Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Plano, TX to Freeport, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 45m
Distance
317.2 mi
510 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$48
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 33m
★
6 AM
5h 46m
8 AM
6h 12m
10 AM
5h 55m
12 PM
5h 52m
3 PM
5h 56m
5 PM
6h 11m
8 PM
5h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plano, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Freeport, TX
Tom Tran
Trip Overview
Plano to Freeport is 317.2 miles and takes about 5h 45m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, moving from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. It's a straightforward, mostly highway drive that's ideal for a single-day excursion. Plan for a quick departure if you want to maximize your time at your destination.
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
158.6 miles from Plano, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 237.6 mi | 4h 9m |
| Nolan Ryan Expressway | 38.9 mi | 46m |
| Central Expressway | 16.8 mi | 18m |
| TX 288 Toll | 14.4 mi | 16m |
| Gulf Freeway | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| North Brazosport Boulevard | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| State Highway 288 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| West 2nd Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 237.6 mi, about 4h 9m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,160 veh/hr typical · worst 3,825
Quietest
2 AM
~396 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 Plano, TX and Freeport, 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
234 mi
·
4 hr 5 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 45
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 46B
Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
10
Continue on TX 288
0.6 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
14 mi
·
16 min
·
TX 288 Toll
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
12
Merge onto TX 288
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
South Freeway
13
Continue on TX 288
39 mi
·
46 min
·
Nolan Ryan Expressway
14
Continue on TX 288
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 288
15
Continue on TX 288
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
North Brazosport Boulevard
16
Turn left onto West 2nd Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West 2nd Street
17
Arrive at destination
West 2nd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour 45 minute duration, leaving Plano in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Freeport with plenty of daylight. You'll want to make at least one stop to stretch your legs, as the longest stretch without a significant change in road type is over 200 miles. Keep an eye on fuel, as the estimated cost is $46. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when you feel most rested. Your primary road, Julius Schepps Freeway, will guide you for the majority of the way.
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 158.6 miles from Plano, TX, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 237.6 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 70 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.6 miles or 2h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Freeport, 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 317.2 miles and 5h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 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 237.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
159 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 70 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 158.6 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 237.6 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
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
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
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
Love's Travel Stop
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
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 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
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Dark Hour Haunted House
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Plano, Texas
+14692980556
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteFreeport Historical Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Freeport, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19792330066
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 websiteCrocodile Encounter
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Angleton, Texas
Hours: 9 am–2 pm
+12815952232
Visit websiteFreedom Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Angleton, Texas
Hours: 5 am–2 pm
+19792484317
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
3.4 mi from route
~8 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 95 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 259.5 — 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.
6
20.9 mi into trip
|
~23m in
|
I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
257.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 32m in
Take the exit toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria
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 46B
Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: L...
6
258.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
6
259.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
|
TX 288 Toll
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.62 one way
$95.23 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
111 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $52.69 | $105.38 |
| premium | $4.57 | $57.01 | $114.02 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $78.38 | $156.75 |
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
$48
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 95.2 | 1 | $33.31 | $15.23 |
| Efficient EV | 79.3 | 0 | $27.76 | $12.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 126.9 | 1 | $44.41 | $20.30 |
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Evening in Plano on Thursday
Local time
8:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Clear
0 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Freeport, TX
Evening in Freeport on Thursday
Local time
8:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph
0% chance
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
9 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
5h 45m 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 to spend nearly all your time on the highway, with a 98% highway share. The longest continuous stretch of highway driving is 237.6 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. You'll experience dense exits and urban merging for a significant portion of this drive, especially in the early miles.
98% 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: 237.6 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and Nolan Ryan Expressway. 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
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 317.2 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 20.9 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 257.7 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
3 ft
Total Climb
194 ft
Total Descent
860 ft
Highest Point
668 ft
Elevation Range
665 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 Freeport, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Victoria along the way.
Victoria
257.7 mi in
|
~4h 32m
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 Freeport, TX
Full guide →Founded 1912
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 5h 45m. Total distance: 317.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 237.6 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 Freeport, 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 20.9 miles (I 45 / Julius Schepps Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 257.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Freeport, TX before the return drive.
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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