunday
Local time
5:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Clear
N 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 2:37AM CDT until October 20 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Destination
Spring, TX
Late night in Spring on Sunday
Local time
5:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Mostly Clear
N 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 2:37AM CDT until October 20 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
65°F
Italy, TX
117 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
6 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
4h 9m 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 spend most of your time on the highway, with 94% of the 233.6-mile route on major freeways. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 202.3 miles, primarily on the Julius Schepps Freeway. Expect a high volume of exits and potential for merging traffic as you navigate through urban and suburban areas. The transition from highway to surface roads will occur towards the end of your trip.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 202.3 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in near East Interstate 20.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 233.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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
724 ft
116 ft
Total Climb
429 ft
Total Descent
917 ft
Highest Point
724 ft
~16.7 mi in
Elevation Range
609 ft
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 Spring, 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 4h 9m. Total distance: 233.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 202.3 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 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 Spring, 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 25 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Spring, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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