Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Houston, TX to Prosper, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 54m
Distance
272.3 mi
438 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 41m
★
6 AM
4h 55m
8 AM
5h 22m
10 AM
5h 4m
12 PM
5h 1m
3 PM
5h 5m
5 PM
5h 20m
8 PM
4h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Prosper, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Houston, TX to Prosper, TX is 272.3 miles and takes about 4h 54m via North Freeway and Dallas North Tollway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you from the Great Plains region of Texas to another part of the Great Plains, staying within the same state. Given its relatively short duration and predominantly highway profile, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip. It's a straightforward path for anyone looking to cover ground efficiently between these two Texas locations.
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
136.2 miles from Houston, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 236.1 mi | 4h 7m |
| Dallas North Tollway | 30.6 mi | 34m |
| West First Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| North Olive Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| South Dallas Parkway | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| McKinnon Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Travis Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Elm Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 236.1 mi, about 4h 7m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,256 veh/hr typical · worst 3,806
Quietest
2 AM
~407 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 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 Houston, TX and Prosper, TX.
1
Start on Louisiana Street
474 ft
·
19 sec
·
Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
2
Turn right onto Franklin Street
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Franklin Street
3
Turn left onto Travis Street
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
Travis Street
4
Take the ramp
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 45 North Express Lane
5
Merge onto I 45
236 mi
·
4 hr 7 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward Elm Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Turn straight onto Elm Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Elm Street
9
Turn right onto North Olive Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Olive Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on McKinnon Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
McKinnon Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Toward DNT Toll
12
Continue on DNT
31 mi
·
34 min
·
Dallas North Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn straight onto South Dallas Parkway
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Dallas Parkway
Use the right lane.
14
Turn right onto West First Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West First Street
Use the right lane.
15
Turn left onto South Coleman Street
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
South Coleman Street
16
Turn right onto FM 1193
229 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Broadway Street
17
Arrive at destination
FM 1193
Trip Plan
For this 4h 54m drive, leaving in the morning from Houston is advisable to maximize daylight. With 272.3 miles and a fuel cost around $43, it's easily manageable in one day, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs, as the longest stretch without exiting is over 236 miles. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, especially if traveling during peak hours. Ensure your fuel tank is adequately filled before embarking on the longest highway 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 136.2 miles from Houston, TX, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236.1 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 60 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.2 miles or 2h 24m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Prosper, 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 272.3 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 North Freeway for about 236.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
136 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 136.2 miles from Houston, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 236.1 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
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
TA Express
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
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 websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteCandy Cane Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
First break
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 9 am–11 pm
+19365223804
Visit websiteCidercade 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 websiteBarbara 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 websiteMidtown 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 websiteWaugh 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 websiteChildren'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 websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 237.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Franklin Street
Turn right onto Franklin Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Travis Street
Turn left onto Travis Street
Navigation decision point
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 45 / North Freeway
Merge onto I 45 / North Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
237.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 11m in
Take the exit toward Main Street West, Elm Street
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 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
8
237.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Elm Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Elm Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.30 one way
$74.59 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
95 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $41.66 | $83.32 |
| premium | $4.23 | $45.29 | $90.59 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $51.42 | $102.83 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.45
Dallas North Tollway
(30.6 mi)
$2.45
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.7 | 1 | $28.59 | $13.07 |
| Efficient EV | 68.1 | 0 | $23.83 | $10.89 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108.9 | 1 | $38.12 | $17.43 |
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Houston, TX
Afternoon in Houston on Monday
Local time
12:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Prosper, TX
Afternoon in Prosper on Monday
Local time
12:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
3% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
100°F
Italy, TX
136 mi in
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
2 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
4h 54m 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?
This drive is 87% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. You'll encounter your longest stretch of uninterrupted driving for 236.1 miles on the North Freeway. Expect the transition from the North Freeway to surface streets, like West First Street, to occur near your destination in Prosper. The high highway percentage suggests frequent exits and merges as you approach urban areas.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 236.1 mi on North Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and Dallas North Tollway. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Franklin Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 272.3 miles you will encounter 12 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: at 0.1 miles (Franklin Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Travis Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 45 / North Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
684 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
744 ft
Total Descent
95 ft
Highest Point
684 ft
~272.3 mi in
Elevation Range
649 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 Houston, TX and Prosper, TX, road signs point toward Main Street West and Dnt Toll.
Main Street West
237.5 mi in
|
~4h 11m
Dnt Toll
239.5 mi in
|
~4h 16m
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. === Welcome World Cup fans === Games will be played at NRG Stadium on the south side of Houston The best way to get to the stadium on game day is to use MetroRail trains (red line to NRG Stadium/Astrodome). Fare cards can be purchased at kiosks at train platforms and cost US$1.25 per ride The best hotels for football fans are downtown or near the medical center (both areas have easy access to MetroRail).
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
Arriving in Prosper, 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 54m. Total distance: 272.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 236.1 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.45 in tolls one way, starting with Dallas North Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 25 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Franklin Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Travis Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 45 / North Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Prosper, 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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