Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Trip from Missouri City, TX to McKinney, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 10m
Distance
285.8 mi
460 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 57m
★
6 AM
5h 11m
8 AM
5h 37m
10 AM
5h 20m
12 PM
5h 17m
3 PM
5h 21m
5 PM
5h 36m
8 PM
5h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Missouri City, TX
Wikimedia Commons
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Missouri City, TX to McKinney, TX is 285.8 miles and takes about 5h 10m via North Freeway, North Central Expressway, and West Loop South, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, traveling north from the Great Plains region of Missouri City to the same region near McKinney. Expect a straightforward, mostly highway drive with only one recommended stop. It's a practical choice for a single day of driving, perfect if you're looking to cover ground efficiently 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
142.9 miles from Missouri City, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 234.4 mi | 4h 5m |
| North Central Expressway | 26.6 mi | 28m |
| West Loop South | 12.6 mi | 15m |
| Main Street | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| South Post Oak Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| South Tennessee Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| South McDonald Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Spur 399 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 234.4 mi, about 4h 5m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,256 veh/hr typical · worst 3,806
Quietest
2 AM
~407 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 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 Missouri City, TX and McKinney, TX.
1
Start on this road
33 ft
·
2 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
3
Merge onto US 90 Alt
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Main Street
4
Take the exit
162 ft
·
3 sec
Toward Post Oak Road
5
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
this road
Toward Post Oak Road
6
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
this road
Toward Post Oak Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
247 ft
·
11 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
Turn left
446 ft
·
10 sec
9
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
this road
10
Merge onto South Post Oak Road
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
South Post Oak Road
11
Keep slight left at fork onto South Post Oak Road
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
·
South Post Oak Road
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 610 North
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 610
13 mi
·
15 min
·
West Loop South
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17B
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
15
Merge onto I 45
234 mi
·
4 hr 5 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 75
27 mi
·
28 min
·
North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto Spur 399
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
20
Continue on TX 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South McDonald Street
21
Turn slight left
281 ft
·
10 sec
22
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Tennessee Street
23
Arrive at destination
North Tennessee Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour drive time, leaving Missouri City in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight. You'll only need one stop for this 285.8-mile trip, so plan that break strategically around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the long 234.4-mile stretch on North Freeway, as services might be less frequent in some sections. The $42 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a buffer. Since this is a single-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart a little later if needed, but an early start will make for a more relaxed experience.
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 142.9 miles from Missouri City, TX, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 234.4 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 63 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.9 miles or 2h 36m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McKinney, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Missouri City, 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 Missouri City, TX
This is one driving day of about 285.8 miles and 5h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Missouri City, 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 234.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
143 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 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 142.9 miles from Missouri City, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 234.4 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
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
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
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
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Minuteman Press
1.5 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Dennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteHeard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
McKinney, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19725625566
Visit websiteDowntown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
First break
3.9 mi from route
~10 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteEscape Again Rooms
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.2 mi from route
~11 min detour
Sugar Land, Texas
Hours: 4–10 pm
+18329994572
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
First break
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
First break
4.4 mi from route
~11 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 4.8 and 282.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
4.8 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
6.9 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 610 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 610 North
5
7.5 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
I 610 / West Loop South
Merge onto I 610 / West Loop South
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
281.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 3m in
Take the exit toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
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 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
6
282.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.15 one way
$78.29 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $43.73 | $87.45 |
| premium | $4.23 | $47.54 | $95.08 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $53.96 | $107.93 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.13
Central Expressway
(26.6 mi)
$2.13
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: 100 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.7 | 1 | $30.01 | $13.72 |
| Efficient EV | 71.5 | 0 | $25.01 | $11.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.3 | 1 | $40.01 | $18.29 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Origin
Missouri City, TX
Afternoon in Missouri City on Sunday
Local time
2:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
20% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:53PM CDT until July 21 at 3:54AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:52PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
McKinney, TX
Afternoon in McKinney on Sunday
Local time
2:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 to 15 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:53PM CDT until July 21 at 3:54AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:52PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
100°F
Italy, TX
143 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 10m 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?
This route is 91% highway, meaning you'll be on major roadways for the vast majority of the 285.8 miles. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 234.4 miles along North Freeway. You'll transition to surface roads for the remaining 9% of the drive, which equates to about 25.7 miles. Expect a significant amount of merging and exiting as you navigate through urban and suburban areas.
91% 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: 234.4 mi on North Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and North Central Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 15 significant decision points across 285.8 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 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles (I 610 / West Loop South): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
628 ft
53 ft
Total Climb
948 ft
Total Descent
395 ft
Highest Point
628 ft
~285.8 mi in
Elevation Range
575 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Missouri City, TX
Full guide →Arriving in McKinney, TX
Full guide →Founded 1848
McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas.
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 10m. Total distance: 285.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 234.4 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.13 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 28 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 McKinney, 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles (I 610 / West Loop South): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McKinney, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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