Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Arlington, TX to Tomball, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 20m
Distance
238.5 mi
384 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
27 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 7m
★
6 AM
4h 20m
8 AM
4h 47m
10 AM
4h 30m
12 PM
4h 27m
3 PM
4h 31m
5 PM
4h 45m
8 PM
4h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Tomball, TX
Danny Meneses
Trip Overview
Arlington, TX to Tomball, TX is 238.5 miles and takes about 4h 20m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas and the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive for much of the way. With 94% of the route on highways, it's a practical choice if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently without extensive detours. Consider this a solid option for a single-day trip where the focus is on covering ground.
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
119.3 miles from Arlington, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 194 mi | 3h 18m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 15.4 mi | 16m |
| FM 2978 Road | 7.9 mi | 12m |
| FM 1488 | 6.5 mi | 9m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| South Collins Street | 4.1 mi | 7m |
| East Main Street | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| Hufsmith Kohrville Road | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 194 mi, about 3h 18m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~1,496 veh/hr typical · worst 2,185
Quietest
1 AM
~238 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 45 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 Tomball, 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
194 mi
·
3 hr 18 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 81
Toward FM 1488: Magnolia, Hempstead
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
219 ft
·
4 sec
·
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
13
Turn slight right
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
14
Turn straight onto FM 1488
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 1488
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto FM 2978
7.9 mi
·
12 min
·
FM 2978 Road
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on FM 2978
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Hufsmith Kohrville Road
17
Turn right onto FM 2920
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
East Main Street
Use the right lane.
18
Arrive at destination
FM 2920
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, departing in the morning from Arlington will allow you ample time to reach Tomball before evening. The route has a single recommended stop, so plan for a break around the halfway point or when you feel ready. With a fuel cost estimated at $37, be sure to fill up before you leave or at a station early in your drive. The final stretch on FM 2978 Road will be a change of pace from the interstate, so be prepared for potentially slower speeds and more local traffic 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 119.3 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 194 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 52 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.3 miles or 2h 8m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tomball, 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 238.5 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 194 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
119 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 119.3 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 194 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
Service Plaza
2.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Carl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.6 mi from route
~12 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 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 221 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Turn right
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
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
221 mi into trip
|
~3h 51m in
Take the exit toward FM 1488: Magnolia, Hempstead
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 81
Toward FM 1488: Magnolia, Hempstead
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.67 one way
$65.33 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $36.49 | $72.98 |
| premium | $4.23 | $39.67 | $79.34 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $45.03 | $90.07 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
EV Charging Along Route
27 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Ennis, TX - Tesla Supercharger
Ennis, TX
Tesla
24 DCFC
Fort Worth, TX - Eastchase Parkway - Tesla Supercharger
Fort Worth, TX
Tesla
16 DCFC
Grand Prairie, TX - Tesla Supercharger
Grand Prairie, TX
Tesla
12 DCFC
Arlington, TX - Tesla Supercharger
Arlington, TX
Tesla
10 DCFC
Grand Prairie, TX Rechargery Relay - N Hwy 360
Grand Prairie, TX
IONNA
10 DCFC
WinCo Foods - Arlington 135
Arlington, TX
eVgo Network
10 DCFC
Grand Prairie, TX Rechargery Relay - S Carrier Pkwy
Grand Prairie, TX
IONNA
10 DCFC
Bucees Ennis MB.HPC
Ennis, TX
MERCEDES_BENZ
10 DCFC
Tesla: 8
eVgo Network: 6
Electrify America: 3
IONNA: 3
Blink Network: 2
Non-Networked: 1
WALMART: 1
ChargePoint Network: 1
HYPERFUEL: 1
MERCEDES_BENZ: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.6 | 0 | $25.04 | $11.45 |
| Efficient EV | 59.6 | 0 | $20.87 | $9.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95.4 | 1 | $33.39 | $15.26 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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
Night in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
10:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
98°F
Sunny
S 5 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 6:30PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Tomball, TX
Night in Tomball on Sunday
Local time
10:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
SW 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 6:30PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
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
24 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
4h 20m 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?
This route is primarily highway driving, with 94% of the 238.5 miles on high-speed roads like the Julius Schepps Freeway. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of highway at 194 miles on the Julius Schepps Freeway. The drive transitions to surface roads, specifically FM 2978 Road, later in the trip. Expect a consistent flow of traffic and frequent exits during the highway portions.
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: 194 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 238.5 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles (East Interstate 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
703 ft
127 ft
Total Climb
409 ft
Total Descent
828 ft
Highest Point
703 ft
~17 mi in
Elevation Range
576 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 Tomball, TX, road signs point toward Fm 1488: Magnolia and Hempstead.
Fm 1488: Magnolia
221 mi in
|
~3h 51m
Hempstead
221 mi in
|
~3h 51m
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 Tomball, TX
Full guide →Founded 1907
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 20m. Total distance: 238.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m 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 194 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles (East Interstate 20): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Tomball, 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, NREL for EV charging, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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