Rest Area US-84 US-283
0 mi from route
Trip from Houston, TX to Sweetwater, 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
7h 34m
Distance
412.6 mi
664 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$57
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 25m
★
6 AM
7h 35m
8 AM
7h 55m
10 AM
7h 42m
12 PM
7h 40m
3 PM
7h 43m
5 PM
7h 54m
8 PM
7h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Sweetwater, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 412.6 miles, the journey from Houston to Sweetwater takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes to complete. You will navigate a combination of the Katy Freeway, I-10 West, and TX 71 West to reach your destination. Budgeting roughly $61 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for this trek across the Texas landscape. While it is technically possible to complete this drive in a single day, be prepared for a long stint behind the wheel. Both cities sit within the Great Plains region, ensuring a consistent geographic feel as you transition from the coast toward West Texas. Plan for at least two stops to keep your energy up throughout this substantial commute.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
206.3 miles from Houston, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| TX 71 | 77.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| Katy Freeway | 74.1 mi | 1h 20m |
| North US Highway 183 | 72.6 mi | 1h 18m |
| State Highway 153 | 69 mi | 1h 14m |
| US 84 | 30.4 mi | 34m |
| East Commerce Street | 22 mi | 25m |
| US 183 | 14.6 mi | 16m |
| 183A Toll | 14.6 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
TX 71
— 77.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,971 veh/hr typical · worst 7,284
Quietest
2 AM
~653 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 37 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 Sweetwater, TX.
1
Start on Louisiana Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
2
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward I 10 West: San Antonio
3
Merge onto I 10; US 90
74 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit onto TX 71
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
TX 71
Toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
5
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 71
77 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
TX 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on 71 Toll
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Bastrop Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Bastrop Highway
10
Continue on 183 Toll
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 183
15 mi
·
16 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on 183A Toll
15 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 183
36 mi
·
38 min
·
North US Highway 183
14
Continue on US 183
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
South Key Avenue
15
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
North US Highway 281
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190
37 mi
·
40 min
·
North US Highway 183
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 183; TX 16
30 mi
·
34 min
·
US 84; US 183; TX 16
18
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Early Boulevard
19
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
22 mi
·
25 min
·
East Commerce Street
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283
7.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Wallis Avenue
21
Turn right onto TX 153
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Walnut Street
22
Continue on TX 153; TX 206
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Walnut Street
23
Continue on TX 153
69 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
State Highway 153
24
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153
19 ft
·
0 sec
·
State Highway 153
25
Turn right onto TX 70
10 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 70
26
Continue on TX 70
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Lamar Street
27
Arrive at destination
TX 70 Bus
Trip Plan
Getting an early start is essential when facing a 7-hour and 34-minute drive to ensure you arrive in Sweetwater before dark. Since the route involves two required stops, map these out in advance to break up the monotony of the turn-heavy local sections. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge; while $61 is a solid estimate, local roads often consume gas differently than high-speed interstates. Because this is a long, single-day endeavor, prioritize frequent movement during your breaks to combat driver fatigue. A concrete tip for this specific path is to double-check your GPS frequently, as the reliance on TX 71 West and local connectors requires more navigational vigilance than a simple interstate-only 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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 206.3 miles from Houston, TX, or about 3h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.7 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 91 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 206.3 miles or 3h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sweetwater, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Houston, TX
This is one driving day of about 412.6 miles and 7h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 91 miles from Houston, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on TX 71 for about 77.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
206 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 91 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 206.3 miles from Houston, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before TX 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.7 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.
San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.2 mi from route
Colorado County Eastbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Colorado County Westbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Rest Area
2.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
2.4 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 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 websiteKaty Heritage Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Katy, Texas
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+12813914840
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 websiteLakeline Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.8 mi from route
~7 min detour
Cedar Park, Texas
+15124015500
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 230.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway
Merge onto I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
74.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
TX 71
Take the exit onto TX 71 toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
6
75.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
TX 71
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
156.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
Take the exit toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
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.
Toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
4
230.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 11m in
|
US 183; US 190 / North US Highway 183
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190 / North US Highway 183
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.51 one way
$113.03 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
144 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $63.12 | $126.25 |
| premium | $4.23 | $68.63 | $137.26 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $77.91 | $155.81 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$57
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 144.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 123.8 | 1 | $43.32 | $19.80 |
| Efficient EV | 103.2 | 1 | $36.10 | $16.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 165 | 2 | $57.76 | $26.41 |
Gas CO2
144 kg
EV CO2
48 kg (67% 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
Morning in Houston on Sunday
Local time
9:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Sweetwater, TX
Morning in Sweetwater on Sunday
Local time
9:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
10% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 34m 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?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a mindless cruise down a straight interstate. This route requires your full attention as you move off major arteries like the Katy Freeway and onto local connections. Because there is no highway-share percentage provided, you should anticipate a mix of road types that demand frequent adjustments to your driving speed. The path lacks a single, uninterrupted long stretch, meaning you will experience varied road conditions throughout the 412.6-mile duration. Stay alert for changing road geometries as you navigate the transition from Houston's sprawling outskirts into the more localized road network leading to Sweetwater.
87% 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: 77.7 mi on TX 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 71 and Katy Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway.
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 13 significant decision points across 412.6 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 0.6 miles (I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.6 miles (TX 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.2 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,171 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
2,366 ft
Total Descent
230 ft
Highest Point
2,171 ft
~412.6 mi in
Elevation Range
2,136 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 Sweetwater, TX, road signs point toward Austin and 183 Toll North: Lampasas.
Austin
74.6 mi in
|
~1h 22m
|
via TX 71
183 Toll North: Lampasas
156.4 mi in
|
~2h 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. === 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 Sweetwater, TX
Full guide →Sweetwater is a city on the Northern Edwards Plateau 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 7h 34m. Total distance: 412.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 77.7 miles on TX 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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.
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 Sweetwater, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (I 10; US 90 / Katy Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.6 miles (TX 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.2 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Sweetwater, 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, 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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