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Trip from Big Lake, TX to Plano, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 27m

Distance

360.9 mi

581 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$55

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
6h 15m ★
6 AM
6h 28m
8 AM
6h 53m
10 AM
6h 36m
12 PM
6h 34m
3 PM
6h 38m
5 PM
6h 51m
8 PM
6h 20m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Big Lake, TX, TX

Big Lake, TX

Thilina Alagiyawanna

city in Collin and Denton counties in Texas, United States

Plano, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 360.9-mile drive from Big Lake, TX to Plano, TX will take you approximately 6 hours and 27 minutes of pure driving time. Primarily using I-20, US 277, and US 67, this route is highly focused on highway travel, with 86% of the journey on major roads. Given the duration and distance, this trip is very manageable as a single-day excursion, with an estimated fuel cost of around $55. You'll be traveling across the Great Plains region for the entirety of the trip, so expect consistent, open landscapes. This straightforward drive is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B.

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

180.4 miles from Big Lake, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 20 137.1 mi 2h 19m
US 277 79.8 mi 1h 26m
US 67 28.9 mi 33m
South Broadway Street 22.7 mi 25m
East 2nd Street 18.2 mi 19m
Jim Wright Freeway 12.6 mi 14m
SH 183 TEXpress 11.7 mi 11m
I 820 TEXpress 6.9 mi 6m
Longest stretch: I 20 — 137.1 mi, about 2h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Big Lake, TX and Plano, TX.

1

Start on US 67

18 mi · 19 min · East 2nd Street
2

Continue on US 67

19 mi · 21 min · US 67
3

Continue on US 67

4.5 mi · 5 min · United States Highway 67
4

Continue on US 67

23 mi · 25 min · South Broadway Street
5

Continue on US 67

1.2 mi · 1 min · Sherwood Way
6

Take the exit onto US 67

9.9 mi · 11 min · US 67
Toward US 67 North: Ballinger, Abilene
7

Take the exit onto US 277

80 mi · 1 hr 26 min · US 277
Toward US 277 North: Bronte, Abilene
8

Turn left onto US 277

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Danville Drive
9

Take the ramp onto US 277

0.2 mi · 22 sec · US 277
10

Merge onto US 83; US 84; US 277

2.9 mi · 3 min · Winters Freeway
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 50 sec
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
12

Merge onto I 20

137 mi · 2 hr 19 min · I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 30

5.6 mi · 5 min · West Freeway
Exit 421 Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 5B Toward I 820 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Merge onto I 820

13 mi · 14 min · Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on I 820

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Northeast Loop
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress

6.9 mi · 6 min · I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas Entrance Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18

Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress

4.4 mi · 4 min · SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on TX 183 TEXpress

12 mi · 11 min · SH 183 TEXpress
Toward TX 183 Express East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Keep slight left at fork onto Loop 12 TEXpress

2.6 mi · 2 min · Loop 12 TEXpress
Toward I 35E Toll North Use the slight left lane.
21

Merge onto Loop 12

0.8 mi · 53 sec · North Walton Walker Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Merge onto I 35E

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 50 sec
Exit 440B Toward I 635 East Use the right lane.
24

Merge onto I 635

4.4 mi · 4 min · Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Continue on I 635

2.6 mi · 2 min · Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the right lane.
26

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 22 sec
Exit 19A Toward US 75 North, US 75 South: McKinney, Dallas Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward US 75 North: McKinney Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
28

Merge onto US 75

5.3 mi · 5 min · North Central Expressway
29

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Exit 28A Toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Turn straight onto North Central Expressway

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Central Expressway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
31

Turn right onto East 15th Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · East 15th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
32

Arrive at destination

East 15th Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour and 27-minute drive, consider departing in the early morning to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you get closer to Plano. With only one recommended stop, plan this break strategically around the halfway point or when you feel ready for a refresh. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a break is over 137 miles on I-20. The $55 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility in pacing your stops.

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 180.4 miles from Big Lake, TX, or about 3h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137.1 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 79 miles or 1h 28m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 180.4 miles or 3h 18m 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 20m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Plano, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Big Lake, 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 Big Lake, TX

This is one driving day of about 360.9 miles and 6h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Big Lake, 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 I 20 for about 137.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and the county seat of Erath County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Stephenville, TX

180 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.

Popular next leg

Stephenville, TX to Plano, TX

126.5 mi · 2h 20m

Pacing Suggestions

San Angelo, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 79 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Albany, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 180.4 miles from Big Lake, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 137.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Dark Hour Haunted House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 360.9

Plano, Texas

+14692980556

Visit website

11th Hour Escape

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 360.9

Plano, Texas

Hours: 12–5:30 pm

+14692095978

Visit website

Heritage Farmstead Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 360.9

Plano, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19728810140

Visit website

Producers Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 77.3

San Angelo, Texas

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13256574279

Visit website

Paramount Theatre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 154.7

Abilene, Texas

+13256769620

Visit website

The Discovery Center & Truth Bookstore

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 154.7

Abilene, Texas

Hours: 1–5 pm

+13256735050

Visit website

12th Armored Division Memorial

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 154.7

Abilene, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13256776515

Visit website

Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 154.7

Abilene, Texas

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 296.6 and 358.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
296.6 mi into trip | ~5h 16m in | I 30 / West Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 421 Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
7
302.2 mi into trip | ~5h 22m in

Take the exit toward I 820 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 5B Toward I 820 North
7
315.9 mi into trip | ~5h 38m in | I 820 TEXpress

Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas Entrance

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas E...
8
352 mi into trip | ~6h 16m in

Take the exit toward US 75 North, US 75 South: McKinney, Dallas

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 19A Toward US 75 North, US 75 South: McKinney, Dall...
8
358.5 mi into trip | ~6h 23m in

Take the exit toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street

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 28A Toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$54.53 one way

$109.07 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 126 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $59.69 $119.38
premium $4.54 $64.44 $128.87
diesel $5.61 $79.68 $159.36

Estimated Tolls: $0.54

Central Expressway (6.7 mi) $0.54

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$55

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 126.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 108.3 1 $37.89 $17.32
Efficient EV 90.2 1 $31.58 $14.44
EV Truck/SUV 144.4 1 $50.53 $23.10

Gas CO2

126 kg

EV CO2

42 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Big Lake, TX

Night in Big Lake on Saturday

Local time

11:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plano, TX

Night in Plano on Saturday

Local time

11:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°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

1 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 27m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 360.9-mile trip, with 86% of your travel on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 137.1 miles on I-20, so be prepared for periods of consistent driving. While the profile is largely highway, the transition onto US 67 will offer a slight change in scenery and road type as you approach your destination. This route is designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways.

86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 137.1 mi on I 20.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US 277. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 296.6 miles in near I 30 / West Freeway.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 360.9 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 296.6 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 302.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 315.9 miles (I 820 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Big Lake, TX to Plano, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Abilene along the way.

Abilene

65.6 mi in | ~1h 12m | via US 67

About the Cities

Starting in Big Lake, TX

Full guide →

Big Lake is a city in the West Hill Country of Texas.

Arriving in Plano, TX

Full guide →

Plano is a city of 285,000 people (2020) in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex region of Texas and is north of Dallas. It is home to the headquarters of several large corporations.

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 27m. Total distance: 360.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 27m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 137.1 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.54 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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 Plano, 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 296.6 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 302.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 315.9 miles (I 820 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Plano, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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