Van Zandt County Westbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Fort Worth, TX to Jefferson, 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
3h 34m
Distance
201.5 mi
324 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 22m
★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 59m
10 AM
3h 43m
12 PM
3h 40m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 58m
8 PM
3h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Jefferson, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Fort Worth to Jefferson is 201.5 miles and takes about 3h 34m via Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across Texas, starting in the Great Plains region and ending in the same diverse landscape. Given its manageable length and primarily surface road profile, it's a straightforward drive perfect for a single day. You'll likely encounter a mix of urban and rural driving as you make your way east. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to get from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to East Texas.
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
100.7 miles from Fort Worth, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 150.1 mi | 2h 33m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 22 mi | 23m |
| East End Boulevard North | 14.7 mi | 16m |
| US 80 | 5.7 mi | 6m |
| South Freeway | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| FM 968 West | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| FM 3251 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East Jefferson Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
— 150.1 mi, about 2h 33m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,129 veh/hr typical · worst 2,646
Quietest
2 AM
~308 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Jefferson, 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 left at fork onto I 20
14 mi
·
14 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 20
22 mi
·
23 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
131 mi
·
2 hr 12 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 East: Shreveport
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward FM 3251
11
Turn left onto FM 3251
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
FM 3251
12
Turn right onto FM 968
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
FM 968 West
13
Turn right onto US 80
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
US 80
14
Turn left onto US 59; TX 43
15 mi
·
16 min
·
East End Boulevard North
15
Turn right onto East Jefferson Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
East Jefferson Street
16
Continue on West Henderson Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
West Henderson Street
17
Turn right onto FM 134
373 ft
·
14 sec
·
North Polk Street
18
Turn right onto West Lafayette Street
80 ft
·
3 sec
·
West Lafayette Street
19
Arrive at destination
West Lafayette Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of under four hours, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. Leaving Fort Worth in the morning should allow you ample time to reach Jefferson before evening, so an early start isn't strictly necessary unless you plan on stopping. The majority of the drive is on surface roads, so keep an eye out for speed limit changes and local traffic. Since the fuel cost is estimated at $29, you should be able to complete the trip on a single tank, but it's always wise to check your gauge before heading out, especially before the 150.1-mile stretch on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway.
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 100.7 miles from Fort Worth, TX, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 150.1 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 44 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.7 miles or 1h 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jefferson, 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 201.5 miles and 3h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway for about 150.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
101 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 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 100.7 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 Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 150.1 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.
Van Zandt County Eastbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Winona Westbound Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Winona Eastbound Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Texas Best Smokehouse Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.5 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 websiteLear Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~10 min detour
Final third
4.2 mi from route
~10 min detour
Longview, Texas
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+19032371270
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 155 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 46 — 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
7
10.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 East: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
7
46 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 East: Shreveport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 20 East: Shreveport
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.60 one way
$55.20 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
71 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $30.83 | $61.66 |
| premium | $4.23 | $33.52 | $67.03 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $38.05 | $76.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60.5 | 0 | $21.16 | $9.67 |
| Efficient EV | 50.4 | 0 | $17.63 | $8.06 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 80.6 | 1 | $28.21 | $12.90 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Morning in Fort Worth on Sunday
Local time
6:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Jefferson, TX
Morning in Jefferson on Sunday
Local time
6:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
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
3 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 34m 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 drive covers 201.5 miles, with about 17% on highways. The longest stretch on a main road, Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway, extends for 150.1 miles. After that, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of your trip. Expect to navigate a significant amount of city driving and merging onto freeways early on, followed by more consistent speeds on the highway segment before eventually settling into surface road cruising.
Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 150.1 mi on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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 15 significant decision points across 201.5 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
717 ft
193 ft
Total Climb
335 ft
Total Descent
794 ft
Highest Point
717 ft
~28.8 mi in
Elevation Range
524 ft
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.
On the drive from Fort Worth, TX to Jefferson, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fm 3251 along the way.
Fm 3251
176.5 mi in
|
~3h 3m
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 Jefferson, TX
Full guide →Founded 1841
Jefferson is a historic town in Marion County, in the Central Piney Woods of east Texas. A center of tourism, Jefferson identifies itself as the "Bed & Breakfast Capital of Texas", and is home to a number of popular attractions.
Top landmarks
- • Jefferson Historic District — historic district in Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
- • Old United States Post Office and Courts Building — courthouse in Jefferson, Texas, United States
- • Presbyterian Manse — building in Jefferson, Marion 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 34m. Total distance: 201.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 150.1 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 Jefferson, 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 23 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 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Jefferson, 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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