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0.1 mi from route
Trip from Montopolis, TX to Pinewood Estates, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 32m
Distance
238.4 mi
384 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 19m
★
6 AM
4h 32m
8 AM
4h 59m
10 AM
4h 42m
12 PM
4h 39m
3 PM
4h 43m
5 PM
4h 58m
8 PM
4h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Pinewood Estates, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Montopolis, TX to Pinewood Estates, TX is 238.4 miles and takes about 4h 32m via Texas State Highway 71 and US Highway 90, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a primarily highway experience across Texas. Given the relatively short duration and substantial highway mileage, this route is well-suited for a single-day drive. The majority of your travel will be on major arteries, making it a straightforward transit between these two points.
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
119.2 miles from Montopolis, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Highway 71 | 137 mi | 2h 25m |
| US Highway 90 | 21 mi | 24m |
| Crosby Freeway | 17.5 mi | 20m |
| United States Highway 90 West | 16 mi | 18m |
| Katy Freeway | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| TX 326 | 7 mi | 10m |
| East Freeway | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| 5th Street | 5.4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
Texas State Highway 71
— 137 mi, about 2h 25m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,548 veh/hr typical · worst 6,544
Quietest
2 AM
~634 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 98 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 Montopolis, TX and Pinewood Estates, 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
137 mi
·
2 hr 25 min
·
Texas State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Use the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 10 Toll
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Katy Tollway
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 10; US 90
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
13
Continue on I 10; US 90
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Crosby Freeway
Toward US 90 East: Liberty
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto US 90
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Crosby Freeway
Toward US 90 East
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward US 90
17
Continue on US 90
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
Crosby Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 90
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Crosby Freeway
19
Continue on US 90
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Beaumont Highway
20
Continue on US 90
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US Highway 90
21
Continue on US 90
16 mi
·
18 min
·
United States Highway 90 West
22
Continue on US 90
19 mi
·
22 min
·
US Highway 90
23
Turn left onto TX 326
7.0 mi
·
10 min
·
TX 326
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto TX 105
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
5th Street
25
Turn left onto Pinewood Boulevard
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Pinewood Boulevard
26
Continue on Pinewood Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
Pinewood Boulevard
27
Turn slight right onto East Pineshadows Drive
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Pineshadows Drive
28
Continue on Woodway Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Woodway Boulevard
29
Turn left onto Pinelake Drive
383 ft
·
16 sec
·
Pinelake Drive
30
Continue on Lakeview Drive
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Lakeview Drive
31
Arrive at destination
Lakeview Drive
Trip Plan
For this 4.5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. The route is heavily highway-focused, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition before leaving Montopolis. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially before embarking on the 137-mile segment on Texas State Highway 71, as services might be more spread out during this long stretch.
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 119.2 miles from Montopolis, TX, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137 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 52 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.2 miles or 2h 7m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pinewood Estates, 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 238.4 miles and 4h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 137 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
119 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 119.2 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 137 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.
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
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.5 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.6 mi from route
Colorado County Eastbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Colorado County Westbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Waugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteThe Escape Game Houston (Galleria)
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–12 pm
+17136365541
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
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3.4 mi from route
~8 min detour
Katy, Texas
Hours: 11 am–11 pm
+18329742201
Visit websiteSheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~10 min detour
Final third
3.9 mi from route
~10 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+12814562800
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Final third
4.1 mi from route
~10 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Final third
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteDowntown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Final third
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 163.7 — 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...
5
3.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
71 Toll / Bastrop Freeway
Turn straight onto 71 Toll / Bastrop Freeway toward 71 Toll East, TX 45 Toll North, TX 130 Toll North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward 71 Toll East, TX 45 Toll North, TX 130 T...
6
143.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 Toll: Katy Tollway
5
146.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
163.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m in
|
US 90 / Crosby Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 90 / Crosby Freeway toward US 90 East: Liberty
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward US 90 East: Liberty
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.79 one way
$71.58 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $39.60 | $79.20 |
| premium | $4.57 | $42.85 | $85.69 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $58.91 | $117.81 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.23
Katy Tollway
(3.2 mi)
$0.23
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
$36
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.5 | 0 | $25.03 | $11.44 |
| Efficient EV | 59.6 | 0 | $20.86 | $9.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95.4 | 1 | $33.38 | $15.26 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 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
Montopolis, TX
Morning in Montopolis on Friday
Local time
6:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
ENE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Pinewood Estates, TX
Morning in Pinewood Estates on Friday
Local time
6:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
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
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
4h 32m 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 to spend about 92% of your time on highways, with a significant 137-mile stretch on Texas State Highway 71. This means you'll encounter plenty of high-speed cruising and limited-access sections for most of the drive. The transition to surface roads will likely occur as you near Pinewood Estates, where the pace will naturally slow down. Keep an eye out for dense exit patterns as you approach and leave urban areas along the way.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 137 mi on Texas State Highway 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Texas State Highway 71 and US Highway 90. 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
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 238.4 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 3.9 miles (71 Toll / Bastrop Freeway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
527 ft
25 ft
Total Climb
124 ft
Total Descent
563 ft
Highest Point
527 ft
~17 mi in
Elevation Range
503 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 32m. Total distance: 238.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 32m 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 137 miles on Texas State Highway 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.23 in tolls one way, starting with Katy 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 14 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 Pinewood Estates, 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 14 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 3.9 miles (71 Toll / Bastrop Freeway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Pinewood Estates, 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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