Trip from Katy, TX to Garland, 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

6h 16m

Distance

324.1 mi

522 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

6h 4m ★

6 AM

6h 17m

8 AM

6h 42m

10 AM

6h 25m

12 PM

6h 23m

3 PM

6h 27m

5 PM

6h 41m

8 PM

6h 9m

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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Katy, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 324.1-mile drive from Katy, TX, to Garland, TX, is a straightforward 6-hour, 16-minute journey, making it perfectly manageable as a single-day trip. You'll primarily be on US 59 and I-69, with a brief stint on West Grand Parkway North, keeping you on well-trafficked highways for about 90% of the time. Given its highway-focused profile, expect a consistent pace across both legs of your trip, which remain within the Great Plains region of Texas. With an estimated fuel cost of $49, this route offers an efficient way to travel between these two points without needing an overnight stop. Plan for one main stop to break up the drive.

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

162.1 miles from Katy, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 59	57.5 mi	1h 5m
West Grand Parkway North	51.5 mi	55m
I-69	42 mi	44m
US 271	29.8 mi	34m
US Route 259	19.2 mi	21m
I 30	17.1 mi	17m
US Highway 259 North	16.5 mi	24m
Kilgore Drive	13.5 mi	15m

Longest stretch: US 59 — 57.5 mi, about 1h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Katy, TX and Garland, TX.

Start on US 90

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway Boulevard

Turn left onto US 90

227 ft · 4 sec · Katy Freeway Frontage Road

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp onto US 90

0.3 mi · 43 sec · US 90

Toward I 10 East

Merge onto I 10; US 90

0.8 mi · 52 sec · Katy Freeway

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 44 sec

Exit 743B Toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 South: Grand Parkway Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Toward TX 99 Toll North

Merge onto TX 99 Toll

52 mi · 55 min · West Grand Parkway North

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 69 North: Cleveland Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 99 Toll

0.8 mi · 1 min · TX 99 Toll

Merge onto I 69; US 59

11 mi · 12 min · Eastex Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69; US 59

0.7 mi · 44 sec · I 69; US 59

Continue on I-69; US 59

42 mi · 44 min · I-69; US 59

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 59; FM 942

36 mi · 40 min · US 59; FM 942

Take the exit onto US 59

5.7 mi · 7 min · US 59

Toward US 59 North, Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches

Keep slight right at fork onto US 59

16 mi · 17 min · US 59

Toward US 59 North: Nacogdoches

Turn left

0.7 mi · 1 min

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 41 sec · this road

Merge onto Loop 224

5.9 mi · 6 min · Southwest Stallings Drive

Continue on US 59

0.9 mi · 58 sec · North US Highway 59

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Use the left lane.

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 20 sec · this road

Merge onto US 259

11 mi · 12 min · US Highway 259

Continue on US 259

3.0 mi · 3 min · US Route 259

Continue on US 259

2.8 mi · 3 min · South Railroad Avenue

Continue on US 259

16 mi · 18 min · US Route 259

Turn right onto US 79; US 259

1.8 mi · 2 min · Highway 79

Continue on US 259

13 mi · 15 min · Kilgore Drive

Keep slight right at fork onto US 259 Business

2.8 mi · 3 min · US 259 Business

Turn left onto Houston Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Houston Street

Keep slight right at fork onto Houston Street

371 ft · 7 sec · Houston Street

Enter roundabout onto TX 135

124 ft · 1 sec · State Highway 135 North

Continue on TX 135

11 mi · 13 min · State Highway 135 North

Continue on US 271

1.6 mi · 1 min · South Tyler Street

Continue on US 271

0.3 mi · 30 sec · South Main Street

Turn left onto US 80

2.1 mi · 2 min · West Upshur Avenue

Turn right onto FM 2685

4.1 mi · 5 min · FM 2865

Turn right onto FM 2685

6.5 mi · 7 min · FM 2685

Turn right onto TX 155

4.2 mi · 4 min · TX 155

Continue on US 271

30 mi · 34 min · US 271

Turn right onto Burton Road

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Burton Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Merge onto I 30

17 mi · 17 min · I 30

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward US 259: De Kalb, Daingerfield

Turn left onto US 259

17 mi · 24 min · US Highway 259 North

Turn left onto FM 1701

2.1 mi · 4 min · FM 1701

Arrive at destination

FM 1701

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 16-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Katy to avoid potential afternoon traffic as you approach Garland. With only one recommended stop and a consistent highway focus, you have flexibility in pacing. However, breaking up the 324.1 miles around the halfway mark can help maintain energy. A key consideration for this route is fuel: with an estimated cost of $49, plan to refuel before you are on empty, especially given the longest stretch of 57.5 miles without a planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition between US 59 and I-69.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 162.1 miles from Katy, TX, or about 3h 1m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.5 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 71 miles or 1h 19m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 162.1 miles or 3h 1m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 3m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Katy, 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 Katy, TX

This is one driving day of about 324.1 miles and 6h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Katy, 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 57.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Nacogdoches, TX

162 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.

