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Trip from Dallas, TX to Goliad, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 40m

Distance

320.1 mi

515 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 27m ★
6 AM
5h 40m
8 AM
6h 7m
10 AM
5h 49m
12 PM
5h 47m
3 PM
5h 51m
5 PM
6h 5m
8 PM
5h 32m

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 Dallas, TX, TX

Dallas, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Goliad County, Texas, United States

Goliad, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 320.1-mile drive from Dallas, Texas, to Goliad, Texas, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes. With 83% of the journey on highways, it's a predominantly high-speed route. The estimated fuel cost for this excursion is around $48, making it a budget-friendly option. You'll primarily navigate via South R L Thornton Freeway, TX 130 Toll, and North United States Highway 183. Given the distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a single day's travel without the need for an overnight stop, offering a straightforward path through the Great Plains region of Texas.

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

160.1 miles from Dallas, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
South R L Thornton Freeway 89.9 mi 1h 32m
TX 130 Toll 58.5 mi 54m
North United States Highway 183 43.5 mi 47m
Purple Heart Trail 37.9 mi 39m
South US Highway 183/ US 87 26.7 mi 28m
I 35 26.5 mi 26m
US 183 10.1 mi 11m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway 6.6 mi 7m
Longest stretch: South R L Thornton Freeway — 89.9 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dallas, TX and Goliad, TX.

1

Start on North Lamar Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · North Lamar Street
2

Turn right onto Elm Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Elm Street
3

Continue on Elm Street

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Elm Street
4

Take the ramp

327 ft · 7 sec
Toward I 30, I 35E
5

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward I 30 West, I 35E South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork

330 ft · 8 sec
Toward I 35E South Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 35E

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 35E

0.5 mi · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway
9

Continue on I 35E

89 mi · 1 hr 31 min · South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426 Toward Dallas Zoo Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

26 mi · 26 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec
Exit 265 Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio Use the slight right lane.
14

Continue on TX 130 Toll

59 mi · 54 min · TX 130 Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on US 183

0.5 mi · 35 sec · United States Highway 183
17

Continue on US 183

4.9 mi · 8 min · North Colorado Street
18

Continue on US 183

10 mi · 11 min · US 183
19

Continue on US 183

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Magnolia Avenue
20

Turn left onto US 90; US 183

5.0 mi · 6 min · East Pierce Street
21

Continue on US 183

43 mi · 47 min · North United States Highway 183
22

Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183

2.8 mi · 3 min · North Esplanade Street
23

Continue on US 77 Alt; US 87; US 183

2.0 mi · 2 min · South US Highway 183
24

Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183

27 mi · 28 min · South US Highway 183/ US 87
25

Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Jefferson Street
26

Turn left onto US 59

110 ft · 2 sec · East Pearl Street
27

Arrive at destination

US 59

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour and 40-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Dallas to avoid potential traffic. With one main stop suggested and a longest stretch of nearly 90 miles, you can plan your breaks accordingly. The $48 fuel cost is an estimate, so keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the longer highway segments. A helpful tip for this route is to be aware of the TX 130 Toll section; ensure you have a method for toll payment ready to ensure a smooth continuation of your journey south.

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 160.1 miles from Dallas, TX, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 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 70 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 160.1 miles or 2h 46m 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 35m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Dallas, 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 Dallas, TX

This is one driving day of about 320.1 miles and 5h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Dallas, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 89.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Williamson County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jarrell, TX

160 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

West, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 70 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jarrell, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 160.1 miles from Dallas, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 miles.

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 221.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 30 West, I 35E South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 30 West, I 35E South
8
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 35E South
6
136.1 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in | I 35

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
162.6 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Take the exit toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 265 Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
7
221.8 mi into trip | ~3h 45m in

Take the exit toward US 183 South: Lockhart

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.37 one way

$96.74 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 112 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $52.94 $105.89
premium $4.54 $57.15 $114.30
diesel $5.61 $70.67 $141.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 112 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 96 1 $33.61 $15.36
Efficient EV 80 0 $28.01 $12.80
EV Truck/SUV 128 1 $44.81 $20.49

Gas CO2

112 kg

EV CO2

37 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 17, 2026

Origin

Dallas, TX

Morning in Dallas on Tuesday

Local time

7:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Mostly Clear

S 5 to 10 mph 5% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 10:11PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 8:59PM CDT until April 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Destination

Goliad, TX

Morning in Goliad on Tuesday

Local time

7:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

88°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

20 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

5h 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

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 88.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 83% of the route utilizing major roadways. The drive features a significant uninterrupted stretch of 89.9 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway, indicating long periods of consistent travel. While much of the journey will be on high-speed roads, the transition between these segments might offer brief variations. This route generally maintains a brisk pace, allowing you to cover ground efficiently across the Texas landscape.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.9 mi on South R L Thornton Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and TX 130 Toll. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 320.1 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 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Dallas, TX

Full guide →

“Big D” · Founded 1841

Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Top landmarks

  • • Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
  • • Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
  • • George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...

Arriving in Goliad, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1749

Goliad is one of the oldest and most historically significant towns in Texas. There are the remains of a ruined Spanish mission, a restored mission Espiritu Santo, and a state park (on the river). The most significant site is the wonderfully restored Presidio de La Bahia. Goliad is also the site of the Fannin Battleground where the infamous Goliad Massacre occurred during the Texas war for independence from Mexico. Located on the San Antonio River, it is also near the Gulf of Mexico and the resort town of Rockport. There is a beautiful and historic town square with shops and cafes and the restored county courthouse.

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 40m. Total distance: 320.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 89.9 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. 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 Goliad, 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 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Goliad, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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