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Trip from Goliad, TX to Arlington, 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

5h 48m

Distance

323.5 mi

521 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 35m ★
6 AM
5h 48m
8 AM
6h 15m
10 AM
5h 58m
12 PM
5h 55m
3 PM
5h 59m
5 PM
6h 13m
8 PM
5h 40m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of Goliad County, Texas, United States

Goliad, TX

Wikimedia Commons

suburban city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Arlington, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 325-mile drive from Goliad, Texas to Arlington, Texas is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 5 hours and 20 minutes. You'll navigate primarily using North Jefferson Street, Highway 183, and South Esplanade Street, with no significant highway driving. The fuel cost is estimated at $50 for this journey through the Great Plains region. This route is characterized by frequent turns, making it a more engaging local drive than a high-speed interstate cruise. It's well-suited for a single day, allowing you to arrive in Arlington without feeling overly rushed.

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

161.7 miles from Goliad, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Purple Heart Trail 97.7 mi 1h 39m
Pickle Parkway 58.5 mi 54m
North US Highway 183 51.4 mi 56m
I 35W 45.1 mi 47m
US 183 35.9 mi 41m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway 10.3 mi 11m
South Jack Kultgen Expressway 6.6 mi 7m
South Colorado Street 4.9 mi 8m
Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 97.7 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Goliad, TX and Arlington, TX.

1

Start on US 59

110 ft · 6 sec · East Pearl Street
2

Turn right onto US 77 Alt; US 183

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Jefferson Street
3

Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183

29 mi · 31 min · North US Highway 183
4

Continue on US 77 Alt; US 87; US 183

2.8 mi · 3 min · South Esplanade Street
5

Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183

23 mi · 24 min · North US Highway 183
6

Continue on US 183; TX 111

6.0 mi · 6 min · US 183; TX 111
7

Continue on US 183; TX 97

20 mi · 23 min · US 183; TX 97
8

Turn right onto US 183; TX 80

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Magnolia Avenue
9

Continue on US 183

10 mi · 11 min · US 183
10

Continue on US 183

4.9 mi · 8 min · South Colorado Street
11

Continue on US 183

0.2 mi · 16 sec · United States Highway 183
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
13

Merge onto TX 130 Toll

59 mi · 54 min · Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 35 North: Waco Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15

Merge onto I 35

65 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on I 35

6.6 mi · 7 min · South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Continue on I 35; US 77

33 mi · 33 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W

45 mi · 47 min · I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth Use the slight left lane.
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 45B Toward I 20 East: Dallas Use the right lane.
20

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 20 East: Dallas Use the slight left lane.
21

Merge onto I 20

5.7 mi · 6 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 20

4.6 mi · 4 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 449A Toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Continue on West Interstate 20

0.3 mi · 24 sec · West Interstate 20
25

Turn left onto FM 157

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Cooper Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
26

Keep slight right at fork onto FM 157

1.7 mi · 2 min · South Cooper Street
Use the left lane.
27

Turn right onto Spur 303

0.5 mi · 50 sec · West Pioneer Parkway
Use the right lane.
28

Turn left onto South Center Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Center Street
Use the left lane.
29

Continue on South Mesquite Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Mesquite Street
30

Turn left onto East Abram Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · East Abram Street
31

Arrive at destination

West Abram Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5 hour and 20-minute duration, starting your journey from Goliad in the morning is advisable to reach Arlington with ample daylight. While this route has only one recommended stop, plan for additional brief breaks as needed, especially since the drive involves frequent turns. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, with an estimated cost of $50 for the 325 miles. A practical tip for this specific route: be prepared for the numerous turns, which means keeping your navigation readily accessible and perhaps anticipating them to maintain a smooth pace.

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 161.7 miles from Goliad, TX, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.7 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 71 miles or 1h 19m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 161.7 miles or 2h 55m 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 41m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Goliad, 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 Goliad, TX

This is one driving day of about 323.5 miles and 5h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Goliad, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 97.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Williamson County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jarrell, TX

162 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

Luling, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jarrell, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 161.7 miles from Goliad, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.7 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.

Bicentennial Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Crowley, Texas

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18172972201

Visit website

Doris D Miller Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Waco, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 156.8 and 317.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
156.8 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35 North: Waco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North: Waco
7
261.6 mi into trip | ~4h 37m in | I 35W

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Fort Worth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 35W: Fort Worth
7
306.7 mi into trip | ~5h 24m in

Take the exit toward I 20 East: Dallas

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 45B Toward I 20 East: Dallas
7
307 mi into trip | ~5h 25m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 East: Dallas

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 20 East: Dallas
8
317.7 mi into trip | ~5h 37m in

Take the exit toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield

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 449A Toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.88 one way

$97.76 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $53.50 $107.01
premium $4.54 $57.76 $115.52
diesel $5.61 $71.42 $142.85

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$49

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 97.1 1 $33.97 $15.53
Efficient EV 80.9 0 $28.31 $12.94
EV Truck/SUV 129.4 1 $45.29 $20.70

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 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

Goliad, TX

Morning in Goliad on Tuesday

Local time

7:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

88°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Arlington, TX

Morning in Arlington on Tuesday

Local time

7:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°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

27 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

5h 48m 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?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for the entirety of this 325-mile route. With a 0% highway share, you'll be spending your time on local roads, including segments of Highway 183. The absence of long, uninterrupted stretches means you'll be constantly making adjustments and navigating through varied terrain. This driving style keeps you engaged with your surroundings, offering a closer look at the Texas landscape as you progress from Goliad towards Arlington.

61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.7 mi on Purple Heart Trail.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Purple Heart Trail and Pickle Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 156.8 miles in.

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 16 significant decision points across 323.5 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 156.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 261.6 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 306.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from Goliad, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.

Waco

97.9 mi in | ~1h 54m

About the Cities

Starting in Goliad, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1749

Goliad is one of the oldest and most historically significant towns in Texas. There are the remains of a ruined Spanish mission, a restored mission Espiritu Santo, and a state park (on the river). The most significant site is the wonderfully restored Presidio de La Bahia. Goliad is also the site of the Fannin Battleground where the infamous Goliad Massacre occurred during the Texas war for independence from Mexico. Located on the San Antonio River, it is also near the Gulf of Mexico and the resort town of Rockport. There is a beautiful and historic town square with shops and cafes and the restored county courthouse.

Arriving in Arlington, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1876

Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.

Top landmarks

  • • Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
  • • Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
  • • Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States

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 48m. Total distance: 323.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 97.7 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Arlington, 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 156.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 261.6 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 306.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Arlington, 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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