Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Fort Worth, TX to Tomball, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 9m
Distance
230.9 mi
372 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 56m
★
6 AM
4h 9m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 34m
8 PM
4h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Tomball, TX
Danny Meneses
Trip Overview
Fort Worth to Tomball is 230.9 miles and takes about 4 hours 9 minutes via South Freeway, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Texas. Expect a predominantly highway experience, making it a good option for a single-day excursion. With a single recommended stop and a manageable duration, this route is ideal for those looking for an efficient transit between these two Texas cities.
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
115.5 miles from Fort Worth, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Freeway | 82.3 mi | 1h 25m |
| East State Highway 6 | 46.6 mi | 46m |
| North Earl Rudder Freeway | 30.1 mi | 31m |
| Aggie Expressway | 24.7 mi | 27m |
| South State Highway 6 | 13.7 mi | 14m |
| North State Highway 6 | 6.2 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 105 | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 6 | 3.6 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
South Freeway
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 25m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~2,789 veh/hr typical · worst 3,569
Quietest
2 AM
~423 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 96 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 Tomball, 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
82 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 337
Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
7
Turn left onto US 77 Bus
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Loop Drive
8
Continue on Loop 484
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Marlin Highway
9
Continue on TX 6
9.1 mi
·
9 min
·
East State Highway 6
10
Continue on TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Memorial Street
11
Continue on TX 6
37 mi
·
37 min
·
East State Highway 6
12
Continue on TX 6
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
13
Continue on TX 6
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
North State Highway 6
14
Continue on US 79; TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Market Street
15
Continue on US 190; TX 6
14 mi
·
14 min
·
South State Highway 6
16
Continue on US 190; TX 6
30 mi
·
31 min
·
North Earl Rudder Freeway
17
Continue on TX 6
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 6
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
19
Turn straight onto TX 105
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
State Highway 6
20
Turn left onto TX 105
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 105
21
Turn straight onto TX 249
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on TX 249 Toll
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward Zion Road, Baker Road, Brown Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto TX 249
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Tomball Parkway
25
Turn left onto Brown Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Brown Road
26
Continue on Brown-Hufsmith Road
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
Brown-Hufsmith Road
27
Continue on West Hufsmith Road
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
West Hufsmith Road
28
Turn right onto North Cherry Street
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
North Cherry Street
29
Turn right onto FM 2920
21 ft
·
0 sec
·
FM 2920
30
Arrive at destination
FM 2920
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, starting your trip in the morning from Fort Worth will allow you to reach Tomball with plenty of daylight to spare. The estimated fuel cost of $34 is based on current averages, so it's wise to check gas prices before you depart. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the 82.3-mile stretch on South Freeway. Since this is a single-day route, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time or stop duration as needed.
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 115.5 miles from Fort Worth, TX, or about 2h 1m 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 51 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.5 miles or 2h 1m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tomball, 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 230.9 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 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
115 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 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 115.5 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 South Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.3 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.
Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 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 websiteDoris D Miller Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Waco, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
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 105 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 227.3 — 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
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
I 35W / South Freeway
Merge onto I 35W / South Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
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
5
193.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 24m in
Take the exit toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
7
227.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 2m in
Take the exit toward Zion Road, Baker Road, Brown Road
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 Zion Road, Baker Road, Brown Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.35 one way
$70.71 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
81 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.29 | $39.02 | $78.03 |
| premium | $4.64 | $42.16 | $84.32 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $56.17 | $112.34 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.20
MCTRA 249 Tollway
(2.8 mi)
$0.20
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
$35
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.3 | 0 | $24.24 | $11.08 |
| Efficient EV | 57.7 | 0 | $20.20 | $9.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.4 | 1 | $32.33 | $14.78 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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
Morning in Fort Worth on Sunday
Local time
7:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Sunny
N 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 6:53AM CDT until October 17 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Destination
Tomball, TX
Morning in Tomball on Sunday
Local time
7:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Sunny
N 10 to 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 6:53AM CDT until October 17 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
62°F
Groesbeck, TX
115 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
5 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 9m 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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 79.6
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 mostly highway, with 93% of the 230.9 miles on main roads like South Freeway and East State Highway 6. You'll experience a long stretch of 82.3 miles on South Freeway before transitioning to surface roads. The frequent exits on the highway sections will keep you engaged as you cover this distance.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 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?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South Freeway and East State Highway 6. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 230.9 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (I 35W / South Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
726 ft
184 ft
Total Climb
285 ft
Total Descent
753 ft
Highest Point
726 ft
~16.5 mi in
Elevation Range
543 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 Tomball, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 515: Conroe along the way.
Spur 515: Conroe
193.5 mi in
|
~3h 24m
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
- • Kimbell Art Museum — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
Arriving in Tomball, TX
Full guide →Founded 1907
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 9m. Total distance: 230.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). 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 $0.20 in tolls one way, starting with MCTRA 249 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 10 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: near the start: Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (I 35W / South Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Tomball, 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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