Popular next leg

Nacogdoches, TX to Garland, TX

155.7 mi · 3h 8m

Pacing Suggestions

Conroe, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Nacogdoches, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 162.1 miles from Katy, 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.

Katy Heritage Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Katy, Texas

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12813914840

Visit website

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve and Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Tomball, Texas

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+12813575324

Visit website

Dennis Johnston Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Spring, Texas

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17132740930

Visit website

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Katy

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Katy, Texas

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+18329742201

Visit website

Play Street Museum - Katy

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Katy, Texas

Hours: 8:30 am–6 pm

+12816664217

Visit website

Zube Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 5 mi from route ~12 min detour

Hockley, Texas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12813538100

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 30

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.1 and 227.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

1.1 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road

Turn left onto US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

2.3 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 South: Grand Parkway

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 743B Toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 South: Grand Par...

2.7 mi into trip | ~4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway

55.1 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 69 North: Cleveland

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 69 North: Cleveland

227.6 mi into trip | ~4h 18m in | TX 135 / State Highway 135 North

Enter roundabout onto TX 135 / State Highway 135 North

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.97 one way

$97.94 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$53.60	$107.21
premium	$4.54	$57.87	$115.73
diesel	$5.61	$71.56	$143.11

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$49

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	97.2	1	$34.03	$15.56
Efficient EV	81	0	$28.36	$12.96
EV Truck/SUV	129.6	1	$45.37	$20.74

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 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 20, 2026

Origin

Katy, TX

Late night in Katy on Tuesday

Local time

3:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Garland, TX

Late night in Garland on Tuesday

Local time

3:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°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

5 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

6h 16m 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?

This is largely a highway-focused drive, designed for covering distance efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on major arteries like US 59 and I-69, which means consistent speeds and minimal delays. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 57.5 miles on US 59, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While the 90% highway share indicates a focus on speed, be aware that highway driving, especially in Texas, can sometimes involve significant truck traffic and varying speed limits. The landscape through the Great Plains generally offers wide-open views.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 57.5 mi on US 59.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 59 and West Grand Parkway North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 30 significant decision points across 324.1 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 1.1 miles (US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Katy, TX and Garland, TX, road signs point toward Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches and Daingerfield.

Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches

146.2 mi in | ~2h 41m | via US 59

Daingerfield

305.2 mi in | ~5h 46m

About the Cities

Starting in Katy, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1945

Katy is a town in Southeastern Texas, just west of Houston, with rich history and a little bit of small town charm. It used to be a railroad town along the Missouri–Kansas–Texas railroad. In the 1960s, Houston started growing, eventually making Katy part of its surrounding area. Katy is a place to see for its heritage and historical sights, as well as other attractions to visit, with many being more popular than historical locations.

Top landmarks

• B. Ray and Charlotte Woods House — building in Katy, Fort Bend County, Texas

Arriving in Garland, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1891

Garland is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area in the State of Texas. Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, used to live in Garland, as well as some other small towns around Texas. So, yeah. Don't be shocked if you take a wrong turn through a downscale neighborhood and see someone barbecuing hot dogs using one of those things that turns your truck's air filter into a grill. On the other hand, Garland's north side is a palacial monument to suburban living in all its McMansioned, strip malling, Starbucks-sipping glory. Garland is basically an unprepossessing, pleasant place. While it's hard to get too excited about much that happens in Garland, it is just so darned pleasant.

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 6h 16m. Total distance: 324.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 57.5 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 Garland, 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Garland, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Katy, TX or browse trips ending in Garland, TX.

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Trip from Katy, TX to Garland, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Katy Heritage Park

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve and Center

Dennis Johnston Park

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Katy

Play Street Museum - Katy

Zube Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Katy, TX

Garland, TX

Same local time

5 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 16m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Katy, TX

Arriving in Garland, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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