La Porte, TX to Irving, TX is 275.5 miles and takes about 5h via I 45, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the state of Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for both departure and arrival. Expect a straightforward drive that's mostly highway, making it a convenient option for a single-day trip. If you're looking for a direct route with minimal fuss between these two Texas locations, this is a solid choice.
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
137.7 miles from La Porte, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 45
212 mi
3h 38m
Hardy Toll Road
21.8 mi
25m
East Loop South
10.7 mi
13m
La Porte Freeway
8.7 mi
10m
Tom Landry Freeway
6.2 mi
7m
Pasadena Freeway
5.2 mi
5m
North Walton Walker Boulevard
2.3 mi
2m
East Irving Boulevard
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 212 mi, about 3h 38m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,927 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,389
Quietest
2 AM
~288 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 45 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 La Porte, TX and Irving, TX.
1
Start on North Broadway Street
94 ft·5 sec·North Broadway Street
2
Turn right onto TX 146 Business
0.6 mi·1 min·West Main Street
3
Turn right onto North 9th Street
0.2 mi·18 sec·North 9th Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward TX 146 North
5
Merge onto TX 146
0.9 mi·1 min·TX 146
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward TX 225 West: Pasadena, HoustonUse the slight right lane.
7
Continue on TX 225
6.7 mi·7 min·La Porte Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on TX 225
5.2 mi·5 min·Pasadena Freeway
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on TX 225
2.0 mi·2 min·La Porte Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 610 NorthUse the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 610
11 mi·13 min·East Loop South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 19BToward Hardy Toll Road NorthUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on HTR
22 mi·25 min·Hardy Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 45
212 mi·3 hr 38 min·I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 284AToward I 30Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 30 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 30; US 67
0.8 mi·1 min·East R L Thornton Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 30
6.2 mi·7 min·Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 38Toward LOOP 12Use the right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward Loop 12 NorthUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn straight onto North Walton Walker Service Road West
0.2 mi·21 sec·North Walton Walker Service Road West
23
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward Loop 12 North
24
Merge onto Loop 12
2.3 mi·2 min·North Walton Walker Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
492 ft·12 sec
Toward TX 356: Irving BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
26
Turn straight onto South Loop 12
0.3 mi·32 sec·South Loop 12
27
Turn left onto TX 356
0.4 mi·59 sec·East State Highway 356
Use the left / straight lanes.
28
Continue on TX 356
1.2 mi·2 min·East Irving Boulevard
29
Continue on West Irving Boulevard
0.1 mi·26 sec·West Irving Boulevard
30
Turn right onto North Ohio Street
58 ft·2 sec·North Ohio Street
31
Arrive at destination
North Ohio Street
Trip Plan
With a driving time of around 5 hours, this route is easily manageable in a single day. Consider leaving La Porte in the morning to avoid the worst of any potential traffic. The fuel cost is estimated at $40, so ensure your tank is full before you depart, as services can be spread out between major exits on I 45. While there's only one recommended stop, you have the flexibility to make others as needed given the relatively short duration.
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 137.7 miles from La Porte, TX, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 212 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 61 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.7 miles or 2h 32m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Irving, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving La Porte, 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 La Porte, TX
This is one driving day of about 275.5 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from La Porte, 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 212 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 269.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.8 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward TX 225 West: Pasadena, Houston
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 TX 225 West: Pasadena, Houston
7
27.6 mi into trip|~34m in
Take the exit toward Hardy Toll Road North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 19B
Toward Hardy Toll Road North
7
262 mi into trip|~4h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 30
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 284A
Toward I 30
7
262.2 mi into trip|~4h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 30 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 30 West
7
269.9 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward LOOP 12
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 38
Toward LOOP 12
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.73 one way
$75.47 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$42.15
$84.30
premium
$4.23
$45.83
$91.65
diesel
$4.80
$52.02
$104.04
Estimated Tolls: $1.74
Hardy Toll Road
(21.8 mi)$1.74
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
$38
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.7
1
$28.93
$13.22
Efficient EV
68.9
0
$24.11
$11.02
EV Truck/SUV
110.2
1
$38.57
$17.63
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
La Porte, TX
Late night
in La Porte on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Irving, TX
Late night
in Irving on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 15 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
100°F
Italy, TX
138 mi in
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
2 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 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?
About 85% of this drive is on highways, with the longest continuous stretch of highway cruising covering 212 miles on I 45. You'll experience mostly highway driving for the bulk of the trip before transitioning to surface roads. Given the highway share, anticipate a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits as you approach and navigate urban areas.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 212 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and Hardy Toll Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 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 20 significant decision points across 275.5 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 262 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
484 ft19 ft
Total Climb
629 ft
Total Descent
164 ft
Highest Point
484 ft
~275.5 mi in
Elevation Range
465 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 La Porte, TX to Irving, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Hardy Toll Road North along the way.
Irving is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Irving has experienced exponential growth over the past fifty years, and is home to a multitude of attractions of all types, from modern art to major sporting events. Founded in 1902 out of the remnants of the small community of Kit, Irving is now a bustling city of approximately 197,000 residents.
Rather like Dallas, it is divided into a highly affluent northern half and less affluent but highly diverse southern half. It is bounded to the east by the northern fork (Elm Fork) of the Trinity River and to the northwest by the sprawling D/FW International Airport.
Top landmarks
•Ruth Paine Home — house in Irving, Texas, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 275.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 212 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.74 in tolls one way, starting with Hardy Toll Road. 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 Irving, 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 262 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Irving, TX before the return drive.
