Victoria County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Murillo Colonia, TX to Houston, 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
6h 41m
Distance
344.2 mi
554 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 30m
★
6 AM
6h 42m
8 AM
7h 6m
10 AM
6h 50m
12 PM
6h 48m
3 PM
6h 51m
5 PM
7h 4m
8 PM
6h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Murillo Colonia, TX
Brent Singleton
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
This 344.2-mile drive from Murillo Colonia, TX, to Houston, TX, is designed for a single day, clocking in at about 6 hours and 41 minutes of pure travel time. Primarily utilizing I 69C and US Highway 59 South, this highway-focused route is efficient for covering ground. With a projected fuel cost of around $52, it's an economical option for reaching the major hub of Houston. The journey keeps you within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a straightforward transit experience. Expect a practical and direct trip, perfect for those prioritizing arrival over extensive sightseeing.
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
172.1 miles from Murillo Colonia, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 19m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69C | 96.7 mi | 1h 44m |
| US Highway 59 South | 88.6 mi | 1h 38m |
| US 77 | 37.6 mi | 44m |
| United States Highway 77 | 33 mi | 37m |
| Southwest Freeway | 32.6 mi | 37m |
| East Main Street | 26.2 mi | 30m |
| U.S. Highway 77 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| South Alamo Road | 2.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 69C
— 96.7 mi, about 1h 44m
Traffic on I-69
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~682 veh/hr typical · worst 936
Quietest
2 AM
~109 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Murillo Colonia, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on Murillo Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
Murillo Street
2
Turn left onto FM 907
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
South Alamo Road
3
Continue on FM 907
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Alamo Road
4
Turn left onto FM 2128
0.5 mi
·
40 sec
·
East Schunior Street
5
Continue on FM 2128
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Richardson Street
6
Continue on FM 2128
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
East Richardson Road
7
Turn right onto North Expressway 281
181 ft
·
3 sec
·
North Expressway 281
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 69C North, US 281 North
9
Merge onto I 69C; US 281
71 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 69C; US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281
25 mi
·
28 min
·
I 69C; US 281
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
12
Continue on US 281 Business
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
US 281 Business
13
Turn right onto FM 1352
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Cecilia Street
14
Turn left onto FM 665
345 ft
·
7 sec
·
Old Kingsville Road
15
Turn slight right onto FM 665
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Cameron Street
16
Turn right onto TX 44; TX 359
452 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Front Street
17
Continue on TX 44; TX 359
26 mi
·
30 min
·
East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit onto TX 44
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 44
19
Turn left onto North US Highway 77
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North US Highway 77
Use the left lane.
20
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward County Road 44
21
Merge onto I 69E; US 77
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
22
Merge onto I 37; US 77; I 69E
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 37; US 77; I 69E
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
50 sec
24
Continue on I 37; US 77; I 69E
463 ft
·
5 sec
·
I 37; US 77; I 69E
25
Take the exit onto US 77
38 mi
·
44 min
·
US 77
Toward Sinton, Victoria
26
Turn slight right onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
United States Highway 77
27
Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 91
28
Merge onto US 59
89 mi
·
1 hr 38 min
·
US Highway 59 South
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
30
Continue on 59 Northbound Frontage Road
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
59 Northbound Frontage Road
31
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
this road
32
Continue on US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
33
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
34
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 69 North, US 59 North
35
Merge onto I 69; US 59
33 mi
·
37 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street
Use the slight left lane.
37
Take the exit
155 ft
·
3 sec
Toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Continue on Louisiana Street
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Louisiana Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
39
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 41-minute duration, starting your drive from Murillo Colonia in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable arrival in Houston. With only one recommended stop, plan this break strategically to coincide with your longest stretches of driving. The fuel cost is estimated at $52, so ensure your tank is full before departing and keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the 96.7-mile segment on I 69C. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, offering flexibility in departure time.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 172.1 miles from Murillo Colonia, TX, or about 3h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96.7 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 76 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 172.1 miles or 3h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Murillo Colonia, 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 Murillo Colonia, TX
This is one driving day of about 344.2 miles and 6h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Murillo Colonia, 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 I 69C for about 96.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
172 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 76 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 172.1 miles from Murillo Colonia, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 69C if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 96.7 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.
Brooks County Rest Area
0 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Victoria County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
San Patricio County Northbound Rest Area
2.2 mi from route
Downtown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteBrazos River Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Sugar Land, Texas
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+12812752825
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteLegacy Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
El Campo, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websiteZlotnik Park at Legacy Fields
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
El Campo, Texas
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 245 decision points cluster between mile 5.8 and 342.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
5.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the ramp toward I 69C North, US 281 North
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 69C North, US 281 North
5
6 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 69C; US 281
Merge onto I 69C; US 281
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
134.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
North US Highway 77
Turn left onto North US Highway 77
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
341.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Richmond Avenue, Downtown via Louisiana...
7
342.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 36m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Louisiana Street
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 Downtown, Louisiana Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.14 one way
$94.29 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
120 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $52.66 | $105.32 |
| premium | $4.23 | $57.25 | $114.51 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $64.99 | $129.98 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 103.3 | 1 | $36.14 | $16.52 |
| Efficient EV | 86.1 | 0 | $30.12 | $13.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 137.7 | 1 | $48.19 | $22.03 |
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 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
Murillo Colonia, TX
Late night in Murillo Colonia on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 10 to 17 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:00AM CDT until July 17 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Late night in Houston on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Partly Cloudy
SE 5 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:00AM CDT until July 17 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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
18 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
6h 41m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is largely a highway-focused drive, with 88% of the journey on major roads like I 69C and US Highway 59 South. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a notable 96.7-mile segment on I 69C. While mainly an interstate experience, the inclusion of US 77 offers a slight variation in the road's character. The overall profile suggests a consistent pace, allowing you to maintain speed and make steady progress towards Houston. It's a route built for efficiency rather than winding scenic byways.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 96.7 mi on I 69C.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69C and US Highway 59 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.8 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 24 significant decision points across 344.2 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 5.8 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (I 69C; US 281): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 miles (North US Highway 77): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
174 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
185 ft
Total Descent
245 ft
Highest Point
174 ft
~98.4 mi in
Elevation Range
139 ft
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 Murillo Colonia, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward County Road 44, Sinton and Victoria.
County Road 44
135.1 mi in
|
~2h 36m
Sinton
142.2 mi in
|
~2h 44m
|
via US 77
Victoria
142.2 mi in
|
~2h 44m
|
via US 77
About the Cities
Arriving in Houston, TX
Full guide →“Space City” · Founded 1836
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered. === Welcome World Cup fans === Games will be played at NRG Stadium on the south side of Houston The best way to get to the stadium on game day is to use MetroRail trains (red line to NRG Stadium/Astrodome). Fare cards can be purchased at kiosks at train platforms and cost US$1.25 per ride The best hotels for football fans are downtown or near the medical center (both areas have easy access to MetroRail).
Top landmarks
- • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
- • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
- • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris 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 6h 41m. Total distance: 344.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 96.7 miles on I 69C. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Houston, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.8 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (I 69C; US 281): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 miles (North US Highway 77): Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Houston, 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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