Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Ferris, TX to Houston, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 52m
Distance
219.1 mi
353 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 40m
★
6 AM
3h 52m
8 AM
4h 18m
10 AM
4h 1m
12 PM
3h 59m
3 PM
4h 3m
5 PM
4h 17m
8 PM
3h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ferris, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel the 219.4 miles from Ferris to Houston, expect a journey that takes approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes behind the wheel. Because this route relies on local roads like West 6th Street, South Baker Street, and East 8th Street rather than major interstates, it functions best as a straightforward day trip. You should budget about $33 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Great Plains locations. While the drive is manageable in a single stint, factoring in at least one stop will help keep you refreshed. This path is ideal if you prefer avoiding the high-speed monotony of main highways in favor of a more localized experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
109.5 miles from Ferris, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 56m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 216.4 mi | 3h 46m |
| South Interstate 45 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Milam Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| East 8th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Baker Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Louisiana Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| West 6th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Prairie Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 216.4 mi, about 3h 46m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,315 veh/hr typical · worst 3,925
Quietest
2 AM
~414 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 Ferris, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on this road
48 ft
·
8 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto FM 983
462 ft
·
15 sec
·
West 6th Street
3
Turn right onto South Baker Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Baker Street
4
Turn left onto FM 660
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
East 8th Street
5
Turn right onto South Interstate 45
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Interstate 45
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 45 South: Ennis
7
Merge onto I 45
216 mi
·
3 hr 46 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
11
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
12
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
13
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
14
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Because this 219.4-mile route involves frequent turns and local roads, flexibility is your greatest asset, so plan to depart early to account for the slower pace compared to major highways. Use your one planned stop strategically to stretch your legs and reset, as the constant navigation can be more mentally taxing than a straight interstate shot. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $33 cost estimate can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency during stop-and-go segments. Since you are navigating through multiple local streets, ensure your GPS is updated before you leave Ferris to help you manage the turn-heavy sections with ease. Enjoy the freedom of the open local road, but stay alert for changes in traffic patterns as you approach Houston.
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 109.5 miles from Ferris, TX, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 216.4 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 48 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.5 miles or 1h 56m 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 9m
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 Ferris, 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 Ferris, TX
This is one driving day of about 219.1 miles and 3h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Ferris, 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 I 45 for about 216.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.5 miles from Ferris, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 216.4 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
Flying J Travel Center
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
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 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
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
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 websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteCidercade 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 websiteBarbara 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 websiteMidtown 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 websiteWaugh 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 websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.6 mi from route
~6 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteChildren'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 websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 219 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Baker Street
Turn right onto South Baker Street
Navigation decision point
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 45
Merge onto I 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
217.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 49m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
7
218.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Milam Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Milam Street
5
219 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m in
|
Louisiana Street
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.01 one way
$60.02 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $33.52 | $67.04 |
| premium | $4.23 | $36.44 | $72.89 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $41.37 | $82.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.7 | 0 | $23.01 | $10.52 |
| Efficient EV | 54.8 | 0 | $19.17 | $8.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.6 | 1 | $30.67 | $14.02 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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
Ferris, TX
Morning in Ferris on Tuesday
Local time
6:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 15 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 18 at 4:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 22 at 12:26PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Morning in Houston on Tuesday
Local time
6:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 18 at 4:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 22 at 12:26PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
98°F
Buffalo, TX
110 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
2 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
3h 52m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention, as it features a 0% highway share. You will not find long, uninterrupted stretches here; in fact, the longest segment on West 6th Street is 0 miles, meaning you will be navigating frequent turns throughout the journey. The personality of this route is defined by its localized nature, shifting away from the typical fast-paced interstate grind. Expect a more hands-on driving experience where your focus remains on the road surface and navigation rather than cruise control. It is a practical route for those who want to experience the landscape at a closer, more grounded pace.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 216.4 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and South Interstate 45. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South Baker Street.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 52m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South Baker Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
501 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
221 ft
Total Descent
653 ft
Highest Point
501 ft
~15.6 mi in
Elevation Range
466 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Ferris, TX
Full guide →Founded 1874
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. === Welcome World Cup fans === Games will be played at NRG Stadium on the south side of Houston The best way to get to the stadium on game day is to use MetroRail trains (red line to NRG Stadium/Astrodome). Fare cards can be purchased at kiosks at train platforms and cost US$1.25 per ride The best hotels for football fans are downtown or near the medical center (both areas have easy access to MetroRail).
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 3h 52m. Total distance: 219.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 216.4 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South Baker Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Houston, 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.
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