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Trip from Frisco, TX to Port Lavaca, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 37m

Distance

347.3 mi

559 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 25m ★
6 AM
6h 37m
8 AM
7h 1m
10 AM
6h 46m
12 PM
6h 43m
3 PM
6h 47m
5 PM
7h 0m
8 PM
6h 30m

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

city in and county sear of Calhoun County, Texas, United States

Port Lavaca, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 347.3-mile journey from Frisco, Texas, to Port Lavaca, Texas, is estimated to take about 6 hours and 37 minutes of driving time. It's a feasible one-day trip, with a projected fuel cost of around $53. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its high turn count and 0% highway share, offering a more intimate travel experience through the Great Plains region of Texas. With only one recommended stop, you'll find this drive to be a direct and uncomplicated passage to the coast.

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

173.7 miles from Frisco, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 77 120.2 mi 2h 20m
South R L Thornton Freeway 89.9 mi 1h 32m
United States Highway 77 44.5 mi 53m
Robinson Drive 29.5 mi 33m
Dallas North Tollway 22.9 mi 25m
Port Lavaca Drive 21.3 mi 25m
US 87 5.4 mi 7m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway 4.3 mi 4m
Longest stretch: US 77 — 120.2 mi, about 2h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Frisco, TX and Port Lavaca, TX.

1

Start on Main Street

87 ft · 9 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto 5th Street

0.3 mi · 45 sec · 5th Street
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on Parkwood Boulevard

1.0 mi · 1 min · Parkwood Boulevard
4

Turn right onto Stonebrook Parkway

0.3 mi · 37 sec · Stonebrook Parkway
Use the right lane.
5

Turn left onto Dallas Parkway

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Dallas Parkway
Use the left lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 20 sec
Toward DNT Toll South Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7

Merge onto DNT

23 mi · 25 min · Dallas North Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 35E South Use the right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

329 ft · 8 sec
Toward I 35E South Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway

0.1 mi · 12 sec · North Stemmons Freeway
11

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 35E South
12

Merge onto I 35E

1.8 mi · 2 min · North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 35E

0.5 mi · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway
14

Continue on I 35E

89 mi · 1 hr 31 min · South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426 Toward Dallas Zoo Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 35; US 77

4.3 mi · 4 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 333A Toward Loop 396
17

Turn straight onto South Jack Kultgen Expressway

0.1 mi · 24 sec · South Jack Kultgen Expressway
18

Turn left onto Loop 396

0.1 mi · 19 sec · South Valley Mills Drive
19

Enter roundabout onto Robinson Drive

125 ft · 5 sec · Robinson Drive
20

Continue on Robinson Drive

29 mi · 33 min · Robinson Drive
Use the straight / left lanes.
21

Continue on US 77

19 mi · 21 min · US 77
22

Turn left onto US 77; US 190; TX 36

0.3 mi · 19 sec · East 4th Street
23

Continue on US 77; US 190; TX 36

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Kemp Street
24

Continue on US 77; US 190; TX 36

2.9 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
25

Take the exit onto US 77

101 mi · 1 hr 58 min · US 77
26

Turn right onto US 77; US 90 Alt

0.3 mi · 20 sec · West 4th Street
27

Continue on US 77; US 90 Alt

0.4 mi · 29 sec · Fairwinds Street
28

Turn left onto US 77

45 mi · 53 min · United States Highway 77
Use the straight / left lanes.
29

Turn left onto US 87

0.3 mi · 30 sec · East Goodwin Avenue
Use the left lane.
30

Continue on US 87

21 mi · 25 min · Port Lavaca Drive
31

Keep slight left at fork onto US 87

5.4 mi · 7 min · US 87
32

Arrive at destination

US 87

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour 37-minute duration, departing from Frisco early in the morning is advisable to reach Port Lavaca comfortably within daylight hours. Since this is a single-day trip with a manageable 347.3 miles, you have flexibility in pacing your single recommended stop. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the $53 estimated cost suggests consistent refueling might be necessary on these local roads. A practical tip for this 'turn-heavy' route is to ensure your navigation system is fully charged and updated, as you'll be making frequent turns.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 173.7 miles from Frisco, TX, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120.2 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 76 miles or 1h 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 173.7 miles or 3h 11m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Port Lavaca, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Frisco, 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 Frisco, TX

This is one driving day of about 347.3 miles and 6h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Frisco, 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 US 77 for about 120.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Brazos County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

College Station, TX

174 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 76 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

College Station, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 173.7 miles from Frisco, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 77 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 120.2 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 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 25.3 — 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 | 5th Street

Turn left onto 5th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
1.2 mi into trip | ~2m in | Stonebrook Parkway

Turn right onto Stonebrook Parkway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
1.5 mi into trip | ~3m in | Dallas Parkway

Turn left onto Dallas Parkway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
24.8 mi into trip | ~29m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 35E South
7
25.3 mi into trip | ~30m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 35E South

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$52.48 one way

$104.96 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 122 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $57.44 $114.88
premium $4.54 $62.01 $124.02
diesel $5.61 $76.68 $153.36

Estimated Tolls: $1.83

Dallas North Tollway (22.9 mi) $1.83

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

$52

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$79–$104

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 121.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 104.2 1 $36.47 $16.67
Efficient EV 86.8 0 $30.39 $13.89
EV Truck/SUV 138.9 1 $48.62 $22.23

Gas CO2

122 kg

EV CO2

41 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Frisco, TX

Late night in Frisco on Tuesday

Local time

4:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

83°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Port Lavaca, TX

Late night in Port Lavaca on Tuesday

Local time

4:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

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

9 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

6h 37m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this entire 347.3-mile route. With no highway segments, you'll be navigating through various local roads, including 5th Street, Parkwood Boulevard, and Stonebrook Parkway in the initial stages. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll likely experience a more varied pace, with frequent intersections and changes in speed limits. This type of driving requires consistent attention but can also offer a more grounded perspective of the Texas landscape as you traverse.

77% 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: 120.2 mi on US 77.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 77 and South R L Thornton Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 5th Street.

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 20 significant decision points across 347.3 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 (5th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.2 miles (Stonebrook Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (Dallas Parkway): Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Frisco, TX and Port Lavaca, TX, road signs point toward Dallas Zoo and Loop 396.

Dallas Zoo

28 mi in | ~34m | via I 35E

Loop 396

121.5 mi in | ~2h 10m

About the Cities

Starting in Frisco, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1904

Frisco is a suburb of Dallas and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Top landmarks

  • Videogame History Museum — computer museum in Texas, USA

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 6h 37m. Total distance: 347.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 37m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 120.2 miles on US 77. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.83 in tolls one way, starting with Dallas North 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.

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 Port Lavaca, 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: near the start (5th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.2 miles (Stonebrook Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (Dallas Parkway): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Port Lavaca, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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