Origin
Pasadena, TX
Night in Pasadena on Saturday
Local time
11:14 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pasadena, TX to Arlington, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 50m
Distance
268.3 mi
432 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 37m
★
6 AM
4h 50m
8 AM
5h 17m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 57m
3 PM
5h 1m
5 PM
5h 16m
8 PM
4h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pasadena, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 268.3-mile drive from Pasadena, Texas, to Arlington, Texas, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day. With an estimated duration of 4 hours and 50 minutes, you'll spend most of your time on major arteries like I-45 and the Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $41, making it an economical option for a weekend getaway or a quick relocation. Since both destinations are within the Great Plains region, you can expect a consistent landscape throughout your travel. This route is best suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed.
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
134.2 miles from Pasadena, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 203.1 mi | 3h 28m |
| Hardy Toll Road | 21.8 mi | 25m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 15.1 mi | 16m |
| East Loop South | 10.7 mi | 13m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 6.1 mi | 6m |
| South Collins Street | 3.9 mi | 7m |
| La Porte Freeway | 2 mi | 2m |
| South Main Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 203.1 mi, about 3h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pasadena, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on South Main Street
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
2
Turn left onto Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward TX 225 West
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto TX 225
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
Pasadena Freeway
5
Continue on TX 225
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
La Porte Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 610 North
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 610
11 mi
·
13 min
·
East Loop South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 19B
Toward Hardy Toll Road North
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on HTR
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Hardy Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 45
203 mi
·
3 hr 28 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 276A
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 20
15 mi
·
16 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 20
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 451
Toward Collins Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto East Interstate 20
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Interstate 20
16
Turn right onto South Collins Street
3.9 mi
·
7 min
·
South Collins Street
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left onto East Abram Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Abram Street
Use the left lane.
18
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4-hour 50-minute duration, departing Pasadena in the morning allows you to arrive in Arlington with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically to coincide with your longest stretch on I-45. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during that 203.1-mile segment, as services can be spaced out. The Hardy Toll Road is part of your journey, so ensure you have a method for toll payment ready to avoid delays. This trip's flexibility means you can adjust your pace as needed.
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 134.2 miles from Pasadena, TX, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 203.1 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 59 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.2 miles or 2h 25m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, TX
This is one driving day of about 268.3 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Pasadena, 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 203.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
134 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 134.2 miles from Pasadena, 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 203.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 1.4 and 263.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
Turn left onto Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
4.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the exit toward I 610 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 610 North
7
15.8 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward Hardy Toll Road North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 19B
Toward Hardy Toll Road North
7
241.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 276A
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
7
263.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 40m in
Take the exit toward Collins Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 451
Toward Collins Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.54 one way
$81.08 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $44.38 | $88.75 |
| premium | $4.54 | $47.90 | $95.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $59.24 | $118.47 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.74
Hardy Toll Road
(21.8 mi)
$1.74
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
$41
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.5 | 0 | $28.17 | $12.88 |
| Efficient EV | 67.1 | 0 | $23.48 | $10.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 107.3 | 1 | $37.56 | $17.17 |
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 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.
Destination
Arlington, TX
Night in Arlington on Saturday
Local time
11:14 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°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
12 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 50m 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 a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 82% of the drive taking place on major interstates and toll roads. You'll primarily navigate along I-45 and the Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, offering a relatively fast-paced journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 203.1 miles on I-45, meaning extended periods of consistent driving without many turns. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficiency and directness, rather than winding scenic byways.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 203.1 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and Hardy Toll Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in near Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road.
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 268.3 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 1.4 miles (Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
On the drive from Pasadena, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Hardy Toll Road North along the way.
Hardy Toll Road North
15.8 mi in
|
~20m
About the Cities
Starting in Pasadena, TX
Full guide →Pasadena is in the North Barrier Coast of Texas.
Arriving in Arlington, TX
Full guide →Founded 1876
Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.
Top landmarks
- • Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
- • Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
- • Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States
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 50m. Total distance: 268.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m 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 203.1 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.74 in tolls one way, starting with Hardy Toll Road. 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.
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 Arlington, 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 1.4 miles (Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, 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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