Origin
Garland, TX
Late night in Garland on Sunday
Local time
2:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Garland, TX to Athens, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 52m
Distance
140.6 mi
226 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 41m
★
6 AM
2h 52m
8 AM
3h 14m
10 AM
3h 0m
12 PM
2h 58m
3 PM
3h 1m
5 PM
3h 13m
8 PM
2h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Athens, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 140.6-mile journey from Garland, TX to Athens, TX is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes. The route primarily utilizes TX 155, US 271, and State Highway 31 East, with about 90% of the drive on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, this trip is budget-friendly for a day excursion. The drive offers a highway-focused experience as you transition within the Great Plains region of Texas. It's a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning.
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
70.3 miles from Garland, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| TX 155 | 26 mi | 30m |
| US 271 | 22.6 mi | 25m |
| State Highway 31 East | 21 mi | 23m |
| I 30 | 17.1 mi | 17m |
| US Highway 259 South | 16.3 mi | 24m |
| State Highway 31 West | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| Bill Ratliff Freeway | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| US Highway 271 | 4.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
TX 155
— 26 mi, about 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Garland, TX and Athens, TX.
1
Start on FM 1701
2.1 mi
·
5 min
·
FM 1701
2
At end of road, turn right onto US 259
16 mi
·
24 min
·
US Highway 259 South
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
4
Merge onto I 30
17 mi
·
17 min
·
I 30
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward US 271 to US 67, SH 49, FM 1734: Mount Pleasant, Paris, Pittsburg
6
Turn straight onto Lakewood Drive
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Lakewood Drive
7
Turn left onto US 271
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
West Ferguson Road
8
Turn straight onto US 271
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Bill Ratliff Freeway
9
Continue on South US Highway 271
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
South US Highway 271
10
Continue on US 271
23 mi
·
25 min
·
US 271
11
Turn straight onto TX 155
13 mi
·
15 min
·
TX 155
12
Turn right onto US 80; TX 155
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Broadway Street
Use the left lane.
13
Turn left onto TX 155
13 mi
·
14 min
·
TX 155
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto US 271; TX 155
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
US Highway 271
15
Turn right onto Loop 323
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
East Northeast Loop 323
16
Continue on Loop 323
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
West Northwest Loop 323
17
Continue on Loop 323
0.6 mi
·
43 sec
·
South Southwest Loop 323
18
Turn right onto TX 31
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Chandler Highway
19
Continue on TX 31
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 31 West
20
Continue on TX 31
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Highway 31
21
Continue on TX 31
21 mi
·
23 min
·
State Highway 31 East
22
Continue on TX 31 Bus
3.1 mi
·
5 min
·
East Tyler Street
23
Turn left onto TX 31 Bus
193 ft
·
3 sec
·
North Prairieville Street
24
Arrive at destination
TX 31 Bus
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour 52-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You'll encounter one primary stop along the way, which is ample for a break on this 140.6-mile drive. Keep an eye on your fuel as you navigate the 26-mile stretch on TX 155, as it's the longest continuous section without expected services. The estimated fuel cost of $21 is quite manageable, so topping up before you leave Garland is a good idea to ensure a smooth journey to Athens.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 70.3 miles from Garland, TX, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26 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 31 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.3 miles or 1h 27m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Athens, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Garland, 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 Garland, TX
This is one driving day of about 140.6 miles and 2h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Garland, 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 TX 155 for about 26 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
70 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 70.3 miles from Garland, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 115 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 83.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
2.1 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
US 259 / US Highway 259 South
At end of road, turn right onto US 259 / US Highway 259 South
Navigation decision point
5
35.9 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Take the exit toward US 271 to US 67, SH 49, FM 1734: Mount Pleasant, Paris, Pittsburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 271 to US 67, SH 49, FM 1734: Mount P...
4
36.4 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
US 271 / West Ferguson Road
Turn left onto US 271 / West Ferguson Road
Navigation decision point
5
82.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
|
US 80; TX 155 / West Broadway Street
Turn right onto US 80; TX 155 / West Broadway Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
83.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
|
TX 155
Turn left onto TX 155
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.24 one way
$42.49 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $23.25 | $46.51 |
| premium | $4.54 | $25.10 | $50.21 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.04 | $62.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.2 | 0 | $14.76 | $6.75 |
| Efficient EV | 35.2 | 0 | $12.30 | $5.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.2 | 0 | $19.68 | $9.00 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Athens, TX
Late night in Athens on Sunday
Local time
2:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°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
15 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
2h 52m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 140.6-mile route. With 90% of the journey on main roads like TX 155, US 271, and State Highway 31 East, you'll experience consistent travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 26 miles along TX 155, offering a good period of steady driving. While primarily highway, the route provides a clear path with minimal complexity, making it a predictable experience behind the wheel. This drive is designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic exploration.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 26 mi on TX 155.
How Hard Is This Drive?
2/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 155 and US 271. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in near US 259 / US Highway 259 South.
Driving Effort
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Garland, TX to Athens, TX is easy. At 2h 52m with 90% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (US 259 / US Highway 259 South): Navigation decision point; at 35.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.4 miles (US 271 / West Ferguson Road): Navigation decision point.
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 Garland, TX and Athens, TX, road signs point toward Sh 49, Fm 1734: Mount Pleasant, Paris and Pittsburg.
Sh 49
35.9 mi in
|
~47m
Fm 1734: Mount Pleasant
35.9 mi in
|
~47m
Paris
35.9 mi in
|
~47m
Pittsburg
35.9 mi in
|
~47m
About the Cities
Starting in Garland, TX
Full guide →Founded 1891
Garland is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area in the State of Texas. Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, used to live in Garland, as well as some other small towns around Texas. So, yeah. Don't be shocked if you take a wrong turn through a downscale neighborhood and see someone barbecuing hot dogs using one of those things that turns your truck's air filter into a grill. On the other hand, Garland's north side is a palacial monument to suburban living in all its McMansioned, strip malling, Starbucks-sipping glory. Garland is basically an unprepossessing, pleasant place. While it's hard to get too excited about much that happens in Garland, it is just so darned pleasant.
Arriving in Athens, TX
Full guide →Athens is a small city in the Blackland Prairie region of Eastern 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 2h 52m. Total distance: 140.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 26 miles on TX 155. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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: at 2.1 miles (US 259 / US Highway 259 South): Navigation decision point; at 35.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.4 miles (US 271 / West Ferguson Road): Navigation decision point.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Athens, TX before heading back.
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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