Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Trip from Garland, TX to Mexia, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 12m
Distance
205.4 mi
331 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 59m
★
6 AM
4h 12m
8 AM
4h 38m
10 AM
4h 21m
12 PM
4h 19m
3 PM
4h 23m
5 PM
4h 37m
8 PM
4h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Garland, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Mexia, TX
Thomas balabaud
Trip Overview
Garland, TX to Mexia, TX is 205.4 miles and takes about 4h 12m via State Highway 31 East and TX 155, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With 81% of the drive on highways, you'll experience mostly open road cruising. This trip is well-suited for a single day, allowing for a relaxed pace and a punctual arrival. Consider this an uncomplicated way to travel between these two Texas locales.
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
102.7 miles from Garland, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| State Highway 31 East | 30.9 mi | 35m |
| TX 155 | 26 mi | 30m |
| US 271 | 22.6 mi | 25m |
| TX 14 | 17.8 mi | 26m |
| I 30 | 17.1 mi | 17m |
| US Highway 259 South | 16.3 mi | 24m |
| State Highway 31 West | 9.7 mi | 11m |
| Northwest 2nd Street | 9.3 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
State Highway 31 East
— 30.9 mi, about 35m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,554 veh/hr typical · worst 2,116
Quietest
2 AM
~239 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 12 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 Garland, TX and Mexia, 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
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
23
Merge onto US 175; TX 19; TX 31; Loop 7
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Jed Robinson Loop
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
25
Keep slight left at fork
445 ft
·
14 sec
26
Turn right onto TX 31
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 31 West
27
Continue on TX 31
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
East Royall Boulevard
28
Continue on TX 31
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
State Highway 31 East
29
Continue on TX 31
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
Northwest 2nd Street
30
Turn left onto TX 31
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight / left lanes.
31
Turn left onto South Interstate 45
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
South Interstate 45
Use the left lane.
32
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
33
Merge onto I 45
7.0 mi
·
7 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit onto TX 14
18 mi
·
26 min
·
TX 14
Toward Wortham, Groesbeck
35
Turn left onto TX 171
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Tehuacana Highway
36
Turn right onto TX 171
139 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Echols Street
37
Turn left onto US 84
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
West Milam Street
38
Turn right onto North McKinney Street
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
North McKinney Street
39
Arrive at destination
South McKinney Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Garland to avoid any potential midday traffic. The route is manageable in a single day, so you have flexibility with stops; however, plan for one significant break to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 30.9-mile stretch on State Highway 31 East, as services can be more spread out in rural areas. Your estimated fuel cost is around $32, so factor that into your budget. Arriving in Mexia before late afternoon will give you ample time to settle in.
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 102.7 miles from Garland, TX, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.9 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 45 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.7 miles or 2h 5m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mexia, 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 205.4 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 State Highway 31 East for about 30.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.7 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
2 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.3 mi from route
Tyler Rose Garden
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3.4 mi from route
~8 min detour
Tyler, Texas
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+19035311212
Visit websiteTyler Rose Museum & Gift Shop
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3.4 mi from route
~8 min detour
Tyler, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm
+19035973130
Visit websiteVisit Tyler/SPORTyler
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.8 mi from route
~7 min detour
Tyler, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19035936905
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 235 decision points cluster between mile 35.9 and 179 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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...
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.
6
172.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Turn left onto TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
179 mi into trip
|
~3h 35m in
|
South Interstate 45
Turn left onto South Interstate 45
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.13 one way
$56.27 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $31.42 | $62.85 |
| premium | $4.23 | $34.17 | $68.33 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $38.78 | $77.57 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.6 | 0 | $21.57 | $9.86 |
| Efficient EV | 51.4 | 0 | $17.97 | $8.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.2 | 1 | $28.76 | $13.15 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Origin
Garland, TX
Evening in Garland on Monday
Local time
7:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
S 0 to 5 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:46PM CDT until July 19 at 9:01AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:45PM CDT until July 18 at 11:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Mexia, TX
Evening in Mexia on Monday
Local time
7:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:46PM CDT until July 19 at 9:01AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:45PM CDT until July 18 at 11:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 12m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on highways for about 81% of this 205.4-mile trip. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 30.9 miles on State Highway 31 East. Expect to transition from highway driving to surface streets as you approach your destination. Given the high highway percentage, anticipate periods of consistent speed and fewer interruptions compared to more varied terrain.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.9 mi on State Highway 31 East.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 31 East and TX 155. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 35.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 205.4 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 35.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.6 miles (US 80; TX 155 / West Broadway Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 83.4 miles (TX 155): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
523 ft
295 ft
Total Climb
614 ft
Total Descent
477 ft
Highest Point
523 ft
~205.4 mi in
Elevation Range
228 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.
Between Garland, TX and Mexia, TX, road signs point toward Sh 49, Fm 1734: Mount Pleasant, Paris, Pittsburg, Wortham and Groesbeck.
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
Wortham
186.7 mi in
|
~3h 43m
|
via TX 14
Groesbeck
186.7 mi in
|
~3h 43m
|
via TX 14
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 Mexia, TX
Full guide →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 12m. Total distance: 205.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.9 miles on State Highway 31 East. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Mexia, 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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 35.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.6 miles (US 80; TX 155 / West Broadway Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 83.4 miles (TX 155): Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Mexia, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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