Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Fort Worth, TX to Franklin, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed May 27, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 57m
Distance
260.2 mi
419 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
19 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 44m
★
6 AM
4h 57m
8 AM
5h 24m
10 AM
5h 7m
12 PM
5h 4m
3 PM
5h 8m
5 PM
5h 23m
8 PM
4h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Franklin, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Fort Worth to Franklin is 260.2 miles and takes about 4h 57m via I 45 and US 287, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. With 90% of the drive on highways, expect a straightforward and efficient travel day. This route is a solid choice if you need to get from point A to point B without much fuss, offering a mostly uninterrupted drive.
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
130.1 miles from Fort Worth, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 149.8 mi | 2h 30m |
| US 287 | 50.7 mi | 56m |
| State Highway 105 | 15.2 mi | 22m |
| TX 105 | 12.6 mi | 18m |
| East Houston Street | 6.2 mi | 9m |
| Willis Waukegan Road | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 5.7 mi | 6m |
| East Powell Street | 5.1 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 149.8 mi, about 2h 30m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~1,496 veh/hr typical · worst 2,185
Quietest
1 AM
~238 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
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 Fort Worth, TX and Franklin, 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
150 mi
·
2 hr 30 min
·
I 45; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward Calvary Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
12
Turn left onto Calvary Road
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Calvary Road
13
At end of road, turn right onto TX 75
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
North State Highway 75
14
Continue on TX 75
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
North Danville Street
15
Turn left onto FM 2432
5.1 mi
·
9 min
·
East Powell Street
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on Willis Waukegan Road
5.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Willis Waukegan Road
17
Turn left onto TX 105
15 mi
·
22 min
·
State Highway 105
18
At end of road, turn left onto TX 105 Business; Loop 573
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
Washington Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
19
Turn right onto TX 105 Business; TX 321
6.2 mi
·
9 min
·
East Houston Street
20
Turn left onto TX 105
13 mi
·
18 min
·
TX 105
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
TX 105
Trip Plan
For this roughly 5-hour drive, leaving Fort Worth in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops, but consider breaking up the longest stretch on I 45, which is nearly 150 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you get closer to Franklin, and check the current fuel cost estimate of $41 to budget accordingly. A good point to refuel or stretch your legs might be around the halfway mark or when you transition off I 45.
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 130.1 miles from Fort Worth, TX, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.8 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 57 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.1 miles or 2h 19m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, 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 260.2 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 149.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
130 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 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 130.1 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 149.8 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
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
TA Express
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
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.6 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.7 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.8 mi from route
Buc-ee's
2.4 mi from route
Forest 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 websiteNTER - The Great Escape
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Waxahachie, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+12149801053
Visit websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~12 min detour
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
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 211.2 — 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
6
211.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 40m in
Take the exit toward Calvary Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Calvary Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.89 one way
$81.79 round trip
$3.99/gal
25.4 MPG avg
91 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.39 | $44.94 | $89.88 |
| premium | $4.72 | $48.34 | $96.68 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $57.33 | $114.65 |
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: 91 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-05-18.
EV Charging Along Route
19 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
TA Express Fairfield - Tesla Supercharger
Fairfield, TX
Tesla
15 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
Bucees Ennis MB.HPC
Ennis, TX
MERCEDES_BENZ
10 DCFC
Tesla: 9
eVgo Network: 3
Electrify America: 2
ChargePoint Network: 2
Blink Network: 1
MERCEDES_BENZ: 1
IONNA: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78.1 | 0 | $27.32 | $12.49 |
| Efficient EV | 65.1 | 0 | $22.77 | $10.41 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 104.1 | 1 | $36.43 | $16.65 |
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% 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
Fort Worth, TX
Afternoon in Fort Worth on Wednesday
Local time
2:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 0 to 5 mph
39% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 27 at 9:13AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 27 at 8:56AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Destination
Franklin, TX
Afternoon in Franklin on Wednesday
Local time
2:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
S 5 to 10 mph
67% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 27 at 9:13AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 27 at 8:56AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
70°F
Athens, TX
130 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
4 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
4h 57m 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?
You'll spend about 90% of your 260.2 miles on major highways, primarily I 45 and US 287. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 149.8 miles on I 45. This means you'll experience a consistent, high-speed cruising environment for the vast majority of the trip. Once you transition to State Highway 105, expect a change in pace with more local traffic and potentially more frequent intersections.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 149.8 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 260.2 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: 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
652 ft
60 ft
Total Climb
152 ft
Total Descent
745 ft
Highest Point
652 ft
Elevation Range
592 ft
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 Franklin, TX
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Franklin Carnegie Library — historic place in Franklin, Robertson County, Texas
- • Robertson County Courthouse — courthouse at Deckerd St. at Alley St. Franklin, 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 4h 57m. Total distance: 260.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 149.8 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Franklin, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Franklin, 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, NREL for EV charging, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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