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Trip from Clute, TX to McKinney, TX

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

Drive Time

5h 55m

Distance

323.8 mi

521 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 42m ★
6 AM
5h 56m
8 AM
6h 22m
10 AM
6h 5m
12 PM
6h 2m
3 PM
6h 6m
5 PM
6h 20m
8 PM
5h 48m

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 Brazoria County, Texas, United States

Clute, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Collin County, Texas, United States

McKinney, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 323.8-mile drive from Clute, TX to McKinney, TX is a manageable one-day trip, estimating about 5 hours and 55 minutes of driving time. With 96% of the route on highways, you'll primarily be on the North Freeway, Nolan Ryan Expressway, and North Central Expressway. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $49, making it an economical option. This route stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape for your travels. Given the duration and highway focus, it’s well-suited for a single day's adventure without feeling overly rushed.

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

161.9 miles from Clute, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Freeway 237.4 mi 4h 9m
Nolan Ryan Expressway 27.2 mi 31m
North Central Expressway 26.6 mi 28m
Brazoria County Expressway 16.1 mi 19m
Brazosport Boulevard North 6 mi 8m
Gulf Freeway 2.4 mi 3m
Coale Road 1.5 mi 2m
South Tennessee Street 1.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: North Freeway — 237.4 mi, about 4h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clute, TX and McKinney, TX.

1

Start on East Main Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · East Main Street
2

Turn left onto TX 288 Bus

6.0 mi · 8 min · Brazosport Boulevard North
3

Continue on TX 288 Bus

1.1 mi · 1 min · South Velasco Street
4

Turn left onto CR 220

1.5 mi · 2 min · Coale Road
5

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
6

Merge onto TX 288

27 mi · 31 min · Nolan Ryan Expressway
7

Continue on TX 288

0.1 mi · 7 sec · South Freeway
8

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

16 mi · 19 min · Brazoria County Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 45 North: Dallas Use the slight left lane.
10

Merge onto I 45

2.4 mi · 3 min · Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I 45

237 mi · 4 hr 9 min · North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on US 75

27 mi · 28 min · North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec
Exit 38C Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Use the slight right lane.
15

Merge onto Spur 399

0.9 mi · 1 min · Spur 399
16

Continue on TX 5

1.0 mi · 1 min · South McDonald Street
17

Turn slight left

281 ft · 10 sec
18

Continue on South Tennessee Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Tennessee Street
19

Arrive at destination

North Tennessee Street

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour and 55-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Clute, TX to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential traffic as you approach McKinney, TX. With only one recommended stop and a substantial longest stretch of 237.4 miles, plan your fuel and rest breaks strategically. The $49 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to top off your tank before leaving Clute. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you get closer to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

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 161.9 miles from Clute, TX, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 237.4 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 71 miles or 1h 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 161.9 miles or 3h 1m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Clute, 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 Clute, TX

This is one driving day of about 323.8 miles and 5h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Clute, 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 North Freeway for about 237.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Corsicana, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Corsicana, TX

162 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

Houston, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corsicana, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 161.9 miles from Clute, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 237.4 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.

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 46.3

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Brazosport Museum of Natural Science

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Clute, Texas

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19792657661

Visit website

Candy Cane Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 92.5

Conroe, Texas

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+19365223804

Visit website

The Center for the Arts & Sciences

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Clute, Texas

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19792657661

Visit website

Kids Party Planet

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Lake Jackson, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19795292076

Visit website

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 323.8

McKinney, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19725625566

Visit website

Sea Center Texas

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Lake Jackson, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19792920100

Visit website

Carl Barton Jr Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 92.5

Conroe, Texas

Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm

+19365223000

Visit website

Lake Jackson Historical Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Lake Jackson, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+19792971570

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 36.6 and 320 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
36.6 mi into trip | ~46m in | TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
52.7 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 45 North: Dallas

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 45 North: Dallas
5
53.2 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in | I 45 / Gulf Freeway

Merge onto I 45 / Gulf Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
319.6 mi into trip | ~5h 48m in

Take the exit toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway

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 38C Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
6
320 mi into trip | ~5h 48m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.93 one way

$97.85 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $53.55 $107.11
premium $4.54 $57.81 $115.62
diesel $5.61 $71.49 $142.98

Estimated Tolls: $2.13

Central Expressway (26.6 mi) $2.13

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

$49

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 97.1 1 $34.00 $15.54
Efficient EV 81 0 $28.33 $12.95
EV Truck/SUV 129.5 1 $45.33 $20.72

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 kg (66% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Clute, TX

Night in Clute on Saturday

Local time

11:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Slight Chance Rain Showers

S 5 to 10 mph 19% chance Live forecast

Destination

McKinney, TX

Night in McKinney on Saturday

Local time

11:22 PM

CDT

Current temp

59°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

12 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

5h 55m 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 highway-focused drive for the majority of this 323.8-mile trip, with 96% of the journey on major roadways. You'll experience one significant stretch of 237.4 miles on the North Freeway, indicating long, uninterrupted highway segments. The overall profile suggests a steady pace, allowing for consistent progress towards your destination. While primarily highway, the transition onto and off of these main arteries will offer minor variations in your driving experience.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 237.4 mi on North Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and Nolan Ryan Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.6 miles in near TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 323.8 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 36.6 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 52.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 53.2 miles (I 45 / Gulf Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Clute, TX

Full guide →

Clute is a city on the North Barrier Coast of Texas. If you have never seen an industrial plant, you are in for a treat, as Dow tanks and stacks and whatever else seem to overshadow everything around here.

Arriving in McKinney, TX

Full guide →

McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas.

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 5h 55m. Total distance: 323.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 237.4 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.13 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 McKinney, 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 36.6 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 52.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 53.2 miles (I 45 / Gulf Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McKinney, 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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