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Trip from Doffing, TX to Houston, 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

7h 3m

Distance

363.2 mi

584 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$55

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
6h 52m ★
6 AM
7h 4m
8 AM
7h 26m
10 AM
7h 11m
12 PM
7h 9m
3 PM
7h 13m
5 PM
7h 25m
8 PM
6h 57m

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 Doffing, TX, TX

Doffing, TX

Thomas balabaud

Downtown houston-tx

Houston, TX

Trace Hudson

Trip Overview

This 363.2-mile drive from Doffing, TX to Houston, TX will take approximately 7 hours and 3 minutes, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip. The majority of your journey, 89% of it, will be on major highways, primarily US Highway 59 South, US 281, and I 69C. With an estimated fuel cost of $55, this route is an economical option for reaching Houston. You'll encounter two recommended stops along the way. Both Doffing and Houston are situated within the Great Plains region, so expect a consistent landscape throughout your travel.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

181.6 miles from Doffing, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US Highway 59 South 88.6 mi 1h 38m
US 281 57.1 mi 1h
I 69C 47 mi 51m
US 77 37.6 mi 44m
United States Highway 77 33 mi 37m
Southwest Freeway 32.6 mi 37m
East Main Street 26.2 mi 30m
I 2 12.8 mi 14m
Longest stretch: US Highway 59 South — 88.6 mi, about 1h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Doffing, TX and Houston, TX.

1

Start on Brush Line Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Brush Line Road
2

At end of road, turn left onto 3N

70 ft · 6 sec · 3 Mile Line
3

Turn right onto FM 492

2.2 mi · 4 min · Goodwin Road
4

Turn left onto West Expressway 83

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Expressway 83
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 2 East, US 83 East
6

Merge onto I 2; US 83

13 mi · 14 min · I 2; US 83
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 416B Toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg
8

Continue on I 69C

22 mi · 23 min · I 69C
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on US 281

57 mi · 1 hr · US 281
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281

25 mi · 28 min · I 69C; US 281
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
12

Continue on US 281 Business

2.2 mi · 3 min · US 281 Business
13

Turn right onto FM 1352

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Cecilia Street
14

Turn left onto FM 665

345 ft · 7 sec · Old Kingsville Road
15

Turn slight right onto FM 665

1.3 mi · 2 min · South Cameron Street
16

Turn right onto TX 44; TX 359

452 ft · 5 sec · East Front Street
17

Continue on TX 44; TX 359

26 mi · 30 min · East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
18

Take the exit onto TX 44

0.6 mi · 1 min · TX 44
19

Turn left onto North US Highway 77

1.0 mi · 2 min · North US Highway 77
Use the left lane.
20

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward County Road 44
21

Merge onto I 69E; US 77

4.7 mi · 5 min · U.S. Highway 77
22

Merge onto I 37; US 77; I 69E

1.4 mi · 1 min · I 37; US 77; I 69E
23

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 50 sec
24

Continue on I 37; US 77; I 69E

463 ft · 5 sec · I 37; US 77; I 69E
25

Take the exit onto US 77

38 mi · 44 min · US 77
Toward Sinton, Victoria
26

Turn slight right onto US 77

33 mi · 37 min · United States Highway 77
27

Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91

1.5 mi · 1 min · Spur 91
28

Merge onto US 59

89 mi · 1 hr 38 min · US Highway 59 South
29

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
30

Continue on 59 Northbound Frontage Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · 59 Northbound Frontage Road
31

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 58 sec · this road
32

Continue on US 59 Northbound Frontage Road

2.0 mi · 4 min · US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
33

Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

1.3 mi · 2 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
34

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 69 North, US 59 North
35

Merge onto I 69; US 59

33 mi · 37 min · Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street Use the slight left lane.
37

Take the exit

155 ft · 3 sec
Toward Downtown, Louisiana Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Continue on Louisiana Street

1.9 mi · 4 min · Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
39

Arrive at destination

Louisiana Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Doffing, TX, to avoid any potential Houston traffic. With two recommended stops, you can easily break up the 363.2 miles into manageable segments. The longest stretch without a stop is 88.6 miles, so plan your first break accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, and factor in the $55 fuel cost. Arriving in Houston with ample daylight will allow for a less stressful final approach.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181.6 miles from Doffing, TX, or about 3h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.6 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 181.6 miles or 3h 30m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 47m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Doffing, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Doffing, TX

This is one driving day of about 363.2 miles and 7h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Doffing, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 59 South for about 88.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in and county seat of Refugio County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Refugio, TX

182 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

Alice, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sinton, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 181.6 miles from Doffing, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US Highway 59 South if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.6 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.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Houston, Texas

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Houston, Texas

1.1 mi

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+13462417524

Visit website

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Union Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Houston, Texas

+17132598070

Visit website

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17137520314

Visit website

Midtown Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+17135267577

Visit website

Museum of South Texas History

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Edinburg, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19563836911

Visit website

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17137520314

Visit website

Brazos River Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Sugar Land, Texas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12812752825

Visit website

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Edinburg, Texas

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19563819922

Visit website

South Texas Motorcycle Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Edinburg, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19562920770

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 361.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | 3N / 3 Mile Line

At end of road, turn left onto 3N / 3 Mile Line

Navigation decision point

5
3.8 mi into trip | ~8m in | I 2; US 83

Merge onto I 2; US 83

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
16.6 mi into trip | ~22m in

Take the exit toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 416B Toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg
8
360.4 mi into trip | ~6h 57m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana...
7
361.2 mi into trip | ~6h 58m in

Take the exit toward Downtown, Louisiana Street

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 Downtown, Louisiana Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$54.88 one way

$109.76 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 127 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $60.07 $120.14
premium $4.54 $64.85 $129.69
diesel $5.61 $80.19 $160.38

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$55

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 127.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 109 1 $38.14 $17.43
Efficient EV 90.8 1 $31.78 $14.53
EV Truck/SUV 145.3 1 $50.85 $23.24

Gas CO2

127 kg

EV CO2

42 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 20, 2026

Origin

Doffing, TX

Late night in Doffing on Tuesday

Local time

3:07 AM

CDT

Current temp

97°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Houston, TX

Late night in Houston on Tuesday

Local time

3:07 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°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

13 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

7h 3m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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 predominantly highway-focused, with 89% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience long stretches of consistent travel, including an uninterrupted 88.6-mile segment on US Highway 59 South. The character is that of a steady, efficient journey, designed for covering distance rather than winding through small towns. While primarily high-speed, be prepared for potential transitions as you navigate between US 281, US Highway 59 South, and I 69C.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.6 mi on US Highway 59 South.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 South and US 281. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near 3N / 3 Mile Line.

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 25 significant decision points across 363.2 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 0.5 miles (3N / 3 Mile Line): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (I 2; US 83): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Doffing, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward County Road 44, Sinton and Victoria.

County Road 44

154 mi in | ~2h 58m

Sinton

161.2 mi in | ~3h 6m | via US 77

Victoria

161.2 mi in | ~3h 6m | via US 77

About the Cities

Arriving in Houston, TX

Full guide →

“Space City” · Founded 1836

Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered.

Top landmarks

  • • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
  • • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
  • • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris County, 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 7h 3m. Total distance: 363.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 3m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 88.6 miles on US Highway 59 South. 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 Houston, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (3N / 3 Mile Line): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (I 2; US 83): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Houston, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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