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Trip from Childress, TX to Plano, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 27m

Distance

245.5 mi

395 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 14m ★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 54m
10 AM
4h 37m
12 PM
4h 34m
3 PM
4h 38m
5 PM
4h 53m
8 PM
4h 19m

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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city in and county sear of Childress County, Texas, United States

Childress, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Collin and Denton counties in Texas, United States

Plano, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 245.5-mile drive from Childress, TX, to Plano, TX, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes. You'll primarily be on US Highway 287 East, making it a highway-focused journey through the heart of the Great Plains region of Texas. With a projected fuel cost of around $37, it's an economical trip. The route is straightforward, with most of the driving on well-maintained highways, making it a convenient option if you're looking for a relatively quick transfer between these two Texas locations.

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

122.7 miles from Childress, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Central East Freeway 72.5 mi 1h 16m
US Highway 287 54.4 mi 58m
US Highway 287 East 40.5 mi 42m
West US Highway 380 21.8 mi 25m
President George Bush Turnpike 13.3 mi 14m
South Stemmons Freeway 10.5 mi 11m
I 35E 9.8 mi 10m
Northwest Freeway 5.2 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Central East Freeway — 72.5 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 287

0.8 mi · 55 sec · Avenue F Northeast
2

Continue on US 287

54 mi · 58 min · US Highway 287
3

Continue on US 287

4.1 mi · 4 min · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287

41 mi · 42 min · US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Continue on US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · Northwest Freeway
6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 287

0.6 mi · 42 sec · Northwest Freeway
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
7

Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287

2.5 mi · 3 min · Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway
10

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

1.8 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

70 mi · 1 hr 13 min · Central East Freeway
12

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 21 sec
13

Keep slight left at fork

147 ft · 4 sec
14

Turn left onto US 380

22 mi · 25 min · West US Highway 380
15

Continue on US 380

3.3 mi · 4 min · West University Drive
16

Take the exit

288 ft · 7 sec
17

Turn straight onto North Interstate 35

0.1 mi · 11 sec · North Interstate 35
18

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 35 South Use the straight / left lanes.
19

Merge onto I 35; US 77

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 35; US 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Continue on I 35E; US 77

9.8 mi · 10 min · I 35E; US 77
Toward I 35E South: Dallas Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E

10 mi · 11 min · South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min
Exit 445 Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpike Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight right at fork

1.2 mi · 1 min
Toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Merge onto PGBT

13 mi · 14 min · President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 75 North: McKinney Use the slight left lane.
27

Turn slight right

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 29 Toward 15th Street Use the slight right lane.
28

Turn straight onto Central Expressway

0.4 mi · 49 sec · Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
29

Turn right onto East 15th Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · East 15th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
30

Arrive at destination

East 15th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 27-minute duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip. To make the most of it, consider an early morning departure from Childress to avoid any potential afternoon traffic as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With only one recommended stop, plan this strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or where you feel the need for a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches, and be aware that US Highway 287 is a major trucking route, so be prepared for varying traffic speeds.

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 122.7 miles from Childress, TX, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.5 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 54 miles or 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 122.7 miles or 2h 11m 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 36m

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 Childress, 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 Childress, TX

This is one driving day of about 245.5 miles and 4h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Childress, 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 Central East Freeway for about 72.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county sear of Jacks County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jacksboro, TX

123 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

Vernon, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Henrietta, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 122.7 miles from Childress, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Central East Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.5 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 245.5

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 245.5

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 245.5

Plano, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19728810140

Visit website

Maniac’s Mansion (TAG’s)

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 105.2

Wichita Falls, Texas

Hours: 5–9 pm

+19402575543

Visit website

Andrew Brown Park West

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 227.9

Coppell, Texas

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+19724625100

Visit website

Museum of North Texas History

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 105.2

Wichita Falls, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+19403227628

Visit website

Oak Hills Splash Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 227.9

Carrollton, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+19724663080

Visit website

Coppell Nature Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 227.9

Coppell, Texas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19723043581

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 104.4 and 243.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
104.4 mi into trip | ~1h 51m in | US 287 / Northwest Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, U...
6
206.3 mi into trip | ~3h 42m in

Take the ramp toward I 35 South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward I 35 South
7
227.6 mi into trip | ~4h 5m in

Take the exit toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpike

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 445 Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpik...
7
228.9 mi into trip | ~4h 7m in

Keep slight right at fork toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Tu...
7
243.5 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 75 North: McKinney

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward US 75 North: McKinney

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.10 one way

$74.19 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 86 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $40.60 $81.21
premium $4.54 $43.83 $87.66
diesel $5.61 $54.20 $108.41

Estimated Tolls: $1.09

President George Bush Turnpike (13.3 mi) $1.06
Central Expressway (0.4 mi) $0.03

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

$37

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 85.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 73.6 0 $25.78 $11.78
Efficient EV 61.4 0 $21.48 $9.82
EV Truck/SUV 98.2 1 $34.37 $15.71

Gas CO2

86 kg

EV CO2

29 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Childress, TX

Night in Childress on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plano, TX

Night in Plano on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

87°F

Mostly Sunny

S 10 to 15 mph 4% chance 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

7 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 27m 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?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 94% of your journey taking place on high-speed roads. The drive features a longest uninterrupted stretch of 72.5 miles on the Central East Freeway, indicating significant segments where you can maintain a consistent speed. As you transition to US Highway 287 East, the character remains largely that of a major arterial road, designed for efficient travel across Texas. This profile suggests a consistent driving rhythm, minimizing the need for frequent slowdowns or complex navigation through local streets.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.5 mi on Central East Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 104.4 miles in near US 287 / Northwest Freeway.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 19 significant decision points across 245.5 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 104.4 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 206.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 227.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

Between Childress, TX and Plano, TX, road signs point toward Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike and Pgbt Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike.

Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike

227.6 mi in | ~4h 5m

Pgbt Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike

228.9 mi in | ~4h 7m

About the Cities

Starting in Childress, TX

Full guide →

Childress is a city in the North Central Plains 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 4h 27m. Total distance: 245.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 27m 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 72.5 miles on Central East Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.09 in tolls one way, starting with President George Bush Turnpike. 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 104.4 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 206.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 227.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Plano, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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