Columbus, TX to Arlington, TX is 244.5 miles and takes about 4h 40m via North Travis Avenue and I-35W, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive through Texas. With a recommended one-day duration, it’s a manageable trip for most drivers. Expect a mix of highway cruising and surface street navigation as you make your way north. This is a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
122.3 miles from Columbus, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
North Travis Avenue
48.6 mi
55m
South Main Street
48 mi
57m
I 35W
45.1 mi
47m
Purple Heart Trail
33 mi
33m
State Highway 71
22.4 mi
23m
North US Highway 77
17.3 mi
19m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
10.3 mi
11m
South Jack Kultgen Expressway
3.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
North Travis Avenue
— 48.6 mi, about 55m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,924 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,733
Quietest
2 AM
~303 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Columbus, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on US 90
0.4 mi·1 min·Walnut Street
2
Turn right onto TX 71 Business
3.1 mi·5 min·Fannin Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
4
Merge onto TX 71
22 mi·23 min·State Highway 71
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward US 77: Giddings, Schulenburg
6
Turn straight onto East State Highway 71 Bypass
0.4 mi·49 sec·East State Highway 71 Bypass
7
Turn right onto US 77
0.7 mi·47 sec·North Jefferson Street
8
Continue on US 77
17 mi·19 min·North US Highway 77
9
Continue on US 77
48 mi·57 min·South Main Street
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 77; US 190; TX 36
3.6 mi·4 min·US 77; US 190; TX 36
11
Turn right onto US 77
49 mi·55 min·North Travis Avenue
Use the right lane.
12
Enter roundabout onto Circle Road
215 ft·11 sec·Circle Road
13
Continue on Circle Road
0.4 mi·54 sec·Circle Road
14
Turn straight onto South Jack Kultgen Expressway
0.5 mi·58 sec·South Jack Kultgen Expressway
15
Take the ramp
444 ft·10 sec
Toward I 35 North, US 77 North
16
Continue on US 77
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 77
17
Merge onto I 35; US 77
3.3 mi·3 min·South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 35; US 77
33 mi·33 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W
45 mi·47 min·I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort WorthUse the slight left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 45BToward I 20 East: DallasUse the right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward I 20 East: DallasUse the slight left lane.
22
Merge onto I 20
5.7 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
4.6 mi·4 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 449AToward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, MansfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on West Interstate 20
0.3 mi·24 sec·West Interstate 20
26
Turn left onto FM 157
1.0 mi·1 min·South Cooper Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto FM 157
1.7 mi·2 min·South Cooper Street
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right onto Spur 303
0.5 mi·50 sec·West Pioneer Parkway
Use the right lane.
29
Turn left onto South Center Street
1.2 mi·2 min·South Center Street
Use the left lane.
30
Continue on South Mesquite Street
0.8 mi·1 min·South Mesquite Street
31
Turn left onto East Abram Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·East Abram Street
32
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
For this roughly 4.5-hour drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic delays. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops; consider a brief break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially since the estimated cost is $36. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of the transition from I-35W to surface streets in Arlington, as navigation can become more complex in the final miles.
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 122.3 miles from Columbus, TX, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 48.6 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 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.3 miles or 2h 23m 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 48m
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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, TX
This is one driving day of about 244.5 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Columbus, 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 Travis Avenue for about 48.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 122.3 miles from Columbus, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 96.3 and 238.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
96.3 mi into trip|~1h 53m in|US 77 / North Travis Avenue
Turn right onto US 77 / North Travis Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
182.6 mi into trip|~3h 29m 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
227.7 mi into trip|~4h 16m 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
228 mi into trip|~4h 17m 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
238.7 mi into trip|~4h 29m 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
$33.49 one way
$66.98 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$37.41
$74.81
premium
$4.23
$40.67
$81.34
diesel
$4.80
$46.17
$92.33
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: 85.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.4
0
$25.67
$11.74
Efficient EV
61.1
0
$21.39
$9.78
EV Truck/SUV
97.8
1
$34.23
$15.65
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Columbus, TX
Late night
in Columbus on Tuesday
Local time
5:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:07AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:59AM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Arlington, TX
Late night
in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
5:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:07AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:59AM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
96°F
Troy, TX
122 mi in
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
4h 40m 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
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 151.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 244.5-mile trip includes 38% highway driving, meaning you'll spend a significant portion on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on surface roads is 48.6 miles on North Travis Avenue. You'll transition from highway driving to navigating city streets, which can mean more frequent stops and changes in speed. Be prepared for the urban merging and exit sequences as you approach and enter the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
38% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 48.6 mi on North Travis Avenue.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 96.3 miles in near US 77 / North Travis Avenue.
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 20 significant decision points across 244.5 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 96.3 miles (US 77 / North Travis Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 182.6 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
785 ft203 ft
Total Climb
676 ft
Total Descent
275 ft
Highest Point
785 ft
~209.6 mi in
Elevation Range
582 ft
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 Columbus, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Schulenburg along the way.
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 40m. Total distance: 244.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 48.6 miles on North Travis Avenue. 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 96.3 miles (US 77 / North Travis Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 182.6 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.7 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 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
