Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Dallas, TX to Stowell, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 21m
Distance
299 mi
481 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 8m
★
6 AM
5h 21m
8 AM
5h 48m
10 AM
5h 31m
12 PM
5h 28m
3 PM
5h 32m
5 PM
5h 47m
8 PM
5h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Stowell, TX
kingsley li
Trip Overview
Spanning 299 miles across the Texas Great Plains, this drive from Dallas to Stowell typically takes about 5 hours and 21 minutes. Because the route is highly efficient, you can comfortably complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $46 on fuel, making this a budget-friendly trek for those traveling between these two Lone Star State locations. You will navigate primarily via the Julius Schepps Freeway, the North Grand Parkway East, and the East Freeway. Since the trip stays entirely within the Great Plains region, the landscape remains consistent throughout your travel. It is a straightforward, highway-focused route that prioritizes speed and directness over winding detours.
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
149.5 miles from Dallas, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 212.3 mi | 3h 39m |
| North Grand Parkway East | 50.2 mi | 53m |
| East Freeway | 27.9 mi | 32m |
| Gulfway Drive | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Interstate 45 North Frontage Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| East Grand Parkway North | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Woodall Rodgers Freeway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| TX 73 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 212.3 mi, about 3h 39m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,927 veh/hr typical · worst 2,389
Quietest
2 AM
~288 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 45 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 Stowell, 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
209 mi
·
3 hr 35 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 72A
Toward Grand Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn straight onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Turn left onto North Grand Parkway West
382 ft
·
8 sec
·
North Grand Parkway West
Use the left lane.
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward TX 99 Toll East
12
Merge onto TX 99 Toll
50 mi
·
53 min
·
North Grand Parkway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 10: Langston Drive, Old Needlepoint Road
14
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 99 Toll
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Grand Parkway North
15
Turn left onto East Freeway Frontage Road
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Freeway Frontage Road
16
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 10 East
17
Merge onto I 10
28 mi
·
32 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit onto TX 73
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
·
TX 73
Exit 828
Toward TX 73, TX 124: Winnie, Port Arthur
19
Keep slight right at fork
511 ft
·
12 sec
Toward TX 124 South: Winnie
20
Turn straight onto State Highway 73
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
State Highway 73
21
Turn right onto TX 124
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Gulfway Drive
22
Continue on TX 124
63 ft
·
5 sec
·
Gulfway Drive
23
Arrive at destination
TX 124
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 21-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the route is heavily reliant on major freeways, keep a close eye on traffic patterns near metropolitan corridors where congestion can impact your travel time. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to maintain a steady flow and avoid peak commuter hours. Because you are committed to a highway-heavy path, ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained speeds before you leave Dallas. A helpful tip for this specific route is to budget your $46 fuel cost early, as finding consistent service stops along the longest 212.3-mile stretch is easier when you plan your gas breaks ahead of time.
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 149.5 miles from Dallas, TX, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 212.3 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 66 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.5 miles or 2h 35m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stowell, 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 299 miles and 5h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 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 212.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
150 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 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 149.5 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 212.3 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
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Chambers County Westbound Rest Area
0.5 mi from route
Chambers County Eastbound Rest Area
0.5 mi from route
Rest Area
0.8 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
Service Plaza
2 mi from route
City 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 websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteChambers County Museum at Wallisville
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Wallisville, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+14093892252
Visit websiteDennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
3.2 mi from route
~8 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 185 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 295.8 — 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
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Merge onto I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
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
213.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m in
Take the exit toward Grand Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 72A
Toward Grand Parkway
6
295.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 15m in
|
TX 73
Take the exit onto TX 73 toward TX 73, TX 124: Winnie, Port Arthur
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 828
Toward TX 73, TX 124: Winnie, Port Arthur
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.95 one way
$81.91 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $45.74 | $91.49 |
| premium | $4.23 | $49.74 | $99.47 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.46 | $112.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89.7 | 1 | $31.40 | $14.35 |
| Efficient EV | 74.8 | 0 | $26.16 | $11.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 119.6 | 1 | $41.86 | $19.14 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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.
Origin
Dallas, TX
Afternoon in Dallas on Sunday
Local time
12:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Partly Sunny
SSW 10 mph
17% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:16PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Stowell, TX
Afternoon in Stowell on Sunday
Local time
12:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph
20% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:16PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
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 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 21m 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?
Prepare for a drive dominated by high-speed transit, as 98% of your journey takes place on major highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the Julius Schepps Freeway, which accounts for a significant 212.3-mile uninterrupted stretch. This is a classic interstate-focused experience designed for consistent cruising rather than technical maneuvering. While you will eventually transition onto the North Grand Parkway East and the East Freeway, the character of the road remains efficient and predictable. Expect a steady pace that allows you to cover the 299-mile distance without encountering complex local road segments.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 212.3 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and North Grand Parkway East. 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
10/10
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 18 significant decision points across 299 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 1.4 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
466 ft
24 ft
Total Climb
160 ft
Total Descent
565 ft
Highest Point
466 ft
~21.4 mi in
Elevation Range
442 ft
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Starbucks
Cafe
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Conroe, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteWeekend Coffee
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Hours: 07:00-15:00
Visit websiteStarbucks
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Dallas, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteCorner Bakery
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Starbucks
Cafe
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Conroe, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteStarbucks
Cafe
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Conroe, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websitePizza Hut
Restaurant
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Conroe, TX
Cuisine: pizza
Visit websiteJack in the Box
Fast_food
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Conroe, TX
Cuisine: burger
Visit websiteMOD Pizza
Fast_food
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Conroe, TX
Cuisine: pizza
Hours: Mo-We 10:30-22:00; Th-Sa 10:30-23:00; Su...
Visit websiteMoak's Family Texas BBQ
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Cuisine: barbecue
Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-21:00
Visit websiteWingBucket
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Dallas, TX
Cuisine: chicken
Hours: Su-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr,Sa 11:00-24:00
Visit websiteCommissary
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Dallas, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop;sandwich;american;ice_cream;bakery
Hours: Mo-Sa 07:00-16:00; Su 07:00-14:00
Visit websiteGiant Eye
Attraction
Near the start, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Trinity River Greenbelt Park
Park
Near the start, short detour
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Legacy of Love Monument
Attraction
Near the start, short detour
1.8 mi from route
~5 min detour
Hours: 24/7
Frank H. Caven Memorial Garden
Attraction
Near the start, short detour
1.8 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fiji Senior Sign
Attraction
Near the start, short detour
2.6 mi from route
~6 min detour
Texas Star
Attraction
Near the start, short detour
2.8 mi from route
~7 min detour
Museum of Illusions
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Dallas, TX
Hours: Su-Th 10:00-20:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-21:00
Visit websiteThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Dallas, TX
Hours: We-Su 10:00-17:00
Visit websiteWaples-Platter Buildings
Yes
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
TX
West End Historic District
District
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
JFK Assassination Site
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Harrow
Artwork
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Value Place
Motel
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Value Inn & RV Park
Motel
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
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 Stowell, 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 5h 21m. Total distance: 299 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 212.3 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 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 Stowell, 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 27 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 1.4 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Stowell, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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