Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Montopolis, TX to Friendswood, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 20m
Distance
180 mi
290 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 9m
★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 29m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 30m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Friendswood, TX
Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE
Trip Overview
Montopolis, TX to Friendswood, TX is 180 miles and takes about 3h 20m via Texas State Highway 71 and the Sam Houston Tollways, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, beginning in the Great Plains region and ending in the same broader geographical area. It's a straightforward drive that uses a significant portion of highway, making it efficient for reaching your destination. Given its duration and minimal stops, this route is ideal for a same-day trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
90 miles from Montopolis, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Highway 71 | 138.3 mi | 2h 26m |
| South Sam Houston Tollway West | 15.4 mi | 17m |
| West Sam Houston Tollway South | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| East Broadway Street | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| East State Highway 71 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| North Main Street | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Bastrop Freeway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| West Sam Houston Parkway South | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Texas State Highway 71
— 138.3 mi, about 2h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montopolis, TX and Friendswood, TX.
1
Start on this road
219 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
2
Merge onto 183 Toll
0.8 mi
·
47 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
3
Continue on US 183
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Bastrop Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 71 East: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Turn straight onto 71 Toll
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Bastrop Freeway
Toward 71 Toll East, TX 45 Toll North, TX 130 Toll North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on TX 71
0.5 mi
·
29 sec
·
East State Highway 71
8
Continue on TX 71
138 mi
·
2 hr 26 min
·
Texas State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 756
Toward Sam Houston Tollway
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward SHT South
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto SHT
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Sam Houston Tollway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
West Sam Houston Tollway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on BW 8
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Sam Houston Parkway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on SHT
15 mi
·
17 min
·
South Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward TX 35: Mykawa Road, Telephone Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto BW 8
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
South Sam Houston Parkway East
17
Turn right onto TX 35
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Telephone Road
18
Continue on TX 35
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
19
Turn left onto FM 518
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
East Broadway Street
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on FM 518
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Friendswood Drive
21
Continue on FM 518
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
South Friendswood Drive
22
Arrive at destination
FM 518
Trip Plan
For this 180-mile drive, leaving in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and ensure you have plenty of time. With a duration of just over 3 hours and only one recommended stop, you have a lot of flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $27, and it's always wise to top off before a longer highway stretch. A key tip for this route is to be aware of the toll sections of the Sam Houston Tollway; having a toll transponder or being prepared for electronic toll collection will make your entry into the Friendswood area smoother.
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 90 miles from Montopolis, TX, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.3 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 40 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 90 miles or 1h 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 2h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Friendswood, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montopolis, 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 Montopolis, TX
This is one driving day of about 180 miles and 3h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Montopolis, 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 Texas State Highway 71 for about 138.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 90 miles from Montopolis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Texas State Highway 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Colorado County Eastbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Colorado County Westbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Frankie Carter Randolph Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
mile 180
Friendswood, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+12814826055
Katy Heritage Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
mile 128.6
Katy, Texas
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+12813914840
Visit websitePlay Street Museum - Katy
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
mile 128.6
Katy, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–6 pm
+12816664217
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~9 min detour
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteAndretti Indoor Karting & Games Katy
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Later in the drive, ~11 min detour
4.2 mi from route
~11 min detour
mile 128.6
Katy, Texas
Hours: 11 am–11 pm
+18329742201
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 170 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the exit toward TX 71 East: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward TX 71 East: Austin-Bergstrom Internation...
7
144.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
Take the exit toward Sam Houston Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 756
Toward Sam Houston Tollway
7
145 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SHT South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SHT South
6
147.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
|
SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
170 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m in
Take the exit toward TX 35: Mykawa Road, Telephone Road
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.
Toward TX 35: Mykawa Road, Telephone Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.20 one way
$54.40 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $29.77 | $59.54 |
| premium | $4.54 | $32.14 | $64.28 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.74 | $79.48 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.79
Sam Houston Tollway
(22.4 mi)
$1.79
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
$27
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54 | 0 | $18.90 | $8.64 |
| Efficient EV | 45 | 0 | $15.75 | $7.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 72 | 0 | $25.20 | $11.52 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Sunday
Local time
4:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Friendswood, TX
Late night in Friendswood on Sunday
Local time
4:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Columbus, TX
90 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
17 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
3h 20m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 82% of the drive being on major roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 138.3 miles on Texas State Highway 71. Expect to transition from highway cruising to toll roads around the western Houston area, indicated by the South Sam Houston Tollway West and West Sam Houston Tollway South segments. This means you'll encounter more developed interchanges and potentially busier traffic as you approach your destination.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.3 mi on Texas State Highway 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Texas State Highway 71 and South Sam Houston Tollway West. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in.
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 10 significant decision points across 180 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 1.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 144.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Montopolis, TX and Friendswood, TX, road signs point toward Sam Houston Tollway and Sht South.
Sam Houston Tollway
144.6 mi in
|
~2h 34m
Sht South
145 mi in
|
~2h 35m
About the Cities
Arriving in Friendswood, TX
Full guide →Founded 1960
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 3h 20m. Total distance: 180 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 138.3 miles on Texas State Highway 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.79 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. 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 11 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 Friendswood, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 144.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Friendswood, 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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