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Trip from Houston, TX to Markham, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 59m

Distance

86.7 mi

140 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 51m ★
6 AM
1h 59m
8 AM
2h 17m
10 AM
2h 5m
12 PM
2h 4m
3 PM
2h 6m
5 PM
2h 16m
8 PM
1h 54m

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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Downtown houston-tx

Houston, TX

Trace Hudson

Downtown Markham, TX, TX

Markham, TX

Thomas balabaud

Trip Overview

This 86.7-mile drive from Houston, TX, to Markham, TX, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in under 2 hours, making it an excellent option for a day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 80% of the journey on major roads like TX 35 and TX 288 Toll, including the Nolan Ryan Expressway. With an estimated fuel cost of around $13, this drive is budget-friendly for solo travelers or couples. Since both your origin and destination are within the Great Plains region, you can expect a consistent driving experience without significant landscape shifts. This makes it a practical choice for a quick commute or a short excursion.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.4 miles from Houston, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
TX 35 28.1 mi 42m
Nolan Ryan Expressway 24.6 mi 28m
TX 288 Toll 14.4 mi 16m
Jimmy Phillips Boulevard 11.3 mi 16m
South 17th Street 2 mi 3m
Gulf Freeway 1.1 mi 1m
East Brazos Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
South Freeway 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: TX 35 — 28.1 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Houston, TX and Markham, TX.

1

Start on Louisiana Street

148 ft · 11 sec · Louisiana Street
2

Turn left onto Congress Street

298 ft · 14 sec · Congress Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
3

Turn left onto Smith Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Smith Street
Use the left lane.
4

Turn right onto Prairie Street

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Prairie Street
5

Turn slight left onto Bagby Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Bagby Street
6

Turn right onto Capitol Street

465 ft · 12 sec · Capitol Street
7

Continue on Memorial Drive Frontage Road

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Memorial Drive Frontage Road
8

Keep slight left at fork onto Memorial Drive Frontage Road

516 ft · 22 sec · Memorial Drive Frontage Road
Use the left lane.
9

Turn left onto Houston Avenue

154 ft · 5 sec · Houston Avenue
Use the left lane.
10

Take the ramp

258 ft · 6 sec
Toward I 45 South: Houston Municipal Court and Juror, Gulf Freeway Use the straight / left lanes.
11

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 19 sec · this road
Toward I 45 South: Galveston
12

Continue on Pierce Elevated

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Pierce Elevated
13

Turn straight

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Toward I 45 South: Galveston
14

Merge onto I 45

1.1 mi · 1 min · Gulf Freeway
15

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 46B Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
17

Continue on TX 288

0.6 mi · 46 sec · South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

14 mi · 16 min · TX 288 Toll
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
19

Merge onto TX 288

0.2 mi · 17 sec · South Freeway
20

Continue on TX 288

25 mi · 28 min · Nolan Ryan Expressway
21

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 35
22

Turn right onto TX 35

11 mi · 16 min · Jimmy Phillips Boulevard
23

Continue on TX 35

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Brazos Avenue
24

Turn left onto TX 35 Business

2.0 mi · 3 min · South 17th Street
25

At end of road, turn left onto TX 35

28 mi · 42 min · TX 35
26

Turn right onto FM 1468

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Broadway
27

Arrive at destination

FM 1468

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 59-minute duration for this 86.7-mile trip, you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, perhaps early to avoid any potential Houston traffic. The estimated fuel cost is a modest $13, so you won't need to worry about frequent fuel stops. The longest stretch without a town is 28.1 miles on TX 35, so plan accordingly for any restroom breaks or to grab a snack before you hit that segment. Since this is a straightforward drive with minimal stops suggested, focus on enjoying the efficiency of the route and arriving in Markham, TX, refreshed.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.4 miles from Houston, TX, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.1 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 19 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.4 miles or 53m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 39m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Houston, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Houston, TX

This is one driving day of about 86.7 miles and 1h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Houston, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on TX 35 for about 28.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Holiday Lakes, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Holiday Lakes, TX

43 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

Arcola, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Angleton, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.4 miles from Houston, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Houston, Texas

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Houston, Texas

1.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Houston, Texas

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 6.2

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+13462417524

Visit website

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 6.2

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Union Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Houston, Texas

+17132598070

Visit website

Columbia Historical Museum and Rosenwald School

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 55.7

West Columbia, Texas

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+19793456125

Visit website

Matagorda County Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 80.5

Bay City, Texas

Hours: 1–4 pm

+19792457502

Visit website

Crocodile Encounter

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 37.2

Angleton, Texas

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+12815952232

Visit website

Amistad Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 80.5

Bay City, Texas

Visit website

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17137520314

Visit website

Midtown Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+17135267577

Visit website

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 55.7

West Columbia, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19793454656

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 2.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Congress Street

Turn left onto Congress Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
7
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in | Memorial Drive Frontage Road

Keep slight left at fork onto Memorial Drive Frontage Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
0.8 mi into trip | ~2m in | Houston Avenue

Turn left onto Houston Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
0.8 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward I 45 South: Houston Municipal Court and Juror, Gulf Freeway

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward I 45 South: Houston Municipal Court and...
8
2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the exit toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria

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 46B Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: L...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.10 one way

$26.20 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $14.34 $28.68
premium $4.54 $15.48 $30.96
diesel $5.61 $19.14 $38.28

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26 0 $9.10 $4.16
Efficient EV 21.7 0 $7.59 $3.47
EV Truck/SUV 34.7 0 $12.14 $5.55

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Houston, TX

Late night in Houston on Sunday

Local time

2:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 5 to 10 mph 8% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 2:03AM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 2:01AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

Destination

Markham, TX

Late night in Markham on Sunday

Local time

2:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°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

6 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

1h 59m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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 experience for 80% of this 86.7-mile journey, primarily utilizing TX 35 and TX 288 Toll. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 28.1 miles on TX 35, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. The Nolan Ryan Expressway is also part of this route, suggesting well-maintained, high-speed segments. This drive is less about winding country roads and more about efficient travel on major arteries, designed for covering distance with minimal fuss. You'll likely experience a consistent driving environment without dramatic changes in road type.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.1 mi on TX 35.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 35 and Nolan Ryan Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Congress Street.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.7 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Congress Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles (Memorial Drive Frontage Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (Houston Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Houston, TX

Full guide →

“Space City” · Founded 1836

Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered.

Top landmarks

  • • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
  • • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
  • • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris County, 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 1h 59m. Total distance: 86.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 28.1 miles on TX 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Markham, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Congress Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles (Memorial Drive Frontage Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles (Houston Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Markham, 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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