Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Dallas, TX to Sheldon, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 26m
Distance
247.7 mi
399 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 13m
★
6 AM
4h 26m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 35m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 51m
8 PM
4h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Sheldon, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Dallas to Sheldon is 247.7 miles and takes about 4h 26m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, moving from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. You'll be on the highway for most of this trip, making it a relatively straightforward connection between these two points. If you're looking for a direct shot with minimal fuss, this route fits the bill.
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
123.8 miles from Dallas, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 9m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 213.3 mi | 3h 40m |
| HTR | 13 mi | 15m |
| North Sam Houston Tollway East | 7.7 mi | 8m |
| North Sam Houston Parkway East | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| Garrett Road | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Sheldon Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Woodall Rodgers Freeway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| East Hardy Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 213.3 mi, about 3h 40m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,985 veh/hr typical · worst 2,601
Quietest
2 AM
~289 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 88 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 Dallas, TX and Sheldon, TX.
1
Start on North Lamar Street
433 ft
·
14 sec
·
North Lamar Street
2
Turn right onto McKinney Avenue
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
McKinney Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 75 North
4
Merge onto Spur 366
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Woodall Rodgers Freeway
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 45 South: Houston
Use the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto I 45
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45
210 mi
·
3 hr 36 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit onto HTR
13 mi
·
15 min
·
HTR
Exit 72B
Toward Hardy Toll Road South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
494 ft
·
12 sec
Toward BW 8
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn straight onto East Hardy Street
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
East Hardy Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Turn left onto North Sam Houston Parkway East
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Sam Houston Parkway East
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward BW 8 East
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Merge onto BW 8
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
North Sam Houston Parkway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on SHT
7.7 mi
·
8 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward Garrett Road, Little York Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto BW 8
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East Sam Houston Parkway North
17
Turn left onto Garrett Road
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Garrett Road
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto Sheldon Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Sheldon Road
19
Arrive at destination
Sheldon Road
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 26m estimated drive time, it's entirely feasible to complete this trip in a single day. Departing in the morning will give you ample daylight to navigate the route and reach Sheldon comfortably. With only one recommended stop, you can plan for a brief break if needed, or push through if you prefer. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $35; it’s always wise to fill up before embarking on longer highway stretches. Pay attention to the transition from the main freeway to local roads as you near Sheldon.
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 123.8 miles from Dallas, TX, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 213.3 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 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.8 miles or 2h 9m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sheldon, 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 247.7 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 Julius Schepps Freeway for about 213.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.8 miles from Dallas, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Julius Schepps Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 213.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA Express
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.7 mi from route
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.9 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.6 mi from route
The Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteSheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+12814562800
Visit websiteDennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Home stretch
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 241.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.9 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 45 South: Houston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 45 South: Houston
6
4.5 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
214.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 42m in
|
HTR
Take the exit onto HTR toward Hardy Toll Road South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 72B
Toward Hardy Toll Road South
6
227.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 58m in
Take the exit toward BW 8
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward BW 8
7
241.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 15m in
Take the exit toward Garrett Road, Little York Road
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.
Toward Garrett Road, Little York Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.18 one way
$74.37 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $41.14 | $82.29 |
| premium | $4.57 | $44.52 | $89.04 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $61.20 | $122.41 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.62
Sam Houston Tollway
(7.7 mi)
$0.62
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: 86.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.3 | 0 | $26.01 | $11.89 |
| Efficient EV | 61.9 | 0 | $21.67 | $9.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.1 | 1 | $34.68 | $15.85 |
Gas CO2
87 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.
Origin
Dallas, TX
Late night in Dallas on Friday
Local time
1:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Sheldon, TX
Late night in Sheldon on Friday
Local time
1:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 5 to 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
54°F
Buffalo, TX
124 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 26m 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?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 89% of the trip on high-speed roads. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of highway, 213.3 miles, on Julius Schepps Freeway. Expect consistent highway cruising with a steady stream of exits as you approach your destination. The transition off the primary highway to surface roads will occur later in the drive.
89% 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: 213.3 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and HTR. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.
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 15 significant decision points across 247.7 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 0.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.7 miles (HTR): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
496 ft
44 ft
Total Climb
375 ft
Total Descent
759 ft
Highest Point
496 ft
~35.4 mi in
Elevation Range
452 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dallas, TX and Sheldon, TX, road signs point toward Hardy Toll Road South, Bw 8 and Bw 8 East.
Hardy Toll Road South
214.7 mi in
|
~3h 42m
|
via HTR
Bw 8
227.7 mi in
|
~3h 58m
Bw 8 East
229.1 mi in
|
~4h
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 Sheldon, TX
Full guide →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 26m. Total distance: 247.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 213.3 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.62 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. 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.
Yes — we found about 26 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Sheldon, 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. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.7 miles (HTR): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 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 Sheldon, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Sheldon, TX
More trips to Sheldon, TX
Explore more options from Dallas, TX or browse trips ending in Sheldon, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.