Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Piney Point Village, TX to Dallas, 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 26m
Distance
246.8 mi
397 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 13m
★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 36m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 52m
8 PM
4h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Piney Point Village, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a journey from Piney Point Village, TX, to Dallas, TX, covers 246.8 miles and typically takes around 4 hours and 26 minutes. This drive is primarily a highway-focused experience, with 96% of the route utilizing major roadways, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. You'll be navigating along the North Freeway, North Loop West, and Katy Freeway for the majority of your travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $37, this trip offers an efficient way to cover ground between the Great Plains regions of Texas. The direct nature of this route means you can focus on reaching your destination without significant detours.
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
123.4 miles from Piney Point Village, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 15m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 233.3 mi | 4h 4m |
| North Loop West | 4.4 mi | 5m |
| Katy Freeway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Piney Point Road | 1.6 mi | 4m |
| Elm Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Katy Freeway Frontage Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| North Lamar Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Jamestown Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 233.3 mi, about 4h 4m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,256 veh/hr typical · worst 3,806
Quietest
2 AM
~407 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 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 Piney Point Village, TX and Dallas, TX.
1
Start on Jamestown Road
88 ft
·
4 sec
·
Jamestown Road
2
Turn right onto Piney Point Road
1.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Piney Point Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Katy Freeway Frontage Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Katy Freeway Frontage Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 10 East
5
Merge onto I 10; US 90
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the right lane.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 763
Toward I 610
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 610 North
Use the slight left lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
Toward US 290 West: Austin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 610 North
Use the straight lane.
10
Merge onto I 610
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
North Loop West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17B
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
12
Merge onto I 45
233 mi
·
4 hr 4 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward Elm Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto Elm Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Elm Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
16
Turn right onto North Lamar Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
North Lamar Street
17
Arrive at destination
North Lamar Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 26-minute duration, this trip from Piney Point Village to Dallas is comfortably manageable in a single day. Aim to depart early to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you leave the Houston metropolitan area. With only one suggested stop and a substantial longest stretch of 233.3 miles, plan your breaks strategically. Consider stopping around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs, keeping in mind the $37 fuel cost. The highway-focused nature means you can maintain a steady pace, but always be aware of changing speed limits and traffic conditions as you approach Dallas.
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 123.4 miles from Piney Point Village, TX, or about 2h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 233.3 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 54 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.4 miles or 2h 15m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Piney Point 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 Piney Point Village, TX
This is one driving day of about 246.8 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Piney Point 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 North Freeway for about 233.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
123 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.4 miles from Piney Point Village, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 233.3 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
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
Flying J Travel Center
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
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteExitusVR
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
3.4 mi from route
~8 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17133440525
Visit websiteThe Escape Game Houston (Galleria)
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
3.6 mi from route
~9 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–12 pm
+17136365541
Visit websiteDennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
First break
4.2 mi from route
~10 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 5 and 245.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
5 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the exit toward I 610
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 763
Toward I 610
7
5.2 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 610 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 610 North
7
6.3 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 290 West: Austin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 290 West: Austin
8
245.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
Take the exit toward Main Street West, Elm 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.
Exit 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
8
245.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Elm Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Elm Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.80 one way
$67.61 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $37.76 | $75.52 |
| premium | $4.23 | $41.05 | $82.10 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $46.60 | $93.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74 | 0 | $25.91 | $11.85 |
| Efficient EV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.60 | $9.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.7 | 1 | $34.55 | $15.80 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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
Piney Point Village, TX
Evening in Piney Point Village on Monday
Local time
8:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:54AM CDT until July 21 at 4:06AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:53AM CDT until July 20 at 4:50AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
Dallas, TX
Evening in Dallas on Monday
Local time
8:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:54AM CDT until July 21 at 4:06AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:53AM CDT until July 20 at 4:50AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
96°F
Rhode Island, TX
123 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
2 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
4h 26m 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?
This is a predominantly highway-focused drive, with a 96% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is an impressive 233.3 miles along the North Freeway. Expect a consistent driving experience as you move from the Houston area towards Dallas, characterized by the efficiency of interstate travel. The route is designed for straightforward progress, with minimal time spent on slower, more local roads. This profile suggests a drive where maintaining speed and covering distance is the main objective.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 233.3 mi on North Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and North Loop West. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 246.8 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 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
486 ft
67 ft
Total Climb
632 ft
Total Descent
271 ft
Highest Point
486 ft
~211.6 mi in
Elevation Range
419 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Piney Point Village, TX
Full guide →Founded 1885
Arriving in Dallas, TX
Full guide →“Big D” · Founded 1841
Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
Top landmarks
- • Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
- • Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
- • George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...
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 26m. Total distance: 246.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 233.3 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 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 Dallas, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Dallas, 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 Dallas, TX
More from Piney Point Village, TX
More trips to Dallas, TX
Explore more options from Piney Point Village, TX or browse trips ending in Dallas, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.