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Trip from Richwood, TX to Plano, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 37m

Distance

308.4 mi

496 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 24m ★
6 AM
5h 38m
8 AM
6h 4m
10 AM
5h 47m
12 PM
5h 44m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 3m
8 PM
5h 30m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Richwood, TX, TX

Richwood, TX

Jeff Stapleton

city in Collin and Denton counties in Texas, United States

Plano, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 308.4-mile drive from Richwood, TX, to Plano, TX, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes. You'll primarily navigate major roadways, with 97% of the journey on highways, making it a straightforward, highway-focused trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $47, so plan accordingly. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is perfectly suited for a one-day excursion without the need for an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are situated within the Great Plains region, suggesting a consistent landscape throughout your journey.

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

154.2 miles from Richwood, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Freeway 237.4 mi 4h 9m
Nolan Ryan Expressway 27.2 mi 31m
North Central Expressway 16.6 mi 18m
Brazoria County Expressway 16.1 mi 19m
Brazosport Boulevard North 3.7 mi 5m
Gulf Freeway 2.4 mi 3m
Coale Road 1.5 mi 2m
South Velasco Street 1.1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: North Freeway — 237.4 mi, about 4h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Richwood, TX and Plano, TX.

1

Start on Cedar Drive

0.3 mi · 1 min · Cedar Drive
2

At end of road, turn left onto TX 288 Bus

3.7 mi · 5 min · Brazosport Boulevard North
3

Continue on TX 288 Bus

1.1 mi · 1 min · South Velasco Street
4

Turn left onto CR 220

1.5 mi · 2 min · Coale Road
5

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
6

Merge onto TX 288

27 mi · 31 min · Nolan Ryan Expressway
7

Continue on TX 288

0.1 mi · 7 sec · South Freeway
8

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

16 mi · 19 min · Brazoria County Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 45 North: Dallas Use the slight left lane.
10

Merge onto I 45

2.4 mi · 3 min · Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I 45

237 mi · 4 hr 9 min · North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on US 75

15 mi · 16 min · North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Exit 28A Toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Turn straight onto North Central Expressway

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Central Expressway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
15

Turn right onto East 15th Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · East 15th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Arrive at destination

East 15th Street

Trip Plan

For this 308.4-mile trip, starting early is recommended to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Plano. With a total duration of 5 hours and 37 minutes, you'll likely only need one planned stop for fuel or a quick break. The longest stretch without a major change in road is 237.4 miles, so ensure you're comfortable with sustained driving before embarking. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $47 estimated cost suggests a continuous need for it on this highway-heavy route.

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 154.2 miles from Richwood, TX, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 237.4 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 68 miles or 1h 22m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 154.2 miles or 2h 53m 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 Plano, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Richwood, 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 Richwood, TX

This is one driving day of about 308.4 miles and 5h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Richwood, 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 North Freeway for about 237.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Corsicana, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Corsicana, TX

154 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

Houston, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corsicana, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 154.2 miles from Richwood, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 237.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 44.1

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Dark Hour Haunted House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 308.4

Plano, Texas

+14692980556

Visit website

Brazosport Museum of Natural Science

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Clute, Texas

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19792657661

Visit website

The Center for the Arts & Sciences

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Clute, Texas

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19792657661

Visit website

11th Hour Escape

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 308.4

Plano, Texas

Hours: 12–5:30 pm

+14692095978

Visit website

Heritage Farmstead Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 308.4

Plano, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19728810140

Visit website

Morrison Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Lake Jackson, Texas

+19792974533

Visit website

City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 286.4

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19724823055

Visit website

Carl Barton Jr Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 88.1

Conroe, Texas

Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm

+19365223000

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 34.4 and 307.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
34.4 mi into trip | ~44m in | TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
50.5 mi into trip | ~1h 3m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 45 North: Dallas

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 45 North: Dallas
5
51 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | I 45 / Gulf Freeway

Merge onto I 45 / Gulf Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
306 mi into trip | ~5h 33m in

Take the exit toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street

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 28A Toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street
6
307.8 mi into trip | ~5h 36m in | East 15th Street

Turn right onto East 15th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.60 one way

$93.20 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $51.01 $102.01
premium $4.54 $55.06 $110.13
diesel $5.61 $68.09 $136.18

Estimated Tolls: $1.32

Central Expressway (16.6 mi) $1.32

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: 107.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 92.5 1 $32.38 $14.80
Efficient EV 77.1 0 $26.98 $12.34
EV Truck/SUV 123.4 1 $43.18 $19.74

Gas CO2

108 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 15, 2026

Origin

Richwood, TX

Late night in Richwood on Sunday

Local time

2:29 AM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Plano, TX

Late night in Plano on Sunday

Local time

2:29 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°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

5 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 37m 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 a predominantly highway experience on this route, with a significant 97% of the drive utilizing high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 237.4 miles on North Freeway, offering a prolonged period of consistent travel. You'll transition from roads like Nolan Ryan Expressway to North Central Expressway, indicating a progression through different urban and suburban corridors. This drive is characterized by its focus on efficient travel rather than varied scenery.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 237.4 mi on North Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North 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 34.4 miles in near TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway.

Driving Effort 7/10

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 308.4 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 34.4 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51 miles (I 45 / Gulf Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

668 ft 15 ft

Total Climb

837 ft

Total Descent

185 ft

Highest Point

668 ft

~308.4 mi in

Elevation Range

653 ft

About the Cities

Arriving 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 5h 37m. Total distance: 308.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 37m 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 237.4 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.32 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 Plano, 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 34.4 miles (TX 288 Toll / Brazoria County Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51 miles (I 45 / Gulf Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Plano, 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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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