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Trip from Katy, TX to McKinney, 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

5h 7m

Distance

287.5 mi

463 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 54m ★
6 AM
5h 7m
8 AM
5h 34m
10 AM
5h 17m
12 PM
5h 14m
3 PM
5h 18m
5 PM
5h 33m
8 PM
4h 59m

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 Katy, TX, TX

Katy, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Collin County, Texas, United States

McKinney, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 287.5-mile drive from Katy, TX to McKinney, TX is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes. With 97% highway driving, it's a straightforward journey primarily on I 45 and West Grand Parkway North, leading you through the Great Plains region of Texas. Expect a fuel cost of around $43 for this route. While it's a direct path, the longest uninterrupted stretch is 214 miles, so planning for a single stop is advisable. This highway-focused route offers efficiency for getting 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

143.8 miles from Katy, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 45 214 mi 3h 41m
West Grand Parkway North 37.8 mi 41m
North Central Expressway 26.6 mi 28m
South Tennessee Street 1.1 mi 2m
Highway Boulevard 1.1 mi 1m
South McDonald Street 1 mi 1m
Spur 399 0.9 mi 1m
Katy Freeway 0.8 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 45 — 214 mi, about 3h 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 90

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway Boulevard
2

Turn left onto US 90

227 ft · 4 sec · Katy Freeway Frontage Road
Use the left lane.
3

Take the ramp onto US 90

0.3 mi · 43 sec · US 90
Toward I 10 East
4

Merge onto I 10; US 90

0.8 mi · 52 sec · Katy Freeway
5

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.
6

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway Use the slight left lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward TX 99 Toll North
8

Merge onto TX 99 Toll

38 mi · 41 min · West Grand Parkway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 3 min
Toward I 45 North: Dallas Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 45

214 mi · 3 hr 41 min · I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on US 75

27 mi · 28 min · North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec
Exit 38C Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto Spur 399

0.9 mi · 1 min · Spur 399
15

Continue on TX 5

1.0 mi · 1 min · South McDonald Street
16

Turn slight left

281 ft · 10 sec
17

Continue on South Tennessee Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Tennessee Street
18

Arrive at destination

North Tennessee Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive from Katy, TX early in the morning is recommended to avoid potential traffic as you approach McKinney, TX. With only one planned stop suggested, make it a comfortable one to break up the 214-mile stretch on I 45. The estimated fuel cost of $43 means you can budget accordingly, and it's wise to ensure your tank is full before departing Katy. Since this is a direct, highway-centric route, flexibility with your timing is key.

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 143.8 miles from Katy, TX, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 214 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 63 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 143.8 miles or 2h 34m 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 9m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McKinney, 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 287.5 miles and 5h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 I 45 for about 214 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Corsicana, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Corsicana, TX

144 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

Conroe, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corsicana, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 143.8 miles from Katy, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 214 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.

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

Dennis Johnston Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Spring, Texas

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17132740930

Visit website

Zube Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Hockley, Texas

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12813538100

Visit website

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

McKinney, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19725625566

Visit website

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve and Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Tomball, Texas

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+12813575324

Visit website

Houston Area Live Steamers

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Hockley, Texas

Visit website

Candy Cane Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Conroe, Texas

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+19365223804

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

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 283.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
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...
7
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
6
41.3 mi into trip | ~46m in

Take the exit toward I 45 North: Dallas

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 45 North: Dallas
8
283.4 mi into trip | ~4h 59m in

Take the exit toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway

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 38C Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
6
283.8 mi into trip | ~5h in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.44 one way

$86.88 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $47.55 $95.10
premium $4.54 $51.33 $102.66
diesel $5.61 $63.48 $126.95

Estimated Tolls: $2.13

Central Expressway (26.6 mi) $2.13

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

$43

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$71–$96

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100.6 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 86.3 1 $30.19 $13.80
Efficient EV 71.9 0 $25.16 $11.50
EV Truck/SUV 115 1 $40.25 $18.40

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 20, 2026

Origin

Katy, TX

Morning in Katy on Tuesday

Local time

7:23 AM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

McKinney, TX

Morning in McKinney on Tuesday

Local time

7:23 AM

CDT

Current temp

82°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

4 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 7m 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?

The personality of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 97% of the journey taking place on major roadways like I 45 and West Grand Parkway North. You'll experience a consistent pace for the majority of the trip, especially during the substantial 214-mile stretch on I 45. This route is designed for forward momentum, minimizing detours and maximizing your time on the road. The character remains largely consistent, prioritizing speed and directness over varied scenery.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 214 mi on I 45.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 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 2.3 miles in.

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 12 significant decision points across 287.5 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 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; at 41.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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 McKinney, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1848

McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region 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 5h 7m. Total distance: 287.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 214 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.13 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. 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.

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 McKinney, 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 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; at 41.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McKinney, 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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