Traveling from Houston to Texarkana covers 289.8 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 31 minutes of pure driving time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a highway cruise, you should budget roughly $43 for fuel to complete the journey. It is easily manageable as a single-day trip, though the nature of the local roads means you will need to stay alert throughout the drive. Since both cities are located within the Great Plains region of Texas, you will experience a consistent landscape throughout the trek. Planning for one designated stop is a smart way to break up the drive and keep your energy levels steady behind the wheel.
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
144.9 miles from Houston, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 59
68.5 mi
1h 20m
US 59 Business
68.2 mi
1h 17m
I-69
42 mi
44m
Eastex Freeway
37 mi
43m
TX 315
24.9 mi
25m
North Louise Street
14.6 mi
15m
US Highway 259
11.2 mi
12m
Southwest Stallings Drive
5.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
US 59
— 68.5 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houston, TX and Texarkana, TX.
1
Start on Louisiana Street
474 ft·19 sec·Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
2
Turn right onto Franklin Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Franklin Street
3
Turn left onto San Jacinto Street
0.4 mi·49 sec·San Jacinto Street
4
Turn straight onto Rothwell Street
348 ft·7 sec·Rothwell Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward US 59 East, I 10 East
6
Merge onto I 10; US 90
0.5 mi·38 sec·East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 770CToward I 69 North, US 59 North: ClevelandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
8
Merge onto I 69; US 59
37 mi·43 min·Eastex Freeway
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69; US 59
0.7 mi·44 sec·I 69; US 59
10
Continue on I-69; US 59
42 mi·44 min·I-69; US 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 59; FM 942
36 mi·40 min·US 59; FM 942
12
Take the exit onto US 59
5.7 mi·7 min·US 59
Toward US 59 North, Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 59
16 mi·17 min·US 59
Toward US 59 North: Nacogdoches
14
Turn left
0.7 mi·1 min
15
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·41 sec·this road
16
Merge onto Loop 224
5.9 mi·6 min·Southwest Stallings Drive
17
Continue on US 59
0.9 mi·58 sec·North US Highway 59
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·20 sec·this road
20
Merge onto US 259
11 mi·12 min·US Highway 259
21
Continue on US 259
3.0 mi·3 min·US Route 259
22
Continue on US 259
2.6 mi·3 min·South Railroad Avenue
23
Turn right onto TX 315
25 mi·25 min·TX 315
24
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
25
Merge onto TX 149
3.1 mi·3 min·Southwest Loop
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
27
Turn left onto US 59 Business
68 mi·1 hr 17 min·US 59 Business
28
Continue on US 59; FM 2328
2.9 mi·3 min·US 59; FM 2328
29
Turn left onto US 59
2.2 mi·2 min·Loop 59
30
Continue on US 59
15 mi·15 min·North Louise Street
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 59
8.1 mi·10 min·US 59
32
Turn right onto US 67
0.8 mi·1 min·West 7th Street
33
Arrive at destination
US 67; US 82
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy nature of this 289.8-mile drive, aim to leave early in the morning to ensure you have plenty of daylight for navigating local roads. Since you are not utilizing interstates, traffic patterns on local streets will heavily influence your total travel time, so check your navigation frequently. Use your one planned stop to stretch and reset, as the constant steering required on this route can be more fatiguing than a straight highway haul. Keep your $43 fuel budget in mind and top off before leaving Houston to avoid searching for stations on unfamiliar local routes. Above all, prioritize patience when navigating the frequent turns that define this specific path to Texarkana.
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 144.9 miles from Houston, TX, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.5 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 64 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.9 miles or 2h 45m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Texarkana, 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 289.8 miles and 5h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 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 59 for about 68.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
$10 to $20
mile 289.8
Texarkana, Texas
Hours: 5:30–11 pm
+19037923222
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 0.9 and 118.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.9 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the ramp toward US 59 East, I 10 East
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 59 East, I 10 East
5
1.1 mi into trip|~2m in|I 10; US 90 / East Freeway
Merge onto I 10; US 90 / East Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
1.6 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 69 North, US 59 North: Cleveland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 770C
Toward I 69 North, US 59 North: Cleveland
5
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in|I 69; US 59 / Eastex Freeway
Merge onto I 69; US 59 / Eastex Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
118.3 mi into trip|~2h 13m in|US 59
Take the exit onto US 59 toward US 59 North, Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 59 North, Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.79 one way
$87.58 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$47.93
$95.86
premium
$4.54
$51.74
$103.48
diesel
$5.61
$63.98
$127.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.9
1
$30.43
$13.91
Efficient EV
72.5
0
$25.36
$11.59
EV Truck/SUV
115.9
1
$40.57
$18.55
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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 18, 2026
Origin
Houston, TX
Night
in Houston on Saturday
Local time
11:35 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 12:44AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 18 at 12:34AM CDT until April 18 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Destination
Texarkana, TX
Night
in Texarkana on Saturday
Local time
11:35 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°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
15 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 31m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a unique experience on this route, as it relies entirely on local streets like Franklin, San Jacinto, and Rothwell rather than major interstates. With a highway share of 0%, this journey is defined by constant turns and navigating local infrastructure rather than high-speed cruising. You will not find any long, uninterrupted stretches here, as the longest segment on Franklin Street is effectively 0 miles of straight highway driving. This is a technical, hands-on drive that requires your full attention compared to a standard freeway commute. Prepare for a slower, more deliberate pace as you navigate these specific local roads from start to finish.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68.5 mi on US 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 59 and US 59 Business. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 289.8 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 0.9 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles (I 10; US 90 / East Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
522 ft35 ft
Total Climb
563 ft
Total Descent
298 ft
Highest Point
522 ft
~165.6 mi in
Elevation Range
487 ft
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 Houston, TX to Texarkana, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches along the way.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 289.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 68.5 miles on US 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 Texarkana, 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 0.9 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles (I 10; US 90 / East Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Texarkana, TX before the return drive.
