Trip from Manvel, TX to Dallas, 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

4h 42m

Distance

262.3 mi

422 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 29m ★

6 AM

4h 43m

8 AM

5h 9m

10 AM

4h 52m

12 PM

4h 49m

3 PM

4h 53m

5 PM

5h 8m

8 PM

4h 35m

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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Manvel, TX

Jeff Stapleton

Dallas, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 262.3-mile journey from Manvel, TX, to Dallas, TX, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes. You'll spend nearly all of your time on major roadways, with a 99% highway share, making it a practical choice for a quick trip between these two points within the Great Plains region. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $40, and with only one recommended stop, it's designed for efficient travel. This route is ideal if you're looking for a no-fuss drive with minimal detours.

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

131.1 miles from Manvel, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
North Freeway	236.3 mi	4h 8m
Brazoria County Expressway	16.1 mi	19m
TX 6	2.8 mi	4m
Gulf Freeway	2.4 mi	3m
Nolan Ryan Expressway	1.9 mi	2m
Elm Street	0.9 mi	1m
Masters Road	0.3 mi	<1m
North Lamar Street	0.2 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: North Freeway — 236.3 mi, about 4h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Manvel, TX and Dallas, TX.

Start on CR 67

0.3 mi · 48 sec · Masters Road

Turn left onto TX 6

2.8 mi · 4 min · TX 6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec

Toward TX 288 North

Merge onto TX 288

1.9 mi · 2 min · Nolan Ryan Expressway

Continue on TX 288

0.1 mi · 7 sec · South Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

16 mi · 19 min · Brazoria County Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 59 sec

Toward I 45 North: Dallas Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 45

2.4 mi · 3 min · Gulf Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 45

236 mi · 4 hr 8 min · North Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Exit 284B Toward Main Street West, Elm Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 14 sec

Toward Elm Street Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto Elm Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · Elm Street

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Turn right onto North Lamar Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · North Lamar Street

Arrive at destination

North Lamar Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 42-minute duration and 262.3-mile distance, this trip is well-suited for a single-day excursion from Manvel to Dallas. To make the most of your drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Dallas. With a fuel cost estimate of $40, it's wise to ensure your tank is full before you begin. The longest stretch is over 236 miles, so plan for a mid-drive break to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, even though only one stop is suggested. Keep an eye on highway signage for any potential construction or lane changes as you near your destination.

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 131.1 miles from Manvel, TX, or about 2h 23m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236.3 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 58 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 131.1 miles or 2h 23m 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 51m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Manvel, 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 Manvel, TX

This is one driving day of about 262.3 miles and 4h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Manvel, 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 North Freeway for about 236.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Corsicana, TX

131 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 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corsicana, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 131.1 miles from Manvel, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 236.3 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.

Best coffee break · first break window

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Houston, Texas

Near the start, short detour

First break · 20min in 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+13462417524

Visit website

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Houston Zoo

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17135336500

Visit website

City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19724823055

Visit website

Midtown Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+17135267577

Visit website

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17139266368

Visit website

Union Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Houston, Texas

+17132598070

Visit website

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17137520314

Visit website

The Woodlands Waterway

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

The Woodlands, Texas

Visit website

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17137520314

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.5 and 261.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5.5 mi into trip | ~8m in | TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

21.6 mi into trip | ~27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 45 North: Dallas

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 45 North: Dallas

22 mi into trip | ~28m in | I 45 / Gulf Freeway

Merge onto I 45 / Gulf Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

260.8 mi into trip | ~4h 39m in

Take the exit toward Main Street West, Elm 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 284B Toward Main Street West, Elm Street

261.1 mi into trip | ~4h 39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Elm Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Elm Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.63 one way

$79.27 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$43.38	$86.77
premium	$4.54	$46.83	$93.66
diesel	$5.61	$57.91	$115.83

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$40

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 91.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	78.7	0	$27.54	$12.59
Efficient EV	65.6	0	$22.95	$10.49
EV Truck/SUV	104.9	1	$36.72	$16.79

Gas CO2

92 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (66% 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 17, 2026

Origin

Manvel, TX

Morning in Manvel on Tuesday

Local time

7:51 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dallas, TX

Morning in Dallas on Tuesday

Local time

7:51 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Mostly Clear

S 5 to 10 mph 5% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 10:11PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 8:59PM CDT until April 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

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

3 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

4h 42m 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?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 99% of your travel occurring on major roads like the North Freeway, Brazoria County Expressway, and TX 6. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is an impressive 236.3 miles on the North Freeway, indicating long periods of consistent driving. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficiency and speed, rather than winding scenic byways. It’s a route built for covering distance with minimal interruption, keeping you moving steadily towards your destination.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 236.3 mi on North Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and Brazoria County Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.5 miles in near TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 262.3 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 5.5 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22 miles (I 45 / Gulf Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Dallas, TX

Full guide →

“Big D” · Founded 1841

Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Top landmarks

• Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
• Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
• George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...

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 4h 42m. Total distance: 262.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 236.3 miles on North Freeway. 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 Dallas, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Dallas, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.

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 Manvel, TX or browse trips ending in Dallas, TX.

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Trip from Manvel, TX to Dallas, 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

Children's Museum Houston

Cidercade Houston

Downtown Aquarium

Children's Museum Houston

Houston Zoo

City Park

Midtown Park

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

Union Station

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

The Woodlands Waterway

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Manvel, TX

Dallas, TX

Same local time

3 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 42m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Dallas, 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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