If you are planning a trip from Plano to Groves, expect a straightforward 311.5-mile journey that typically takes about 6 hours and 1 minute. Because the drive is contained entirely within the Great Plains region of Texas, you will experience a consistent landscape throughout the trek. This route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, requiring only one planned stop to keep you refreshed. With an estimated fuel cost of $48, it is an economical choice for those looking to reach the Gulf Coast area efficiently. By utilizing major thoroughfares like US Highway 69 South, the C F Hawn Freeway, and East Denman Avenue, you can maintain steady progress toward 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
155.8 miles from Plano, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 69 South
63.3 mi
1h 11m
C F Hawn Freeway
58.5 mi
1h 3m
East Denman Avenue
38.5 mi
43m
US 69
26.1 mi
28m
US Highway 175 East
20.8 mi
22m
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
18.5 mi
19m
US Highway 69 North
16.2 mi
18m
Rusk Street
15.1 mi
19m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 69 South
— 63.3 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plano, TX and Groves, 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
6.8 mi·7 min·Central Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 21Toward I 635Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 635 EastUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 635 East
8
Merge onto I 635
0.3 mi·17 sec·Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
9
Continue on I 635
19 mi·19 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 479BToward US 175 East: KaufmanUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto US 175
59 mi·1 hr 3 min·C F Hawn Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 175 Bus
151 ft·9 sec·US Highway 175 West
13
Turn left onto US 175 Bus; TX 31 Bus
2.5 mi·4 min·West Corsicana Street
14
Continue on US 175 Bus
21 mi·22 min·US Highway 175 East
15
Continue on US 175
2.0 mi·3 min·West Pine Street
16
Continue on US 175
13 mi·14 min·US Highway 175
17
Continue on US 175
0.6 mi·58 sec·Frankston Highway
18
Continue on US 175
0.2 mi·21 sec·Alexander Boulevard
19
At end of road, turn right onto US 69
3.3 mi·4 min·North Jackson Street
20
Continue on US 69
9.5 mi·10 min·US Highway 69 North
21
Continue on US 69
3.4 mi·3 min·North Dickinson Drive
22
Continue on US 69
9.3 mi·10 min·US Highway 69 South
23
Continue on US 69
1.5 mi·1 min·North Marcus Street
24
Continue on US 69
11 mi·13 min·US Highway 69 South
25
Continue on US 69
15 mi·19 min·Rusk Street
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
27
Continue on Loop 287 Frontage Road
0.5 mi·49 sec·Loop 287 Frontage Road
28
Continue on Loop 287
0.1 mi·17 sec·Loop 287 Frontage Road
29
Turn right onto US 69 Bus
2.1 mi·3 min·Kurth Drive
30
Turn straight onto US 59 Bus; US 69 Bus; TX 103
1.2 mi·2 min·North Timberland Drive
31
Turn left onto US 69 Bus
0.6 mi·1 min·South Chestnut Street
32
Turn left onto US 69 Bus
39 mi·43 min·East Denman Avenue
33
Continue on US 69
3.0 mi·3 min·North Wheeler Avenue
34
Continue on US 69
6.7 mi·7 min·US Highway 69 North
35
Continue on US 69
2.9 mi·3 min·North Magnolia Street
36
Continue on US 69; US 287
42 mi·48 min·US Highway 69 South
37
Merge onto US 69; US 96; US 287
9.5 mi·10 min·US 69; US 96; US 287
38
Keep slight right at fork onto US 69; US 96; US 287
3.1 mi·4 min·Eastex Freeway
Toward Houston, Port Arthur
39
Take the exit onto US 69; US 96; US 287
17 mi·18 min·US 69; US 96; US 287
Exit 849Toward US 69 South, US 96 South, US 287 South: Port Arthur
40
Turn left onto 39th Street
0.8 mi·1 min·39th Street
41
Turn left onto 9th Avenue
0.3 mi·47 sec·9th Avenue
42
Turn right onto Highway 73
0.2 mi·20 sec·Highway 73
43
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward TX 73 East
44
Merge onto TX 73
1.0 mi·1 min·TX 73
45
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Groves
46
Turn straight onto West Parkway Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·West Parkway Street
47
Turn slight left onto 39th Street
0.7 mi·1 min·39th Street
48
Arrive at destination
39th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6-hour drive, try to depart Plano early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion when exiting the metro area. Since you only need one stop, plan to take your break near the midpoint of the journey to stretch your legs and refuel your vehicle without losing momentum. Keep your budget of $48 for fuel in mind, and consider topping off your tank before you hit the longest 63.3-mile stretch on US Highway 69 South to ensure you aren't searching for stations in more remote areas. Because this route is designed for a single-day completion, the flexibility allows you to adjust your departure time based on your personal comfort. Staying focused on the transition between the freeway and local avenues will help you navigate the final approach into Groves smoothly.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.8 miles from Plano, TX, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.3 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 69 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.8 miles or 2h 57m 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Groves, 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 311.5 miles and 6h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 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 US Highway 69 South for about 63.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 288.3 — 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
7.8 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 635
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 21
Toward I 635
7
8.1 mi into trip|~9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 635 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 635 East
7
28.2 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the exit toward US 175 East: Kaufman
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 479B
Toward US 175 East: Kaufman
6
288.3 mi into trip|~5h 32m in|US 69; US 96; US 287 / Eastex Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 69; US 96; US 287 / Eastex Freeway toward Houston, Port Arthur
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Houston, Port Arthur
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.07 one way
$94.14 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$51.52
$103.04
premium
$4.54
$55.62
$111.23
diesel
$5.61
$68.78
$137.55
Estimated Tolls: $0.56
Central Expressway
(7 mi)$0.56
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
$47
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.5
1
$32.71
$14.95
Efficient EV
77.9
0
$27.26
$12.46
EV Truck/SUV
124.6
1
$43.61
$19.94
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 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.
Forecast as of Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Plano, TX
Night
in Plano on Saturday
Local time
9:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
S 15 mph89% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 8:43AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 8:38AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Groves, TX
Night
in Groves on Saturday
Local time
9:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°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
14 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
6h 1m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This highway-focused drive keeps you on high-speed roads for 73% of the journey, making it a reliable option for those who prefer consistent pacing over winding backroads. You will spend a significant portion of your time navigating US Highway 69 South, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of 63.3 miles. The road transition between the C F Hawn Freeway and local segments like East Denman Avenue requires you to stay alert as you move through varying traffic densities. While the route feels like a standard highway grind, the transition from the North Texas plains toward the coast keeps the drive feeling productive. Expect a steady, predictable experience behind the wheel that prioritizes time efficiency over technical maneuvering.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.3 mi on US Highway 69 South.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 69 South and C F Hawn Freeway. 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 Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 311.5 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 7.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
579 ft10 ft
Total Climb
210 ft
Total Descent
779 ft
Highest Point
579 ft
~13 mi in
Elevation Range
570 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Plano, TX and Groves, TX, road signs point toward Houston and Port Arthur.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 1m. Total distance: 311.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 1m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.3 miles on US Highway 69 South. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.56 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.
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 Groves, 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 0.6 miles (Central Expressway): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Groves, TX before the return drive.
