Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Fort Worth, TX to Clute, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 48m
Distance
315.6 mi
508 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$48
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
20 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 36m
★
6 AM
5h 49m
8 AM
6h 15m
10 AM
5h 58m
12 PM
5h 56m
3 PM
5h 59m
5 PM
6h 14m
8 PM
5h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Clute, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Fort Worth to Clute is 315.6 miles and takes about 5h 48m via I 45 and US 287, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward highway-focused journey. You'll be on main roads for nearly the entire trip, making it a utilitarian route rather than one focused on scenic detours. It's a solid choice if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently within Texas, with most of your time spent on the interstate.
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
157.8 miles from Fort Worth, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 198.8 mi | 3h 28m |
| US 287 | 50.7 mi | 56m |
| Nolan Ryan Expressway | 24.6 mi | 28m |
| TX 288 Toll | 14.4 mi | 16m |
| Brazosport Boulevard North | 6 mi | 9m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 5.7 mi | 6m |
| South Freeway | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| South Velasco Street | 3.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 198.8 mi, about 3h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Worth, TX and Clute, TX.
1
Start on South Freeway
174 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Freeway
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 35W South
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
3
Merge onto I 35W
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 45B
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 20
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287
51 mi
·
56 min
·
US 287
Exit 444
Toward US 287 South: Little Road, Waxahachie
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 45 South: Corsicana
9
Merge onto I 45; US 287
199 mi
·
3 hr 28 min
·
I 45; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 45
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 46B
Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
13
Continue on TX 288
0.6 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
14 mi
·
16 min
·
TX 288 Toll
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Merge onto TX 288
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
South Freeway
16
Continue on TX 288
25 mi
·
28 min
·
Nolan Ryan Expressway
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 35
18
Turn left onto TX 35
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
TX 35
19
Turn right onto Loop 274
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
Front Street
20
Turn straight onto TX 288 Bus
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
South Velasco Street
21
Continue on TX 288 Bus
6.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Brazosport Boulevard North
22
Turn right onto East Main Street
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
East Main Street
23
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 48m estimated duration, leaving Fort Worth in the morning is ideal to ensure you arrive in Clute with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the longest stretch on I 45, and consider filling up before you hit that longer segment. This route is manageable in a single day, so you have the flexibility to depart when it's most convenient for you.
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 157.8 miles from Fort Worth, TX, or about 2h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 198.8 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 69 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.8 miles or 2h 51m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clute, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth, TX
This is one driving day of about 315.6 miles and 5h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Fort Worth, 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 198.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
158 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 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 157.8 miles from Fort Worth, 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 198.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
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
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
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
Love's Travel Stop
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
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
2.3 mi from route
Buc-ee's
2.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Brazosport Museum of Natural Science
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
mile 315.6
Clute, Texas
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
+19792657661
Visit websiteThe Center for the Arts & Sciences
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
mile 315.6
Clute, Texas
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
+19792657661
Visit websiteForest Park Miniature Railroad
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18179665509
Visit websiteKids Party Planet
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
1.4 mi from route
~4 min detour
mile 315.6
Lake Jackson, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19795292076
Visit websiteSea Center Texas
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
mile 315.6
Lake Jackson, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19792920100
Visit websiteCarl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
mile 225.5
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websiteLake Jackson Historical Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
mile 315.6
Lake Jackson, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19792971570
Visit websiteMorrison Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
3.6 mi from route
~9 min detour
mile 315.6
Lake Jackson, Texas
+19792974533
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 262.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the ramp toward I 35W South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 35W South
7
3.5 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East: Dallas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 45B
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
7
3.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 East: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
9
10.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
US 287
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287 toward US 287 South: Little Road, Waxahachie
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 444
Toward US 287 South: Little Road, Waxahachie
8
262.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 41m in
Take the exit toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria
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 46B
Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: L...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.69 one way
$95.38 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
110 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $52.20 | $104.40 |
| premium | $4.54 | $56.35 | $112.70 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $69.68 | $139.36 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
20 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Buc-ee's - Tesla Supercharger
Ennis, TX
Tesla
24 DCFC
The Foundry District - Tesla Supercharger
Fort Worth, TX
Tesla
16 DCFC
University Park Village - Tesla Supercharger
Fort Worth, TX
Tesla
16 DCFC
Fuel City Haltom City - Tesla Supercharger
Haltom City, TX
Tesla
12 DCFC
Lone Star Ranch Travel Center - Tesla Supercharger
Edgecliff Village, TX
Tesla
12 DCFC
Tiger Mart - Tesla Supercharger
Waxahachie, TX
Tesla
12 DCFC
Arlington, TX - East Bardin Road - Tesla Supercharger
Arlington, TX
Tesla
8 DCFC
Simon University Park Village (Fort Worth, TX)
Fort Worth, TX
Electrify America
6 DCFC
Tesla: 7
eVgo Network: 6
Blink Network: 3
Electrify America: 2
ChargePoint Network: 2
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 94.7 | 1 | $33.14 | $15.15 |
| Efficient EV | 78.9 | 0 | $27.62 | $12.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 126.2 | 1 | $44.18 | $20.20 |
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (66% 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
Fort Worth, TX
Late night in Fort Worth on Sunday
Local time
2:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 10 to 15 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Clute, TX
Late night in Clute on Sunday
Local time
2:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°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
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
5h 48m 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 is a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the route utilizing major roadways. Expect long stretches of consistent speed, particularly the 198.8-mile segment on I 45. The overall character is one of efficient travel, with US 287 and the Nolan Ryan Expressway contributing to the highway feel. While not designed for leisurely sightseeing, the consistent highway nature means fewer interruptions and a predictable pace.
94% 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: 198.8 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and US 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
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 16 significant decision points across 315.6 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: near the start: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Fort Worth, TX and Clute, TX, road signs point toward Freeport and Victoria.
Freeport
262.7 mi in
|
~4h 41m
Victoria
262.7 mi in
|
~4h 41m
About the Cities
Starting in Fort Worth, TX
Full guide →“Panther city” · Founded 1849
Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.
Top landmarks
- • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
- • St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, Texas
Arriving in Clute, TX
Full guide →Clute is a city on the North Barrier Coast of Texas. If you have never seen an industrial plant, you are in for a treat, as Dow tanks and stacks and whatever else seem to overshadow everything around here.
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 48m. Total distance: 315.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 198.8 miles on I 45. 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 Clute, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Clute, 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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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