Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from McKinney, TX to Patton Village, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 40m
Distance
254.1 mi
409 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 27m
★
6 AM
4h 41m
8 AM
5h 8m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 48m
3 PM
4h 52m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Patton Village, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
McKinney, TX to Patton Village, TX is 254.1 miles and takes about 4h 40m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route primarily stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Texas. With a high percentage of highway travel, it’s designed for efficient transit. Plan for a single-day trip, as the duration is manageable for most drivers. Consider this option if you need to cover ground quickly 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
127.1 miles from McKinney, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 14m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 195.8 mi | 3h 20m |
| Central Expressway | 29.2 mi | 31m |
| Farm-to-Market Road 3083 | 8 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 242 | 6.5 mi | 9m |
| North Loop 336 East | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Beach Airport Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| FM 1485 | 2 mi | 2m |
| East Virginia Street | 1.4 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 195.8 mi, about 3h 20m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,985 veh/hr typical · worst 2,601
Quietest
2 AM
~289 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 88 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 McKinney, TX and Patton Village, TX.
1
Start on North Tennessee Street
119 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Tennessee Street
2
Turn left onto East Virginia Street
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
East Virginia Street
3
Turn left onto South Central Expressway
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Central Expressway
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 75 South, TX 121 South
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto US 75; TX 121
29 mi
·
31 min
·
Central Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 45
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45
192 mi
·
3 hr 16 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Exit 89
Toward FM 3083: Teas Nursery Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn straight onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
10
Turn left onto FM 3083
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
Carter Moore Drive
11
Continue on FM 3083
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 3083
Use the straight / left lanes.
12
Continue on FM 3083
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Beach Airport Road
13
Turn left onto Loop 336
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Loop 336 East
Use the straight / left lanes.
14
Turn left onto FM 3083
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 3083
15
Continue on FM 3083
6.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 3083
16
Continue on FM 1485
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 1485
17
Turn left onto TX 242
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 242
Use the left lane.
18
At end of road, turn left onto Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
19
Turn right onto Creekwood Lane
203 ft
·
8 sec
·
Creekwood Lane
Use the right lane.
20
Turn right onto 1st Street
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
1st Street
21
Continue on Main Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Main Street
22
Keep slight right at fork onto Main Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
23
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this trip, aim to depart McKinney in the morning to avoid potential traffic and maximize daylight. Since this is a single-day drive, you can be flexible with your timing. The route has one recommended stop, likely for fuel or a brief break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 195.8-mile stretch of Julius Schepps Freeway, as services can be spaced out on longer highway segments. Ensure you have enough gas to comfortably reach Patton Village.
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 127.1 miles from McKinney, TX, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 195.8 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 56 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.1 miles or 2h 14m 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 Patton Village, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving McKinney, 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 McKinney, TX
This is one driving day of about 254.1 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from McKinney, 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 Julius Schepps Freeway for about 195.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 127.1 miles from McKinney, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Julius Schepps Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 195.8 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.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA Express
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Minuteman Press
1.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
QuikTrip
1.5 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Carl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websiteHeard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
McKinney, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19725625566
Visit websiteDark Hour Haunted House
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Plano, Texas
+14692980556
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit website11th Hour Escape
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: 12–5:30 pm
+14692095978
Visit websiteHeritage Farmstead Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19728810140
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 252.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward US 75 South, TX 121 South
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 75 South, TX 121 South
5
2.4 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 75; TX 121 / Central Expressway
Merge onto US 75; TX 121 / Central Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
34.9 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
227.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward FM 3083: Teas Nursery Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 89
Toward FM 3083: Teas Nursery Road
6
252.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
|
Creekwood Lane
Turn right onto Creekwood Lane
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.91 one way
$77.81 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.29 | $42.94 | $85.87 |
| premium | $4.64 | $46.40 | $92.80 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $61.81 | $123.63 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.38
Central Expressway
(29.7 mi)
$2.38
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
$39
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.2 | 0 | $26.68 | $12.20 |
| Efficient EV | 63.5 | 0 | $22.23 | $10.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.6 | 1 | $35.57 | $16.26 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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.
Origin
McKinney, TX
Morning in McKinney on Saturday
Local time
7:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Sunny
N 20 to 25 mph
3% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 6:22AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 16 at 6:11AM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
Patton Village, TX
Morning in Patton Village on Saturday
Local time
7:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
N 10 to 20 mph
24% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 6:22AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 16 at 6:11AM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
64°F
Italy, TX
127 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
9 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 40m 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?
You'll spend most of your time on highways, with 93% of the route utilizing them. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 195.8 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. After this extensive highway segment, you'll transition to surface roads, including Farm-to-Market Road 3083, for the final part of your drive. Expect a consistent cruising speed for the majority of the trip, with a shift to local roads as you approach your destination.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 195.8 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and Central Expressway. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 254.1 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles (US 75; TX 121 / Central Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.9 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
651 ft
86 ft
Total Climb
299 ft
Total Descent
841 ft
Highest Point
651 ft
~18.2 mi in
Elevation Range
565 ft
About the Cities
Starting in McKinney, TX
Full guide →Founded 1848
McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas.
Arriving in Patton Village, TX
Full guide →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 40m. Total distance: 254.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 40m 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 195.8 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.38 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.
Yes — we found about 25 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Patton Village, 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. There are 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles (US 75; TX 121 / Central Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.9 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Patton Village, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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