Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Plano, TX to Channelview, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 49m
Distance
269.5 mi
434 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 36m
★
6 AM
4h 49m
8 AM
5h 16m
10 AM
4h 59m
12 PM
4h 56m
3 PM
5h 0m
5 PM
5h 15m
8 PM
4h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plano, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Channelview, TX
Thomas balabaud
Trip Overview
Plano, TX to Channelview, TX is 269.5 miles and takes about 4h 49m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region. With 88% of the trip on highways, expect a straightforward route focused on covering distance efficiently. It's a single-day trip, so you can plan for a relatively quick transit between these two North Texas and Southeast Texas locations.
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
134.7 miles from Plano, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 213.6 mi | 3h 40m |
| HTR | 21.9 mi | 25m |
| Central Expressway | 16.8 mi | 18m |
| East Freeway | 7.3 mi | 9m |
| North Loop East | 5.9 mi | 7m |
| Pemberton Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| East 15th Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| East Freeway Frontage Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 213.6 mi, about 3h 40m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,985 veh/hr typical · worst 2,601
Quietest
2 AM
~289 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 88 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 Plano, TX and Channelview, TX.
1
Start on East 15th Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 15th Street
Use the straight lane.
2
Turn left onto Central Expressway
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Central Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward US 75 South
4
Merge onto US 75
17 mi
·
17 min
·
Central Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I 45
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45
210 mi
·
3 hr 36 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit onto HTR
22 mi
·
25 min
·
HTR
Exit 72B
Toward Hardy Toll Road South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 610 East
9
Merge onto I 610
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
North Loop East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 26A
Toward I 10: Beaumont, Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 10
7.3 mi
·
9 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 783
Toward Sheldon Road
Use the slight right lane.
14
Turn straight onto East Freeway Frontage Road
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
East Freeway Frontage Road
15
Turn right onto Sheldon Road
278 ft
·
10 sec
·
Sheldon Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Pemberton Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Pemberton Street
17
Turn right onto 1st Street
234 ft
·
10 sec
·
1st Street
18
Arrive at destination
1st Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time under five hours, this route is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart Plano in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid heavier traffic. The longest stretch on Julius Schepps Freeway is over 200 miles, so plan for your first substantial break after that segment. Given the $39 estimated fuel cost, ensure your tank is full before leaving Plano to minimize any mid-trip fueling stops. This shorter drive offers flexibility, allowing you to depart later if needed, but staying aware of potential Houston-area traffic is advisable as you get closer to Channelview.
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 134.7 miles from Plano, TX, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 213.6 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 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.7 miles or 2h 21m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Channelview, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Plano, 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 Plano, TX
This is one driving day of about 269.5 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Plano, 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 Julius Schepps Freeway for about 213.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
135 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 134.7 miles from Plano, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Julius Schepps Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 213.6 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
Love's Travel Stop
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
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
Love's Travel Stop
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
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.6 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.8 mi from route
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteDark Hour Haunted House
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Plano, Texas
+14692980556
Visit website11th Hour Escape
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: 12–5:30 pm
+14692095978
Visit websiteHeritage Farmstead Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19728810140
Visit websiteDennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteCandy Cane Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~12 min detour
Final third
4.6 mi from route
~12 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 9 am–11 pm
+19365223804
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 0.6 and 268 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Central Expressway
Turn left onto Central Expressway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
231.1 mi into trip
|
~4h in
|
HTR
Take the exit onto HTR toward Hardy Toll Road South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 72B
Toward Hardy Toll Road South
8
259.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Beaumont, Downtown
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 26A
Toward I 10: Beaumont, Downtown
7
260 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
7
268 mi into trip
|
~4h 45m in
Take the exit toward Sheldon Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 783
Toward Sheldon Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.26 one way
$82.53 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.29 | $45.54 | $91.08 |
| premium | $4.64 | $49.21 | $98.42 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $65.56 | $131.12 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.34
Central Expressway
(16.8 mi)
$1.34
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
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.9 | 0 | $28.30 | $12.94 |
| Efficient EV | 67.4 | 0 | $23.58 | $10.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 107.8 | 1 | $37.73 | $17.25 |
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Plano, TX
Afternoon in Plano on Saturday
Local time
2:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Sunny
NNE 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 2:37AM CDT until October 20 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Destination
Channelview, TX
Afternoon in Channelview on Saturday
Local time
2:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Sunny
N 10 to 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 2:37AM CDT until October 20 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
65°F
Italy, TX
135 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
3 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 49m 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 drive is predominantly highway, with 88% of the 269.5 miles on major roadways like Julius Schepps Freeway. You'll experience a significant stretch of 213.6 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway before encountering surface roads. Expect a consistent cruising experience with frequent exits and potential for urban merging as you approach your destination.
88% 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: 213.6 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and HTR. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Central Expressway.
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 269.5 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 0.6 miles (Central Expressway): Lane positioning matters here; at 231.1 miles (HTR): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 259.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
668 ft
24 ft
Total Climb
369 ft
Total Descent
1,012 ft
Highest Point
668 ft
Elevation Range
644 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.
On the drive from Plano, TX to Channelview, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Hardy Toll Road South along the way.
Hardy Toll Road South
231.1 mi in
|
~4h
|
via HTR
About the Cities
Starting in Plano, TX
Full guide →Founded 1873
Plano is a city of 285,000 people (2020) in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex region of Texas and is north of Dallas. It is home to the headquarters of several large corporations.
Top landmarks
- • Heritage Farmstead Museum — building in Texas, United States
- • Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway — historic place in Plano, Collin County, Texas
Arriving in Channelview, TX
Full guide →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 49m. Total distance: 269.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 213.6 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.34 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 30 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 Channelview, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (Central Expressway): Lane positioning matters here; at 231.1 miles (HTR): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 259.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Channelview, 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.
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