Brookshire, TX to Arlington, TX is 251 miles and takes about 4h 43m via TX 6 and I-35W, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This one-day trip sticks to the Great Plains region throughout, offering a straightforward drive for those heading north in Texas. Expect a highway-focused experience with a significant portion on major interstates, making it a practical choice for direct travel. With a recommended single day for completion, this route is ideal for a quick journey, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare.
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
125.5 miles from Brookshire, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
TX 6
68.7 mi
1h 14m
I 35W
45.1 mi
47m
North State Highway 6
43.3 mi
43m
Purple Heart Trail
31.5 mi
31m
FM 359
18.6 mi
27m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
10.3 mi
11m
East State Highway 6
9.1 mi
9m
East Loop 340
4.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
TX 6
— 68.7 mi, about 1h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brookshire, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on FM 359
83 ft·8 sec·Waller Avenue
2
Turn left onto Highway Boulevard
0.4 mi·36 sec·Highway Boulevard
3
Turn right onto FM 359
0.2 mi·19 sec·Bains Street
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on FM 359
3.1 mi·4 min·Farm-to-Market Road 359
5
Continue on FM 359
0.4 mi·36 sec·2nd Street
6
Turn right onto FM 359
19 mi·27 min·FM 359
7
Turn left onto US 290 Bus
1.6 mi·2 min·US 290 Business
8
Continue on US 290 Bus
1.0 mi·1 min·Austin Street
9
Turn right onto US 290 Business
1.4 mi·2 min·US 290 Business
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on TX 6
11 mi·12 min·TX 6
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Turn straight onto TX 6
58 mi·1 hr 1 min·TX 6
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 6
5.8 mi·5 min·North State Highway 6
13
Continue on TX 6
2.2 mi·3 min·South Main Street
14
Continue on TX 6
37 mi·37 min·North State Highway 6
15
Continue on TX 6
2.2 mi·2 min·South Memorial Street
16
Continue on TX 6
9.1 mi·9 min·East State Highway 6
17
Take the exit onto TX 6
0.3 mi·33 sec·TX 6
18
Turn right onto Loop 340
4.9 mi·6 min·East Loop 340
19
Take the exit
354 ft·10 sec
20
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 35 North
21
Merge onto I 35; US 77
31 mi·31 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W
45 mi·47 min·I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort WorthUse the slight left lane.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 45BToward I 20 East: DallasUse the right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward I 20 East: DallasUse the slight left lane.
25
Merge onto I 20
5.7 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
4.6 mi·4 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 449AToward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, MansfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on West Interstate 20
0.3 mi·24 sec·West Interstate 20
29
Turn left onto FM 157
1.0 mi·1 min·South Cooper Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto FM 157
1.7 mi·2 min·South Cooper Street
Use the left lane.
31
Turn right onto Spur 303
0.5 mi·50 sec·West Pioneer Parkway
Use the right lane.
32
Turn left onto South Center Street
1.2 mi·2 min·South Center Street
Use the left lane.
33
Continue on South Mesquite Street
0.8 mi·1 min·South Mesquite Street
34
Turn left onto East Abram Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·East Abram Street
35
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 43m estimated drive time, starting your journey from Brookshire in the morning is a good plan to ensure you arrive in Arlington with daylight. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility in pacing yourself; consider a midday break to refuel and stretch. The longest stretch without a major town is 68.7 miles on TX 6, so be mindful of your fuel levels before entering this segment. Since it's a single-day trip, you can afford to be flexible with your departure time, but an early start will make for a more relaxed drive.
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 125.5 miles from Brookshire, TX, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.7 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 55 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.5 miles or 2h 25m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brookshire, 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 Brookshire, TX
This is one driving day of about 251 miles and 4h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Brookshire, 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 TX 6 for about 68.7 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 25.2 and 245.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
25.2 mi into trip|~38m in|US 290 Business
Turn right onto US 290 Business
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
189 mi into trip|~3h 32m in|I 35W
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth
7
234.1 mi into trip|~4h 19m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East: Dallas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 45B
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
7
234.5 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 East: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
8
245.2 mi into trip|~4h 32m in
Take the exit toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield
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 449A
Toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.93 one way
$75.85 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$41.51
$83.03
premium
$4.54
$44.81
$89.63
diesel
$5.61
$55.42
$110.84
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.3
0
$26.35
$12.05
Efficient EV
62.8
0
$21.96
$10.04
EV Truck/SUV
100.4
1
$35.14
$16.06
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Brookshire, TX
Morning
in Brookshire on Tuesday
Local time
7:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington, TX
Morning
in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
7:02 AM
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
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 43m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 155.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 75% of the journey utilizing major roads like TX 6 and I-35W. You'll experience the efficiency of interstate travel for much of the trip, punctuated by stretches on state highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 68.7 miles on TX 6, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm before rejoining faster-paced highway segments. The character remains consistent, emphasizing speed and directness as you traverse the Texas landscape.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68.7 mi on TX 6.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 6 and I 35W. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 25.2 miles in near US 290 Business.
Driving Effort9/10
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 251 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 25.2 miles (US 290 Business): Lane positioning matters here; at 189 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 234.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 4h 43m. Total distance: 251 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 68.7 miles on TX 6. 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 Arlington, 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 25.2 miles (US 290 Business): Lane positioning matters here; at 189 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 234.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
