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Trip from Montopolis, TX to Henderson, 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 55m

Distance

242 mi

389 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 42m ★
6 AM
4h 56m
8 AM
5h 23m
10 AM
5h 5m
12 PM
5h 2m
3 PM
5h 6m
5 PM
5h 21m
8 PM
4h 48m

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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city in and county seat of Rusk County, Texas, United States

Henderson, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 242-mile drive from Montopolis, TX, to Henderson, TX, will take you about 4 hours and 55 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily be on US 79, Pickle Parkway, and Bergstrom Expressway, with 92% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $37 for this route. Given its length and highway focus, it’s well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. This is a straightforward drive across the Great Plains region of Texas.

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

121 miles from Montopolis, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 79 196.2 mi 4h 1m
Pickle Parkway 12.8 mi 11m
Bergstrom Expressway 7 mi 6m
Palm Valley Boulevard 5 mi 6m
Carlos G Parker Boulevard Southwest 4.3 mi 4m
Manor Expressway 3.7 mi 3m
West 2nd Street 3.1 mi 3m
South Market Street 1.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 79 — 196.2 mi, about 4h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Montopolis, TX and Henderson, 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

1.0 mi · 1 min · Bastrop Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
4

Take the exit

136 ft · 10 sec
Use the left lane.
5

Turn sharp left onto US 183

1.1 mi · 1 min · US Highway 183 South
6

Continue on 183 Toll

6.2 mi · 6 min · Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on US 183

0.6 mi · 34 sec · US 183
8

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward 290 Toll East: Houston Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto 290 Toll

3.7 mi · 3 min · Manor Expressway
10

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 130 Toll North, TX 130 Toll South: Georgetown, San Antonio Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Georgetown Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto TX 45 Toll; TX 130 Toll

13 mi · 11 min · Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 423 Toward US 79: Taylor, Round Rock, Palm Valley Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 34 sec · this road
Exit 423 Toward US 79: Palm Valley Boulevard
15

Continue on TX 130 Frontage Road

0.2 mi · 35 sec · TX 130 Frontage Road
16

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 33 sec
17

Merge onto US 79

5.0 mi · 6 min · Palm Valley Boulevard
18

Continue on US 79

3.1 mi · 3 min · West 2nd Street
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward US 79 North: Rockdale
20

Continue on US 79

4.3 mi · 4 min · Carlos G Parker Boulevard Southwest
21

Keep slight right at fork onto US 79

53 mi · 1 hr 5 min · US 79
22

Take the exit onto US 79; US 190

0.1 mi · 26 sec · US 79; US 190
23

At end of road, turn left onto US 79; US 190; TX 6

1.6 mi · 1 min · South Market Street
24

Continue on US 79; TX 6

0.3 mi · 22 sec · North State Highway 6
25

Keep slight left at fork onto US 79

79 mi · 1 hr 30 min · US 79
26

Merge onto US 79; US 84

64 mi · 1 hr 25 min · US 79; US 84
27

Turn left onto US 79 Business

1.0 mi · 1 min · Jacksonville Drive
28

At end of road, turn left onto US 79 Business

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
29

Continue on US 79 Business; TX 64 Business

45 ft · 0 sec · East Main Street
30

Arrive at destination

US 79 Business; TX 64 Business

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour and 55-minute trip, consider an early morning departure from Montopolis to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 196.2 miles, you can plan your fuel and rest breaks strategically. The estimated fuel cost is $37, so ensure your tank is full before you leave. A good tip for this route is to be mindful of the transition points between the Pickle Parkway/Bergstrom Expressway and US 79, as these can sometimes involve changes in speed limits or road conditions.

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 121 miles from Montopolis, TX, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 196.2 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 53 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 121 miles or 2h 24m 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 56m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Henderson, 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 242 miles and 4h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 US 79 for about 196.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Brazos County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

College Station, TX

121 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

Taylor, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Groesbeck, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 121 miles from Montopolis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 79 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 196.2 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.

Austin 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 website

Pioneer Farms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Austin, Texas

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+15128371215

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 28.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.9 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
9.8 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward 290 Toll East: Houston

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward 290 Toll East: Houston
7
14.4 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward TX 130 Toll North, TX 130 Toll South: Georgetown, San Antonio

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 130 Toll North, TX 130 Toll South: Ge...
7
14.9 mi into trip | ~17m in

Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Georgetown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward TX 130 Toll North: Georgetown
8
28.6 mi into trip | ~31m in

Take the exit toward US 79: Taylor, Round Rock, Palm Valley Boulevard

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 423 Toward US 79: Taylor, Round Rock, Palm Valley B...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.57 one way

$73.13 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $40.03 $80.05
premium $4.54 $43.21 $86.41
diesel $5.61 $53.43 $106.86

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 84.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72.6 0 $25.41 $11.62
Efficient EV 60.5 0 $21.17 $9.68
EV Truck/SUV 96.8 1 $33.88 $15.49

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Montopolis, TX

Late night in Montopolis on Tuesday

Local time

4:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

89°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Henderson, TX

Late night in Henderson on Tuesday

Local time

4:09 AM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

27 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 55m 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 is a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 92% of the 242 miles on main roads like US 79. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a significant 196.2-mile segment on US 79. The character of the drive is largely determined by these faster highway sections, offering a consistent pace for most of the journey. While primarily a highway experience, be aware of the transition onto and off these main arteries.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 196.2 mi on US 79.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 79 and Pickle Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 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 21 significant decision points across 242 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 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Henderson, TX, road signs point toward San Antonio and Round Rock.

San Antonio

14.4 mi in | ~16m

Round Rock

28.6 mi in | ~31m

About the Cities

Arriving in Henderson, TX

Full guide →

Top landmarks

  • • Henderson Commercial Historic District — historic district in Henderson, Rusk County, 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 4h 55m. Total distance: 242 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 196.2 miles on US 79. 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 Henderson, 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Henderson, 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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