Origin
Fredericksburg, TX
Morning in Fredericksburg on Sunday
Local time
6:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fredericksburg, TX to McKinney, 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 34m
Distance
293.5 mi
472 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 22m
★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 44m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 0m
8 PM
5h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fredericksburg, TX
Wikimedia Commons
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Fredericksburg, TX to McKinney, TX is 293.5 miles and takes about 5h 34m via I 35, I 35E, and East US Highway 290, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, moving from the Great Plains region around Fredericksburg to another part of the Great Plains as you approach McKinney. It's a highway-focused journey, making it a straightforward option if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. With a recommended one-day drive, you can easily complete this trip without needing 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
146.8 miles from Fredericksburg, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 97 mi | 1h 39m |
| I 35E | 56.2 mi | 58m |
| East US Highway 290 | 27.2 mi | 30m |
| North Central Expressway | 26.6 mi | 28m |
| North US Highway 281 | 15.8 mi | 17m |
| RM 1869 | 12.8 mi | 18m |
| East Ranch Road 1431 | 11.6 mi | 16m |
| Ronald W Reagan Boulevard | 8.1 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 97 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fredericksburg, TX and McKinney, TX.
1
Start on North Adams Street
94 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Adams Street
2
Turn left onto US 87; US 290; TX 16
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
East Main Street
3
Continue on US 290
27 mi
·
30 min
·
East US Highway 290
4
Continue on US 290
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
5
Turn left onto Spur 356
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Nugent Avenue
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 281
16 mi
·
17 min
·
North US Highway 281
7
Continue on US 281
6.2 mi
·
9 min
·
South US Highway 281
8
Turn right onto RM 1431
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Ranch Road 1431
9
Continue on RM 1431
12 mi
·
16 min
·
East Ranch Road 1431
10
Turn left onto RM 1174
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
South Farm-to-Market Road 1174
11
Turn right onto RM 1869
13 mi
·
18 min
·
RM 1869
12
At end of road, turn left onto US 183
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North US Highway 183
13
Turn right onto FM 3405
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 3405
14
Turn left onto Ronald W Reagan Boulevard
8.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Ronald W Reagan Boulevard
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on Ronald Reagan Boulevard
7.6 mi
·
9 min
·
Ronald Reagan Boulevard
16
At end of road, turn left onto North Interstate 35
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
North Interstate 35
17
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 35 North
18
Merge onto I 35
97 mi
·
1 hr 39 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
56 mi
·
58 min
·
I 35E
Toward I 35E: Dallas
Use the slight right lane.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 427A
Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Boulevard, Griffin Street
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
422 ft
·
5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 30 West: Denton, Fort Worth, Texarkana
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Convention Center
23
Keep slight left at fork
385 ft
·
6 sec
Toward I 30 East: Texarkana
24
Continue on I 30; US 67
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East R L Thornton Freeway
25
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 46
Toward I 45, US 75: Houston, McKinney
Use the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 75 North: McKinney
Use the slight left lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
Toward US 75 North: McKinney, Bryan Street East
28
Merge onto US 75
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on US 75
27 mi
·
28 min
·
North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the slight right lane.
32
Merge onto Spur 399
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
33
Continue on TX 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South McDonald Street
34
Turn slight left
281 ft
·
10 sec
35
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Tennessee Street
36
Arrive at destination
North Tennessee Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day drive covering 293.5 miles and lasting under 6 hours, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best. Aiming for an early morning start can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $44, planning your refueling before you hit the longest stretch of 97 miles on I 35 is a smart move. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach this segment to ensure a smooth continuation of your trip.
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 146.8 miles from Fredericksburg, TX, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97 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 65 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.8 miles or 2h 57m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McKinney, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg, TX
This is one driving day of about 293.5 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Fredericksburg, 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 35 for about 97 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
147 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 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.8 miles from Fredericksburg, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 245 decision points cluster between mile 202.9 and 289.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
202.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 54m in
|
I 35E
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E toward I 35E: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 35E: Dallas
8
259.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 53m in
Take the exit toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Boulevard, Griffin Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 427A
Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Bouleva...
8
260.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 55m in
Take the exit toward I 45, US 75: Houston, McKinney
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward I 45, US 75: Houston, McKinney
7
261.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 75 North: McKinney
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 75 North: McKinney
8
289.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 27m in
Take the exit toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn 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.
Exit 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.35 one way
$88.70 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $48.54 | $97.09 |
| premium | $4.54 | $52.40 | $104.80 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $64.80 | $129.60 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.13
Central Expressway
(26.6 mi)
$2.13
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
$44
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88.1 | 1 | $30.82 | $14.09 |
| Efficient EV | 73.4 | 0 | $25.68 | $11.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.4 | 1 | $41.09 | $18.78 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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.
Destination
McKinney, TX
Morning in McKinney on Sunday
Local time
6:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 20 mph
5% chance
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
24 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
5h 34m 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.
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 20.2
Park Closure: Texas White House Complex Closure
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
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 172.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway experience, with 84% of the drive taking place on major roads like I 35 and I 35E. You'll encounter one significant stretch of uninterrupted driving for 97 miles on I 35, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. The profile is consistently highway-focused, meaning you'll generally be on well-maintained, high-speed roads. Expect a steady pace for the majority of your journey as you navigate these main arteries across Texas.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 35E. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 202.9 miles in near I 35E.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 24 significant decision points across 293.5 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: at 202.9 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 259.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Fredericksburg, TX and McKinney, TX, road signs point toward Fort Worth, Texarkana, Convention Center and Bryan Street East.
Fort Worth
259.5 mi in
|
~4h 53m
Texarkana
259.5 mi in
|
~4h 53m
Convention Center
259.5 mi in
|
~4h 54m
Bryan Street East
261.7 mi in
|
~4h 57m
About the Cities
Starting in Fredericksburg, TX
Full guide →Fredericksburg is a city of 10,500 people (2010) in Texas, west of Austin and north of San Antonio.
Arriving in McKinney, TX
Full guide →McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie 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 5h 34m. Total distance: 293.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 97 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.13 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. 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.
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 McKinney, 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: at 202.9 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 259.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park and Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McKinney, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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