Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Palmer, TX to Houston, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 44m
Distance
211.7 mi
341 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 32m
★
6 AM
3h 44m
8 AM
4h 10m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 51m
3 PM
3h 55m
5 PM
4h 8m
8 PM
3h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Palmer, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Embarking on a road trip from Palmer, TX, to Houston, TX, covers 211.7 miles and is estimated to take about 3 hours and 44 minutes of driving time. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 99% of the journey on major roads, making it a straightforward drive. Given its relatively short duration and distance, it's perfectly manageable as a single-day trip. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $32. You'll be traveling within the Great Plains region for both your departure and arrival points, meaning the landscape will remain consistent throughout your drive. This trip offers a direct and efficient way to get from point A to point B.
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
105.8 miles from Palmer, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 208.9 mi | 3h 38m |
| South Dallas Street | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Milam Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| South Interstate 45 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Louisiana Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| West Jefferson Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Prairie Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Gulf Freeway | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 208.9 mi, about 3h 38m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,183 veh/hr typical · worst 3,862
Quietest
2 AM
~397 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 100 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 Palmer, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on FM 813
417 ft
·
12 sec
·
West Jefferson Street
2
Turn right onto I 45 Bus
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Dallas Street
3
Continue on South Interstate 45
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
South Interstate 45
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 45 South
5
Merge onto I 45
209 mi
·
3 hr 38 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
9
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
10
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
11
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
12
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 44-minute drive, consider leaving Palmer, TX, in the morning to make the most of daylight and avoid potential rush hour traffic as you approach Houston. With only one recommended stop and the longest stretch being over 200 miles, you can plan for a single fuel and rest break. The estimated fuel cost is $32, so ensure your tank is adequately full before departing, especially since the drive is 99% highway. Since this is a manageable one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, but be mindful of the 211.7-mile duration.
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 105.8 miles from Palmer, TX, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 208.9 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 47 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.8 miles or 1h 51m 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 2m
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 Palmer, 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 Palmer, TX
This is one driving day of about 211.7 miles and 3h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Palmer, 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 45 for about 208.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
106 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 105.8 miles from Palmer, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 208.9 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
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
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
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
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
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 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 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 websiteBarbara 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 websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
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 websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteChildren's Museum Houston
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+17135221138
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 75 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 211.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
1.3 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 45 South
Navigation decision point
Toward I 45 South
5
1.5 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 45
Merge onto I 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
210.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
7
210.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Milam Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Milam Street
5
211.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 44m in
|
Louisiana Street
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.44 one way
$60.88 round trip
$3.65/gal
25.4 MPG avg
74 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.05 | $33.74 | $67.48 |
| premium | $4.40 | $36.66 | $73.31 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $39.97 | $79.95 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-20.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63.5 | 0 | $22.23 | $10.16 |
| Efficient EV | 52.9 | 0 | $18.52 | $8.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 84.7 | 1 | $29.64 | $13.55 |
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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
Palmer, TX
Evening in Palmer on Wednesday
Local time
7:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Clear
NE 5 to 10 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 22 at 6:55PM CDT until July 22 at 7:45PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 22 at 6:52PM CDT until July 22 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Evening in Houston on Wednesday
Local time
7:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
103°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 5 mph
13% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 22 at 6:55PM CDT until July 22 at 7:45PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 22 at 6:52PM CDT until July 22 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
98°F
Madisonville, TX
106 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
25 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 44m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is overwhelmingly a highway experience, with 99% of the 211.7 miles spent on major roads, primarily I 45. You'll encounter a longest stretch of uninterrupted driving for 208.9 miles on I 45, indicating long, consistent stretches of highway. The profile suggests a highway-focused drive, meaning you can expect straightforward navigation and steady speeds for the majority of your journey. While the road is primarily I 45, you'll also navigate segments of South Dallas Street and Milam Street at the beginning and end of your trip, offering brief transitions.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 208.9 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and South Dallas Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 44m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 210.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
469 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
144 ft
Total Descent
575 ft
Highest Point
469 ft
~60.5 mi in
Elevation Range
433 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Palmer, TX
Full guide →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 3h 44m. Total distance: 211.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 208.9 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.5 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 210.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Houston, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Houston, TX
More from Palmer, TX
More trips to Houston, TX
Explore more options from Palmer, TX or browse trips ending in Houston, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.