Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Menard, TX to Dallas, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 8m
Distance
247.3 mi
398 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 55m
★
6 AM
5h 8m
8 AM
5h 35m
10 AM
5h 18m
12 PM
5h 15m
3 PM
5h 19m
5 PM
5h 34m
8 PM
5h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Menard, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 250-mile journey from Menard, TX to Dallas, TX will take you approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing Frisco Avenue and Highway 190, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, especially given its manageable distance. You can expect to spend around $38 on fuel for this drive. The route offers a direct path through the Great Plains region, connecting two points within Texas. With only one recommended stop, it's designed for efficient travel, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B.
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
123.6 miles from Menard, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Big Bend Trail | 61.8 mi | 1h 11m |
| US Highway 67 | 44.2 mi | 50m |
| United States Highway 377 | 43.5 mi | 1h 4m |
| US Highway 67/377 East | 19 mi | 21m |
| United States Highway 190 | 18.7 mi | 27m |
| East US Highway 190 | 11.2 mi | 11m |
| South US Highway 377 | 7.5 mi | 8m |
| Marvin D Love Freeway | 5.5 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
Northeast Big Bend Trail
— 61.8 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Menard, TX and Dallas, TX.
1
Start on FM 2092
54 ft
·
8 sec
·
West San Saba Avenue
2
Turn left onto US 83
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Frisco Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 190
11 mi
·
11 min
·
East US Highway 190
4
Continue on US 190
19 mi
·
27 min
·
United States Highway 190
5
Continue on US 190
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Menard Highway
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 87; US 190; US 377
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Bridge Street
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 87; US 190; US 377
131 ft
·
1 sec
·
Commerce Street
8
Turn right onto US 190; US 377
218 ft
·
5 sec
·
Church Street
9
Turn right onto US 190; US 377
327 ft
·
14 sec
·
Main Street
10
Turn left onto US 190; US 377
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Bridge Street
11
Continue on US 377
44 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
United States Highway 377
12
Continue on US 377
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
13
Take the ramp onto US 377
230 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 377
14
Merge onto US 67; US 84; US 377
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
·
West Commerce Street
15
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Early Boulevard
16
Continue on US 67; US 377
19 mi
·
21 min
·
US Highway 67/377 East
17
Continue on US 67; US 377
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Central Avenue
18
Continue on US 67; US 377
15 mi
·
17 min
·
US Highway 67
19
Continue on US 67; US 377
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest US Highway 377
20
Continue on US 67; US 377
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Dublin Bypass
21
Continue on US 67; US 377
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
South US Highway 377
22
Turn straight onto US 67; US 377
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
West Washington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 67; US 377
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
West South Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn right onto US 67
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Glen Rose Road
25
Continue on US 67
29 mi
·
32 min
·
US Highway 67
26
Continue on US 67
62 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
Northeast Big Bend Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on US 67
2.7 mi
·
2 min
·
West S G Alexander Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on US 67
5.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Marvin D Love Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto I 35E
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on I 35E
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 429A
Toward Continental Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
32
Turn right onto Continental Avenue
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Continental Avenue
Use the right lane.
33
Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street
433 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Lamar Street
34
Arrive at destination
North Lamar Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour driving duration, starting your trip in the morning from Menard will allow you to reach Dallas with plenty of daylight. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the midpoint of your 250-mile journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $38 estimated cost is based on current prices and your vehicle's efficiency. A key tip for this turn-heavy route is to ensure your GPS is set to avoid highways and to have it actively guiding you, as you'll be making numerous turns to stay on course.
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 123.6 miles from Menard, TX, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.8 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 54 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.6 miles or 2h 44m 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 16m
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 Menard, 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 Menard, TX
This is one driving day of about 247.3 miles and 5h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Menard, 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 Northeast Big Bend Trail for about 61.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.6 miles from Menard, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Northeast Big Bend Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.8 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
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
2.3 mi from route
Presidio de San Saba
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Menard, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13253964789
Visit websiteCity 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 websiteHeart of Texas Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.4 mi from route
~4 min detour
Brady, Texas
Hours: 1–5 pm
+13255970526
Visit websiteHeart of Texas Country Music Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
Brady, Texas
Hours: Closed
+13255971895
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 32.3 and 247 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
32.3 mi into trip
|
~43m in
|
US 87; US 190; US 377 / Bridge Street
At end of road, turn left onto US 87; US 190; US 377 / Bridge Street
Navigation decision point
6
139.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 2m in
|
US 67; US 377 / West South Loop
Keep slight right at fork onto US 67; US 377 / West South Loop
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
241.2 mi into trip
|
~5h in
|
I 35E / South R L Thornton Freeway
Merge onto I 35E / South R L Thornton Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
246.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m in
Take the exit toward Continental Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 429A
Toward Continental Avenue
6
247 mi into trip
|
~5h 7m in
|
Continental Avenue
Turn right onto Continental Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.87 one way
$67.74 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $37.83 | $75.67 |
| premium | $4.23 | $41.14 | $82.27 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $46.69 | $93.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.2 | 0 | $25.97 | $11.87 |
| Efficient EV | 61.8 | 0 | $21.64 | $9.89 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.9 | 1 | $34.62 | $15.83 |
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Origin
Menard, TX
Night in Menard on Monday
Local time
11:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Partly Sunny
S 10 to 15 mph
7% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:54AM CDT until July 21 at 4:06AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:53AM CDT until July 20 at 4:50AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
Dallas, TX
Night in Dallas on Monday
Local time
11:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:54AM CDT until July 21 at 4:06AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:53AM CDT until July 20 at 4:50AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi 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
11 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
5h 8m 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 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating a series of local roads and highways rather than cruising on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, but the profile suggests frequent changes in direction and potentially lower average speeds compared to highway driving. Be prepared for a driving experience that requires more active navigation as you transition between Menard Highway and Highway 190, and eventually into the Dallas area.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.8 mi on Northeast Big Bend Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Northeast Big Bend Trail and US Highway 67. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 32.3 miles in near US 87; US 190; US 377 / Bridge Street.
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 247.3 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 32.3 miles (US 87; US 190; US 377 / Bridge Street): Navigation decision point; at 139.5 miles (US 67; US 377 / West South Loop): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 241.2 miles (I 35E / South R L Thornton Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,884 ft
428 ft
Total Climb
334 ft
Total Descent
1,790 ft
Highest Point
1,884 ft
Elevation Range
1,456 ft
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 5h 8m. Total distance: 247.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.8 miles on Northeast Big Bend Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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 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. There are 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 32.3 miles (US 87; US 190; US 377 / Bridge Street): Navigation decision point; at 139.5 miles (US 67; US 377 / West South Loop): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 241.2 miles (I 35E / South R L Thornton Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Dallas, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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