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Trip from Houston, TX to Port O'Connor, 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

3h 35m

Distance

152 mi

245 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 23m ★
6 AM
3h 36m
8 AM
4h 1m
10 AM
3h 44m
12 PM
3h 42m
3 PM
3h 46m
5 PM
3h 59m
8 PM
3h 28m

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 Port O'Connor, TX, TX

Port O'Connor, TX

Nate Biddle

Trip Overview

This 152-mile drive from Houston, TX to Port O'Connor, TX, is a straightforward 3-hour and 35-minute journey, perfect for a single-day trip. Primarily utilizing US Highway 59 and State Highway 172, about 92% of this route is highway driving, offering an efficient path. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, it's an economical option. The drive stays within the Great Plains region, maintaining a consistent feel throughout. This route is ideal if you're looking for a simple, direct connection between these two Texas locations, with minimal fuss and a predictable travel time.

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

76 miles from Houston, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US Highway 59 35.2 mi 39m
Southwest Freeway 32.8 mi 37m
State Highway 172 21.6 mi 37m
US 59 15.8 mi 18m
FM 1289 11.2 mi 19m
TX 35 11.1 mi 16m
State Highway 185 East 6.9 mi 12m
East Austin Street 4.5 mi 7m
Longest stretch: US Highway 59 — 35.2 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Houston, TX and Port O'Connor, 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

2.7 mi · 5 min · Smith Street
Use the left lane.
4

Merge onto I 69; US 59

33 mi · 37 min · Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 94 Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
6

Turn straight onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
7

Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
8

Continue on US 59 Southbound Frontage Road

0.9 mi · 2 min · US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
10

Merge onto US 59

9.2 mi · 10 min · US 59
11

Keep slight left at fork onto US 59

6.6 mi · 7 min · US 59
12

Take the exit

1.5 mi · 2 min
13

Continue on US 59

35 mi · 39 min · US Highway 59
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward TX 172, FM 710
15

Turn left onto Feeder Road

369 ft · 15 sec · Feeder Road
16

Turn left onto FM 710

1.4 mi · 2 min · FM 710
17

Continue on TX 172

22 mi · 37 min · State Highway 172
18

Turn slight right

0.2 mi · 39 sec
19

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 49 sec · this road
20

Turn straight onto TX 35

11 mi · 16 min · TX 35
21

Turn left onto TX 238

1.5 mi · 2 min · Broadway Street
22

Continue on TX 238

0.4 mi · 49 sec · North Commerce Street
23

Turn right onto TX 238

4.5 mi · 7 min · East Austin Street
24

Continue on TX 238

1.0 mi · 1 min · TX 238
25

Turn left onto FM 1289

11 mi · 19 min · FM 1289
26

At end of road, turn left onto TX 185

6.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 185 East
27

Continue on TX 185

1.0 mi · 1 min · Adams Avenue
28

Turn right onto TX 185

91 ft · 2 sec · 2nd Street
29

Arrive at destination

TX 185

Trip Plan

Given the short 3-hour and 35-minute duration for this 152-mile trip, you have a lot of flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Houston after the morning rush to ensure a smoother start. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $23, you won't need extensive planning for refueling or long breaks. Keep an eye on US Highway 59 for the longest stretch; since it's a significant portion of the drive, ensure you're prepared with snacks and entertainment before embarking on that segment.

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 76 miles from Houston, TX, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.2 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 33 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 76 miles or 1h 33m 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 47m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Port O'Connor, 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.

+

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 Houston, TX

This is one driving day of about 152 miles and 3h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Houston, 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 US Highway 59 for about 35.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Jackson County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ganado, TX

76 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

Richmond, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Wharton, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 76 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

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

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

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

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

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

Brazos River Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Sugar Land, Texas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12812752825

Visit website

The Black Cowboy Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Rosenberg, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18324516202

Visit website

Escape Again Rooms

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Sugar Land, Texas

Hours: 4–10 pm

+18329994572

Visit website

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17137520314

Visit website

Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Sugar Land, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18327422800

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 90.7 — 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.
5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Smith Street

Turn left onto Smith Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
2.8 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway

Merge onto I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
35.6 mi into trip | ~44m in

Take the exit toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 94 Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartle...
5
90.7 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in

Take the exit toward TX 172, FM 710

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward TX 172, FM 710

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.97 one way

$45.94 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $25.14 $50.28
premium $4.54 $27.14 $54.28
diesel $5.61 $33.56 $67.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.6 0 $15.96 $7.30
Efficient EV 38 0 $13.30 $6.08
EV Truck/SUV 60.8 0 $21.28 $9.73

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (66% 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 17, 2026

Origin

Houston, TX

Morning in Houston on Tuesday

Local time

7:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Partly Cloudy

S 5 to 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Port O'Connor, TX

Morning in Port O'Connor on Tuesday

Local time

7:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

78°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

8 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

3h 35m 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 drive for most of the 152 miles, with 92% of the route being on main roads like US Highway 59 and State Highway 172. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 35.2 miles on US Highway 59, allowing for steady progress. This generally means consistent speeds and fewer interruptions. The character of the road remains largely highway-like, facilitating a smooth and predictable driving experience for the entire duration.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.2 mi on US Highway 59.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 and Southwest Freeway. 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 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 15 significant decision points across 152 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: near the start (Congress Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (Smith Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles (I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.

Between Houston, TX and Port O'Connor, TX, road signs point toward Spur 10: Cottonwood and Fm 710.

Spur 10: Cottonwood

35.6 mi in | ~44m

Fm 710

90.7 mi in | ~1h 49m

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 3h 35m. Total distance: 152 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 35.2 miles on US Highway 59. 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 Port O'Connor, 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: near the start (Congress Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (Smith Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles (I 69; US 59 / Southwest Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Port O'Connor, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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