This 233.2-mile drive from Kingsland, TX to Plano, TX is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, with 93% of the journey involving interstate travel, making it a straightforward trip through the Great Plains region of Texas. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $35, and with only one recommended stop, it’s an efficient journey. This route is ideal for those looking to cover ground quickly and comfortably, with minimal fuss.
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
116.6 miles from Kingsland, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
87.2 mi
1h 29m
I 35E
56.2 mi
58m
North Central Expressway
16.6 mi
18m
FM 2843
14.6 mi
18m
East State Highway 29
9 mi
10m
Park Road 4 West
8.4 mi
12m
State Highway 138
6.8 mi
7m
RM 243
6.4 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 87.2 mi, about 1h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kingsland, TX and Plano, TX.
1
Start on CR 320
9 ft·3 sec·Euel Moore Drive
2
Turn right onto RM 1431
0.9 mi·1 min·RM 1431
3
Turn left onto RM 2342
4.3 mi·5 min·RM 2342
4
Turn sharp right onto PR 4
8.4 mi·12 min·Park Road 4 West
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 281
3.0 mi·3 min·South US Highway 281
6
Continue on US 281
2.0 mi·3 min·South Water Street
7
Turn right onto TX 29
1.6 mi·2 min·West Polk Street
8
Continue on TX 29
9.0 mi·10 min·East State Highway 29
9
Turn left onto RM 243; RM 1174
0.2 mi·22 sec·North Grange Street
10
Keep slight right at fork onto RM 243; RM 1174
6.4 mi·8 min·RM 243; RM 1174
11
Keep slight left at fork onto RM 243
5.5 mi·6 min·East RM 243
12
Continue on RM 243
0.6 mi·43 sec·East Ranch Road 243
13
Turn right onto US 183
0.2 mi·18 sec·North US Highway 183
14
Turn left onto TX 138
6.8 mi·7 min·State Highway 138
15
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward TX 195 South
16
Merge onto TX 195
0.3 mi·17 sec·TX 195
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward FM 487: Florence, JarrellUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn left onto FM 487
0.2 mi·25 sec·East Main Street
19
Continue on FM 487
2.4 mi·3 min·FM 487
20
Turn left onto FM 2843
15 mi·18 min·FM 2843
21
Turn right onto South I-35 Frontage Road
0.6 mi·1 min·South I-35 Frontage Road
22
Turn left onto FM 2115
487 ft·20 sec·FM 2115
23
Turn sharp left onto South I-35 Frontage Road
0.6 mi·51 sec·South I-35 Frontage Road
24
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·24 sec
Toward I 35 North
25
Merge onto I 35
87 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
56 mi·58 min·I 35E
Toward I 35E: DallasUse the slight right lane.
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Exit 427AToward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Boulevard, Griffin StreetUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
422 ft·5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 30 West: Denton, Fort Worth, Texarkana
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·32 sec
Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Convention Center
30
Keep slight left at fork
385 ft·6 sec
Toward I 30 East: Texarkana
31
Continue on I 30; US 67
0.8 mi·1 min·East R L Thornton Freeway
32
Take the exit
0.5 mi·45 sec
Exit 46Toward I 45, US 75: Houston, McKinneyUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 75 North: McKinneyUse the slight left lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward US 75 North: McKinney, Bryan Street East
35
Merge onto US 75
0.7 mi·49 sec·Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on US 75
15 mi·16 min·North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 28AToward Plano Parkway, 15th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Turn straight onto North Central Expressway
1.4 mi·2 min·North Central Expressway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
39
Turn right onto East 15th Street
0.6 mi·1 min·East 15th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Arrive at destination
East 15th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 25-minute duration, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip from Kingsland to Plano. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $35, you have flexibility in your timing. The longest stretch without a major exit is 87.2 miles on I-35, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before entering that 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 116.6 miles from Kingsland, TX, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.2 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 51 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.6 miles or 2h 20m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Plano, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kingsland, 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 Kingsland, TX
This is one driving day of about 233.2 miles and 4h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Kingsland, 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 35 for about 87.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 49.5 and 230.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
49.5 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward FM 487: Florence, Jarrell
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward FM 487: Florence, Jarrell
7
155.8 mi into trip|~3h in|I 35E
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E toward I 35E: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 35E: Dallas
8
212 mi into trip|~3h 58m in
Take the exit toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Boulevard, Griffin Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 427A
Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Bouleva...
8
213.7 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 45, US 75: Houston, McKinney
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward I 45, US 75: Houston, McKinney
8
230.9 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Take the exit toward Plano Parkway, 15th 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 28A
Toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.24 one way
$70.47 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$38.57
$77.14
premium
$4.54
$41.64
$83.27
diesel
$5.61
$51.49
$102.98
Estimated Tolls: $1.32
Central Expressway
(16.6 mi)$1.32
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
$35
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70
0
$24.49
$11.19
Efficient EV
58.3
0
$20.40
$9.33
EV Truck/SUV
93.3
1
$32.65
$14.92
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 16, 2026
Origin
Kingsland, TX
Late night
in Kingsland on Tuesday
Local time
4:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Plano, TX
Late night
in Plano on Tuesday
Local time
4:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°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
18 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 25m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 120.6
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this trip, with 93% of the 233.2 miles on major interstates like I-35 and I-35E. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 87.2 miles on I-35, so be prepared for sustained periods of highway driving. While the profile is predominantly 'highway-focused,' the shift to North Central Expressway as you approach Plano will introduce more urban traffic. It’s a route that prioritizes directness over winding scenic byways.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.2 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 35E. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 49.5 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 31 significant decision points across 233.2 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 49.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155.8 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 212 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kingsland, TX and Plano, TX, road signs point toward Fm 487: Florence, Jarrell, Fort Worth, Texarkana, Convention Center and Mckinney - among others.
Plano is a city of 285,000 people (2020) in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex region of Texas and is north of Dallas. It is home to the headquarters of several large corporations.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 25m. Total distance: 233.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.2 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.32 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 Plano, 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 49.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155.8 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 212 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Plano, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
