Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Plano, TX to Potosi, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 42m
Distance
206 mi
332 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 29m
★
6 AM
3h 42m
8 AM
4h 7m
10 AM
3h 51m
12 PM
3h 48m
3 PM
3h 52m
5 PM
4h 6m
8 PM
3h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plano, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Potosi, TX
Mark Direen
Trip Overview
Plano to Potosi is 206 miles and takes about 3h 42m via I 20 and SH 183 TEXpress, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive will take you from the heart of the Great Plains in Texas to another part of the same region. With 97% of the journey on highways, expect a straightforward trip where efficiency is key. This route is ideal for a single-day journey, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
103 miles from Plano, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 128.6 mi | 2h 10m |
| SH 183 TEXpress | 13.6 mi | 13m |
| Jim Wright Freeway | 12.8 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 36 | 8.1 mi | 12m |
| Central Expressway | 7 mi | 7m |
| I 820 TEXpress | 6.9 mi | 6m |
| West Freeway | 6 mi | 6m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 4.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 128.6 mi, about 2h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plano, TX and Potosi, 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 21
Toward I 635
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 635 West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 635
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 635
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 27C
Toward I 35E South: Dallas
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Merge onto I 35E
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto North Walton Walker Boulevard
0.6 mi
·
39 sec
·
North Walton Walker Boulevard
Exit 436A
Toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto Loop 12 TEXpress
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Loop 12 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto TX 183 TEXpress
13 mi
·
13 min
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
16
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
0.7 mi
·
42 sec
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
18
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express West Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 820
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
·
Northeast Loop
20
Continue on I 820
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
1 min
Exit 3A
Toward I 30 West: Weatherford
Use the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 30
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto I 20
129 mi
·
2 hr 10 min
·
I 20
Use the slight right lane.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 292A
Toward I 20 Business: Abilene
25
Turn straight onto I 20 Bus
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
East Highway 80
26
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
27
Merge onto Loop 322
0.4 mi
·
22 sec
·
Jake Roberts Freeway
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward TX 36: Cross Plains
29
Continue on this road
483 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
Toward TX 36: Cross Plains
30
Turn left onto TX 36
456 ft
·
19 sec
·
East South 11th Street
31
Continue on TX 36
8.1 mi
·
12 min
·
State Highway 36
32
Turn right onto FM 1750
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 1750
33
Turn right onto Potosi Road
319 ft
·
13 sec
·
Potosi Road
34
Arrive at destination
Potosi Road
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short distance of 206 miles and a driving time of under 4 hours, this is a perfect same-day trip. Aim to depart Plano in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid any potential rush hour traffic on the initial highway segments. With only one recommended stop and the longest stretch on I 20 being over 128 miles, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be more spread out on interstates outside of major metropolitan areas.
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 103 miles from Plano, TX, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.6 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 45 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103 miles or 1h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Potosi, 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 206 miles and 3h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 I 20 for about 128.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 103 miles from Plano, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.6 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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
1.9 mi from route
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
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 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 websiteWhite Settlement Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
White Settlement, Texas
Hours: 10 am–3 pm
+18172469719
Visit websiteHistoric Downtown Carrollton
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Carrollton, Texas
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+19728809855
Visit websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~11 min detour
Early stretch
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 255 decision points cluster between mile 7.8 and 58.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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 right at fork toward I 635 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 635 West
7
16.1 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Take the exit toward I 35E South: Dallas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
Exit 27C
Toward I 35E South: Dallas
7
18.8 mi into trip
|
~21m in
|
North Walton Walker Boulevard
Keep slight right at fork onto North Walton Walker Boulevard toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 436A
Toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth...
7
58.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
Take the exit toward I 30 West: Weatherford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3A
Toward I 30 West: Weatherford
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.13 one way
$62.25 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $34.07 | $68.14 |
| premium | $4.54 | $36.78 | $73.56 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.48 | $90.96 |
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
$31
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.8 | 0 | $21.63 | $9.89 |
| Efficient EV | 51.5 | 0 | $18.03 | $8.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.4 | 1 | $28.84 | $13.18 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Late night in Plano on Tuesday
Local time
5:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Potosi, TX
Late night in Potosi on Tuesday
Local time
5:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 42m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll spend most of your time on I 20, experiencing a long stretch of 128.6 miles without needing to exit. The use of SH 183 TEXpress and Jim Wright Freeway near the start suggests a modern, potentially tolled, highway experience. Expect a consistent driving pace for the majority of the trip, making it predictable and efficient.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.6 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and SH 183 TEXpress. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 206 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 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; at 16.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Between Plano, TX and Potosi, TX, road signs point toward Loop 12 South: Irving and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Loop 12 South: Irving
18.8 mi in
|
~21m
|
via North Walton Walker Boulevard
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
18.8 mi in
|
~21m
|
via North Walton Walker Boulevard
About the Cities
Starting in Plano, TX
Full guide →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.
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 3h 42m. Total distance: 206 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128.6 miles on I 20. 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.
Yes — we found about 21 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 Potosi, 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 16.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Potosi, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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