Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Patton Village, TX to McKinney, 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
4h 40m
Distance
253.2 mi
407 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 27m
★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Patton Village, TX
Wikimedia Commons
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Patton Village to McKinney is 253.2 miles and takes about 4h 40m via I 45, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive focused on efficient travel. With a 92% highway share, you'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical option for a single-day journey. Consider this route if you prioritize getting to your destination quickly and efficiently, as it's designed for speed and directness.
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
126.6 miles from Patton Village, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 195.7 mi | 3h 20m |
| North Central Expressway | 26.6 mi | 28m |
| Farm-to-Market Road 3083 | 8 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 242 | 6.5 mi | 9m |
| South Loop 336 East | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Beach Airport Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| FM 1485 | 2 mi | 2m |
| Main Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 195.7 mi, about 3h 20m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,927 veh/hr typical · worst 2,389
Quietest
2 AM
~288 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 45 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 Patton Village, TX and McKinney, TX.
1
Start on Main Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
2
Continue on 1st Street
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
1st Street
3
Turn left onto Creekwood Lane
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Creekwood Lane
4
Turn left onto Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
Use the left lane.
5
Turn right onto TX 242
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 242
Use the right lane.
6
Turn right onto FM 1485
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 1485
7
Continue on FM 3083
6.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 3083
8
Continue on FM 3083
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 3083
9
Turn right onto Loop 336
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
South Loop 336 East
Use the right lane.
10
Turn right onto FM 3083
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Beach Airport Road
11
Continue on FM 3083
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 3083
12
Turn right onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 45 North
14
Merge onto I 45
196 mi
·
3 hr 20 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 75
27 mi
·
28 min
·
North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto Spur 399
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
19
Continue on TX 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South McDonald Street
20
Turn slight left
281 ft
·
10 sec
21
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Tennessee Street
22
Arrive at destination
North Tennessee Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 40m estimated duration, this route is easily manageable as a same-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and allow ample time for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along the 195.7-mile stretch of I 45 to refuel and stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest segment, as services can sometimes be spread out on interstates.
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 126.6 miles from Patton Village, TX, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 195.7 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 56 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.6 miles or 2h 26m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McKinney, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Patton Village, 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 Patton Village, TX
This is one driving day of about 253.2 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Patton Village, 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 195.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 126.6 miles from Patton Village, 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 195.7 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.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
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
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
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
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Minuteman Press
1.5 mi from route
QuikTrip
1.5 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Carl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websiteHeard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
McKinney, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19725625566
Visit websiteDark Hour Haunted House
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.6 mi from route
~9 min detour
Plano, Texas
+14692980556
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit website11th Hour Escape
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: 12–5:30 pm
+14692095978
Visit websiteHeritage Farmstead Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~10 min detour
Home stretch
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19728810140
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 1.6 and 249.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
Turn left onto Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
2.8 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
TX 242 / State Highway 242
Turn right onto TX 242 / State Highway 242
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
19 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
Loop 336 / South Loop 336 East
Turn right onto Loop 336 / South Loop 336 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
249.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 32m in
Take the exit toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
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 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
6
249.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 33m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.68 one way
$69.36 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $38.74 | $77.48 |
| premium | $4.23 | $42.12 | $84.23 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $47.81 | $95.62 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.13
Central Expressway
(26.6 mi)
$2.13
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
$35
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76 | 0 | $26.59 | $12.15 |
| Efficient EV | 63.3 | 0 | $22.16 | $10.13 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.3 | 1 | $35.45 | $16.20 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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
Patton Village, TX
Night in Patton Village on Monday
Local time
9:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Sunny
S 5 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 19 at 4:36PM CDT until July 19 at 4:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 4:29PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
McKinney, TX
Night in McKinney on Monday
Local time
9:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
12% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 19 at 4:36PM CDT until July 19 at 4:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 4:29PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
100°F
Italy, TX
127 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 40m 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 highway-focused drive for the majority of this 253.2-mile trip, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways like I 45. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 195.7 miles on I 45, meaning you can settle in for a significant period. This profile suggests a generally consistent driving experience, likely with multiple lanes and higher speeds. While the primary roads are dominated by the interstate, you'll also encounter segments on Farm-to-Market Road 3083, which may offer a slight change in scenery or speed.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 195.7 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and North Central Expressway. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near Eastex Freeway Frontage Road.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 253.2 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (Eastex Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles (TX 242 / State Highway 242): Lane positioning matters here; at 19 miles (Loop 336 / South Loop 336 East): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
674 ft
86 ft
Total Climb
828 ft
Total Descent
286 ft
Highest Point
674 ft
~235.1 mi in
Elevation Range
588 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Patton Village, TX
Full guide →Arriving in McKinney, TX
Full guide →Founded 1848
McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of 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 40m. Total distance: 253.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 40m 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 195.7 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.13 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. 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 24 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 McKinney, 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 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (Eastex Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles (TX 242 / State Highway 242): Lane positioning matters here; at 19 miles (Loop 336 / South Loop 336 East): Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at McKinney, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From McKinney, TX
More from Patton Village, TX
More trips to McKinney, TX
Explore more options from Patton Village, TX or browse trips ending in McKinney, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.