Trip from Garland, TX to Stafford, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 9m
Distance
313.1 mi
504 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Garland, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Stafford, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Garland, TX to Stafford, TX is 313.1 miles and takes about 6h 9m via Diboll Relief Route and US 59, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a generally flat drive across Texas. With a recommended one-day duration, this route is a straightforward option for getting from point A to point B. Most of the drive will be on surface roads, so expect a more relaxed pace than a pure interstate experience.
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
156.6 miles from Garland, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diboll Relief Route | 113.5 mi | 2h 4m |
| US 271 | 22.6 mi | 25m |
| South US Highway 59 | 19.4 mi | 22m |
| US Route 259 | 19.3 mi | 21m |
| I 30 | 17.1 mi | 17m |
| US Highway 259 South | 16.3 mi | 24m |
| South Henderson Boulevard | 16.3 mi | 19m |
| State Highway 135 | 11.3 mi | 13m |
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Garland, TX and Stafford, TX.
Start on FM 1701
At end of road, turn right onto US 259
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 30
Take the exit
Turn straight onto Lakewood Drive
Turn left onto US 271
Turn straight onto US 271
Continue on South US Highway 271
Continue on US 271
Turn straight onto TX 155
Turn left onto FM 2685
At end of road, turn left onto FM 2685
At end of road, turn left onto US 80
Turn right onto US 271
Turn slight right onto US 271
Turn left onto TX 135
Keep slight left at fork
Enter roundabout onto Houston Street
Continue on Houston Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 259 Business; TX 42
Continue on US 79; US 259
Turn left onto US 259
Continue on US 259
Continue on US 259
Continue on US 259
Take the exit
Continue on this road
Continue on this road
Turn left
Turn right onto US 59
Continue on US 59
Continue on US 59; TX 7; TX 21; Loop 224
Take the exit
Turn straight
Merge onto US 59
Continue on US 59
Take the exit
Turn straight onto South Medford Drive
Turn left onto US 59 Bus
Continue on US 59
Continue on US 59
Continue on I 69; US 59
Take the exit
Continue on TX 288
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 610
Take the exit
Turn straight onto South Loop West Frontage Road
Turn left onto US 90 Alt
Turn left
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour drive time, departing Garland, TX in the morning will allow you to reach Stafford, TX before evening. The route has one recommended stop, which is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. With a fuel cost estimated at $46, it's wise to fill up before leaving Garland or at your stop to avoid higher prices. Pay attention to the speed limit changes, especially when transitioning from highway sections to surface roads, as this is common on this route.
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.
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 69 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 156.6 miles or 3h 9m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stafford, 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 313.1 miles and 6h 9m.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
157 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
A short stop after about 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 156.6 miles from Garland, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Diboll Relief Route if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.5 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.
Love's Travel Stop
Flying J Travel Center
Polk County Northbound Rest Area
Polk County Southbound Rest Area
Pilot Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
TA
QuikTrip
QuikTrip
Service Plaza
Love's Travel Stop
Durst Taylor Museum
Around the midpoint, short detour
Nacogdoches, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19365604443
Visit websiteEscape Again Rooms
Near the end, short detour
Sugar Land, Texas
Hours: 4–10 pm
+18329994572
Visit websitePecan Acres Park
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Nacogdoches, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+19365592960
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
Near the end, ~10 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteDowntown Aquarium
Near the end, ~10 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteUnion Station
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 315 decision points cluster between mile 296.9 and 302.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Take the exit toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork toward I 610 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork toward I 610 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 90 Alternate: Buffalo Speedway, South Main Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.88 one way
$85.77 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $47.90 | $95.80 |
| premium | $4.23 | $52.08 | $104.16 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $59.12 | $118.24 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 93.9 | 1 | $32.88 | $15.03 |
| Efficient EV | 78.3 | 0 | $27.40 | $12.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 125.2 | 1 | $43.83 | $20.04 |
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 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.
Origin
Garland, TX
Morning in Garland on Sunday
Local time
11:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 12:33PM CDT until July 17 at 3:30PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 11:14AM CDT until July 17 at 2:15PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Stafford, TX
Morning in Stafford on Sunday
Local time
11:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
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
13 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 9m 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?
This route features a 47% highway share, meaning you'll spend a significant portion of your time on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 113.5 miles on the Diboll Relief Route. You'll notice the transition from highway to surface roads, with more intersections and local traffic to navigate after the main highway segments. Expect a mix of cruising and managing traffic lights as you make your way south.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 296.9 miles in.
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 31 significant decision points across 313.1 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 296.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 298.1 miles (TX 288 Toll): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 300.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
248 ft
Total Descent
557 ft
Highest Point
456 ft
~111.8 mi in
Elevation Range
402 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 Stafford, TX, road signs point toward Sh 49, Fm 1734: Mount Pleasant, Paris, Pittsburg and Freeport.
Sh 49
Fm 1734: Mount Pleasant
Paris
Pittsburg
Freeport
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Galaxy Smoothies & Nutritional Supplements
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Humble, TX
Cuisine: smoothie;coffee_shop
Hours: Mo-Fr 08:00-21:00; Sa 09:00-18:00
Zero Degrees
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Cuisine: ice_cream
Cozy Coffee Station
Cafe
Early in the drive, short detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Jo's
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Standpipe Coffee House
Cafe
Around the midpoint, short detour
Lufkin, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Hours: Fr-Sa 07:00-22:00; Su-Th 07:00-21:00
Visit websiteStarbucks
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Humble, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteSonic
Fast_food
Near the end, right off the route
Humble, TX
Cuisine: burger
Hours: Mo-Sa 06:00-23:00; Su 07:00-23:00
Visit websiteSchlotzsky's
Fast_food
Near the end, right off the route
Humble, TX
Cuisine: sandwich
Subway
Fast_food
Near the end, short detour
Humble, TX
Cuisine: sandwich
Hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-21:00; Sa 08:00-21:00; Su 09...
Visit websiteHoney Baked Ham
Fast_food
Near the end, short detour
Cuisine: american
Visit websiteDairy Queen
Fast_food
Early in the drive, short detour
Gilmer, TX
Cuisine: ice_cream;burger;chicken
Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-22:00
Visit websiteChuck E. Cheese
Restaurant
Near the end, short detour
Humble, TX
Cuisine: pizza
Visit websiteSouthwest Indoor Soccer Center
Park
Near the end, short detour
3Haunts
Park
Later in the drive, short detour
Hours: Oct 31 unknown; Nov 01-Oct 30 closed
Gilmer
Memorial
Early in the drive, right off the route
Humble Museum
Museum
Near the end, short detour
TX
Visit websiteDickson Orphanage
Memorial
Early in the drive, right off the route
Gilgal Baptist Church
Memorial
Early in the drive, short detour
Historic Upshur Museum
Museum
Early in the drive, short detour
TX
Hours: Th-Fr 10:00-16:00; Sa 10:00-14:00
Visit websiteWarren-Futrell House
Memorial
Early in the drive, short detour
Crystal Inn
Hotel
Near the end, short detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
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 Stafford, TX
Full guide →Stafford is a city in the North Barrier Coast 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 6h 9m. Total distance: 313.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 9m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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