Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Richmond, TX to McKinney, 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
5h 25m
Distance
300.6 mi
484 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
5h 12m
★
6 AM
5h 25m
8 AM
5h 52m
10 AM
5h 35m
12 PM
5h 32m
3 PM
5h 36m
5 PM
5h 51m
8 PM
5h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Richmond, TX
Wikimedia Commons
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 300.6-mile drive from Richmond, TX to McKinney, TX is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes. The route is heavily highway-focused, with 97% of the journey on major roads, making it a straightforward drive across the Great Plains region of Texas. Expect a fuel cost of around $45 for this journey. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 214 miles on I-45, this trip is designed for efficient travel rather than leisurely sightseeing.
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
150.3 miles from Richmond, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 214 mi | 3h 41m |
| West Grand Parkway South | 46.5 mi | 51m |
| North Central Expressway | 26.6 mi | 28m |
| Mason Road | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| FM 359 | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| West Grand Parkway South Frontage Road | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| South Tennessee Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| South McDonald Street | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 214 mi, about 3h 41m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,927 veh/hr typical · worst 2,389
Quietest
2 AM
~288 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 45 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 Richmond, TX and McKinney, TX.
1
Start on US 90 Alt
68 ft
·
3 sec
·
Jackson Street
2
Turn slight right onto US 90 Alt
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
US 90 Alt
3
Continue on US 90 Alt
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
East US Highway 90A
4
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
58 sec
5
Turn left onto FM 359
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
FM 359
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Continue on Mason Road
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Mason Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
Turn left onto TX 99
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
West Grand Parkway South Frontage Road
Use the left lane.
8
Take the ramp onto TX 99
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
TX 99
Toward TX 99 North
9
Merge onto TX 99
47 mi
·
51 min
·
West Grand Parkway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
1.4 mi
·
3 min
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 45
214 mi
·
3 hr 41 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 75
27 mi
·
28 min
·
North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto Spur 399
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
16
Continue on TX 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South McDonald Street
17
Turn slight left
281 ft
·
10 sec
18
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Tennessee Street
19
Arrive at destination
North Tennessee Street
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 25-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Richmond, TX, to maximize daylight and arrive in McKinney with plenty of time. Since this is a single-day trip covering 300.6 miles, you have flexibility with your pacing. The longest stretch is 214 miles on I-45, so plan your fuel stop accordingly before you get too low. Keep an eye on traffic, especially as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, as congestion can impact your travel time.
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 150.3 miles from Richmond, TX, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 214 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 66 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.3 miles or 2h 45m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McKinney, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richmond, 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 Richmond, TX
This is one driving day of about 300.6 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Richmond, 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 45 for about 214 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
150 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 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 150.3 miles from Richmond, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 214 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
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
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Minuteman Press
1.5 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
McKinney, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19725625566
Visit websiteThe Black Cowboy Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Rosenberg, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18324516202
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~12 min detour
Early stretch
4.6 mi from route
~12 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
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 1.4 and 296.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
FM 359
Turn left onto FM 359
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
6.2 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
TX 99 / West Grand Parkway South Frontage Road
Turn left onto TX 99 / West Grand Parkway South Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
54.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 45 North: Dallas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
8
296.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 17m in
Take the exit toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
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 38C
Toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
6
296.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 18m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.17 one way
$82.35 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $45.99 | $91.98 |
| premium | $4.23 | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.76 | $113.52 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.13
Central Expressway
(26.6 mi)
$2.13
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
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.2 | 1 | $31.56 | $14.43 |
| Efficient EV | 75.2 | 0 | $26.30 | $12.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 120.2 | 1 | $42.08 | $19.24 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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
Richmond, TX
Morning in Richmond on Tuesday
Local time
10:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 3:29PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
McKinney, TX
Morning in McKinney on Tuesday
Local time
10:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Partly Sunny
S 15 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 3:29PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
100°F
Italy, TX
150 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
1 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
5h 25m 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?
You'll be spending most of your time on the highway, with a 97% highway share, on this route. The drive is primarily characterized by its focus on major roadways, including I-45 and North Central Expressway. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 214 miles on I-45, meaning you can cover significant ground without frequent exits. While the profile is highway-focused, the initial part of the journey utilizes West Grand Parkway South before merging onto the main interstate.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 214 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and West Grand Parkway South. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in near FM 359.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 300.6 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (FM 359): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles (TX 99 / West Grand Parkway South Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 54.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
628 ft
92 ft
Total Climb
776 ft
Total Descent
240 ft
Highest Point
628 ft
~300.6 mi in
Elevation Range
536 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Richmond, TX
Full guide →Founded 1837
Top landmarks
- • John M. and Lottie D. Moore House — building in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas
- • Lamar–Calder House — building in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas
- • Fort Bend County Courthouse — historic place in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas
Arriving in McKinney, TX
Full guide →Founded 1848
McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas.
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 25m. Total distance: 300.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m 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 214 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.13 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 23 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 McKinney, 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (FM 359): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles (TX 99 / West Grand Parkway South Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 54.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McKinney, 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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