Trip from Fort Worth, TX to Stafford, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 52m

Distance

267.6 mi

431 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 39m ★

6 AM

4h 53m

8 AM

5h 20m

10 AM

5h 2m

12 PM

5h 0m

3 PM

5h 4m

5 PM

5h 18m

8 PM

4h 45m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time

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city and county seat of Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Fort Worth, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Stafford, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Fort Worth to Stafford is 267.6 miles and takes about 4h 52m via South Freeway, East State Highway 6, and US 290, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, primarily traveling through Texas. Expect a straightforward drive with a high percentage of highway travel. It's a manageable distance for a single day, making it a good option if you prefer to reach your destination without an overnight stop.

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

133.8 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
South Freeway	82.3 mi	1h 25m
East State Highway 6	46.6 mi	46m
US 290	35.4 mi	40m
North Earl Rudder Freeway	30.1 mi	31m
State Highway 6	22.4 mi	25m
South State Highway 6	13.7 mi	14m
West Sam Houston Tollway North	7.8 mi	9m
North State Highway 6	6.2 mi	6m

Longest stretch: South Freeway — 82.3 mi, about 1h 25m

Traffic on I-35

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

2 PM

~2,798 veh/hr typical · worst 3,547

Quietest

2 AM

~420 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

6.7×

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 Stafford, TX.

Start on South Freeway

174 ft · 3 sec · South Freeway

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward I 35W South Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 35W

82 mi · 1 hr 25 min · South Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35; US 77

0.1 mi · 8 sec · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Exit 337 Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway

0.1 mi · 16 sec · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Turn left onto US 77 Bus

1.0 mi · 1 min · North Loop Drive

Continue on Loop 484

2.7 mi · 3 min · Marlin Highway

Continue on TX 6

9.1 mi · 9 min · East State Highway 6

Continue on TX 6

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Memorial Street

Continue on TX 6

37 mi · 37 min · East State Highway 6

Continue on TX 6

2.2 mi · 3 min · North Main Street

Continue on TX 6

6.2 mi · 6 min · North State Highway 6

Continue on US 79; TX 6

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Market Street

Continue on US 190; TX 6

14 mi · 14 min · South State Highway 6

Continue on US 190; TX 6

30 mi · 31 min · North Earl Rudder Freeway

Continue on TX 6

22 mi · 25 min · State Highway 6

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 290 Business

423 ft · 10 sec · US 290 Business

Toward US 290 East, TX 6 South

Turn left

0.4 mi · 48 sec

Toward US 290 East, TX 6 South Use the left lane.

Merge onto US 290

35 mi · 40 min · US 290

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 14 sec

Toward SHT North, SHT South: Sam Houston Tollway Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec

Toward SHT South Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto SHT

7.8 mi · 9 min · West Sam Houston Tollway North

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto SHT

5.6 mi · 6 min · West Sam Houston Tollway South

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on BW 8

1.9 mi · 2 min · West Sam Houston Parkway South

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto BW 8

1.1 mi · 2 min · BW 8

Toward Stafford Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto Stafford Road

2.0 mi · 3 min · Stafford Road

Take the ramp onto Stafford Road

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Stafford Road

Turn right onto US 90 Alt

132 ft · 7 sec · North Main Street

Turn left

55 ft · 6 sec

Turn right

53 ft · 3 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 4h 52m estimated duration, leaving Fort Worth in the morning will allow you to reach Stafford with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. The fuel cost is estimated at $43, so ensure your tank is full before you depart or plan your refill strategically. Since this is a single-day drive, you can depart at your convenience and adjust your schedule as needed. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you get closer to the Houston metropolitan area.

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 133.8 miles from Fort Worth, TX, or about 2h 19m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 59 miles or 1h 1m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 133.8 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 54m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stafford, 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 267.6 miles and 4h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 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 South Freeway for about 82.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Houston, TX

134 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

Italy, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Groesbeck, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 133.8 miles from Fort Worth, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

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 website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 248.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

82.7 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in

Take the exit toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 337 Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue

212.6 mi into trip | ~3h 45m in

Turn left toward US 290 East, TX 6 South

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward US 290 East, TX 6 South

248.4 mi into trip | ~4h 27m in

Take the exit toward SHT North, SHT South: Sam Houston Tollway

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 SHT North, SHT South: Sam Houston Tollwa...

248.6 mi into trip | ~4h 27m in

Keep slight right at fork toward SHT South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward SHT South

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.65 one way

$73.31 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.89	$40.94	$81.88
premium	$4.23	$44.51	$89.02
diesel	$4.80	$50.53	$101.06

Estimated Tolls: $1.08

Sam Houston Tollway (13.4 mi) $1.08

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 93.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	80.3	0	$28.10	$12.84
Efficient EV	66.9	0	$23.42	$10.70
EV Truck/SUV	107	1	$37.46	$17.13

Gas CO2

94 kg

EV CO2

31 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.

Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026

Origin

Fort Worth, TX

Late night in Fort Worth on Sunday

Local time

5:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Partly Cloudy

S 10 mph 3% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Destination

Stafford, TX

Late night in Stafford on Sunday

Local time

5:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 5 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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

1 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 52m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

National Monument

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 83.1

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is 90% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch on highway is 82.3 miles on South Freeway. You'll transition to surface roads for the final portion of the trip, offering a change of pace from the faster highway cruising. Be prepared for more frequent exits and potential traffic as you approach your destination.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 82.3 mi on South Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South Freeway and East State Highway 6. 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 14 significant decision points across 267.6 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 82.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 212.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

864 ft 77 ft

Total Climb

212 ft

Total Descent

787 ft

Highest Point

864 ft

~19.1 mi in

Elevation Range

787 ft

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 Stafford, TX, road signs point toward Sht North, Sht South: Sam Houston Tollway and Sht South.

Sht North

248.4 mi in | ~4h 27m

Sht South: Sam Houston Tollway

248.4 mi in | ~4h 27m

Sht South

248.6 mi in | ~4h 27m

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 Stafford, TX

Full guide →

Stafford is a city in the North Barrier Coast region of 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 52m. Total distance: 267.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 52m 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 82.3 miles on South Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.08 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

Yes — we found about 16 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 Stafford, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Stafford, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Fort Worth, TX or browse trips ending in Stafford, TX.

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Trip from Fort Worth, TX to Stafford, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Traffic on I-35

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Love's Travel Stop

Hill County Northbound Rest Area

Buc-ee's

Buc-ee's

QuikTrip

QuikTrip

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Hill County Southbound Rest Area

Pilot Travel Center

Road Ranger

Love's Travel Stop

Buc-ee's

Service Plaza

TA

Service Plaza

Houston Area Live Steamers

Zube Park

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

Jumping World

Escape Again Rooms

Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center

Fort Worth Herd

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Fort Worth, TX

Stafford, TX

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 52m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Waco Mammoth National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Fort Worth, TX

Arriving in Stafford, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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