Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Dickinson, TX to McKinney, 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 23m
Distance
299.6 mi
482 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 10m
★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dickinson, TX
Wikimedia Commons
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Dickinson, TX to McKinney, TX is 299.6 miles and takes about 5h 23m via North Freeway, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, moving from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. With nearly all of the drive on highways, expect a straightforward trip focused on covering ground. Given the relatively short duration, it's an easy one-day drive, allowing for flexibility in your departure time.
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
149.8 miles from Dickinson, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 237.4 mi | 4h 9m |
| South Gulf Freeway | 28.6 mi | 33m |
| North Central Expressway | 26.6 mi | 28m |
| Pine Drive | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| South Tennessee Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| South McDonald Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Gulf Freeway Frontage Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| Spur 399 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 237.4 mi, about 4h 9m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,256 veh/hr typical · worst 3,806
Quietest
2 AM
~407 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 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 Dickinson, TX and McKinney, TX.
1
Start on FM 517
159 ft
·
4 sec
·
Main Street
2
Continue on FM 517
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Pine Street
3
Continue on FM 517
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Pine Drive
4
Turn right onto Gulf Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Gulf Freeway Frontage Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 45 North
Use the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 45
29 mi
·
33 min
·
South Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 45
237 mi
·
4 hr 9 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 75
27 mi
·
28 min
·
North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto Spur 399
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
12
Continue on TX 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South McDonald Street
13
Turn slight left
281 ft
·
10 sec
14
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Tennessee Street
15
Arrive at destination
North Tennessee Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Dickinson to avoid potential traffic near Houston. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. The fuel cost is estimated at $44, so factor that into your budget. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch on North Freeway, to ensure you don't need to make an unscheduled stop. Flexibility is key for this route; you can adjust your timing based on road conditions.
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 149.8 miles from Dickinson, TX, or about 2h 42m 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 66 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.8 miles or 2h 42m 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 23m
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 Dickinson, 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 Dickinson, TX
This is one driving day of about 299.6 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Dickinson, 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.
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 149.8 miles from Dickinson, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop 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.
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
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
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
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
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Minuteman Press
1.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Buc-ee's
1.6 mi from route
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
McKinney, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19725625566
Visit websiteLeague Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
League City, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+12815541180
Visit websiteCarl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~11 min detour
Early stretch
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websiteThe Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
First break
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17139266368
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 55 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 296.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.7 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 45 North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 45 North
5
2.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 45 / South Gulf Freeway
Merge onto I 45 / South Gulf Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
295.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 16m 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
295.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
3
296.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 17m in
|
Spur 399
Merge onto Spur 399
Merge point - match speed before joining
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.04 one way
$82.07 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $45.84 | $91.67 |
| premium | $4.23 | $49.84 | $99.67 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.57 | $113.14 |
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
$41
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.8 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 | 89.9 | 1 | $31.46 | $14.38 |
| Efficient EV | 74.9 | 0 | $26.22 | $11.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 119.8 | 1 | $41.94 | $19.17 |
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
Dickinson, TX
Afternoon in Dickinson on Sunday
Local time
12:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph
15% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 20 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
McKinney, TX
Afternoon in McKinney on Sunday
Local time
12:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Partly Sunny
S 15 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 20 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
100°F
Italy, TX
150 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
5h 23m 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 drive is almost entirely highway, with a 98% highway share. You'll be on high-speed roads for most of the trip, including a continuous stretch of 237.4 miles on North Freeway. The highway nature means you'll encounter numerous exits and potential for urban merging as you approach your destination. Expect minimal time on surface streets.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 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?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and South Gulf Freeway. You will hit about 5 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 299.6 miles you will encounter 5 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.9 miles (I 45 / South Gulf Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 295.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
628 ft
12 ft
Total Climb
910 ft
Total Descent
294 ft
Highest Point
628 ft
~299.6 mi in
Elevation Range
616 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Dickinson, TX
Full guide →Founded 1977
Arriving in McKinney, TX
Full guide →Founded 1848
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 23m. Total distance: 299.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 23m 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 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.
Yes — we found about 30 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.
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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.9 miles (I 45 / South Gulf Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 295.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 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, 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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