Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from San Leon, TX to Fort Worth, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 32m
Distance
300.9 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 19m
★
6 AM
5h 33m
8 AM
5h 59m
10 AM
5h 42m
12 PM
5h 39m
3 PM
5h 43m
5 PM
5h 58m
8 PM
5h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
San Leon, TX
Mark Direen
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
San Leon to Fort Worth is 300.9 miles and takes about 5h 32m via North Freeway and US 287, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a straightforward path north. Given its mostly highway profile and single-day feasibility, it's a practical option for getting between these two Texas locations without needing an overnight stop. You'll spend the vast majority of your time on major roadways, making it an efficient transit.
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
150.5 miles from San Leon, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 198.4 mi | 3h 27m |
| US 287 | 57.6 mi | 1h 5m |
| South Gulf Freeway | 28.6 mi | 33m |
| FM 517 | 8.7 mi | 14m |
| South Freeway | 3.4 mi | 3m |
| Pine Drive | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Gulf Freeway Frontage Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| Pine Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 198.4 mi, about 3h 27m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,315 veh/hr typical · worst 3,925
Quietest
2 AM
~414 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 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 San Leon, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
1
Start on Avenue I
165 ft
·
9 sec
·
Avenue I
2
Continue on FM 517
8.7 mi
·
14 min
·
FM 517
3
Turn left onto FM 517
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Parke Street
4
Turn straight onto FM 517
446 ft
·
9 sec
·
Main Street
5
Continue on FM 517
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Pine Street
6
Continue on FM 517
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Pine Drive
7
Turn right onto Gulf Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Gulf Freeway Frontage Road
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 45 North
Use the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 45
29 mi
·
33 min
·
South Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 45
198 mi
·
3 hr 27 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto US 287
58 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
US 287
Exit 247
Toward US 287 North: Waxahachie, Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 437
Toward I 35W South, I 35W North: Waco, Denton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 35W North: Denton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 35W North: Fort Worth
15
Merge onto I 35W
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 49A
Toward Allen Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto South Freeway
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
South Freeway
18
Turn left onto East Allen Avenue
210 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Allen Avenue
19
Turn left onto South Freeway
258 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Freeway
20
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
For this 5.5-hour drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid potential evening traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $48, this trip is quite manageable. The longest stretch is over 198 miles, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly, perhaps around the midway point. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; consider starting a bit later if your schedule allows, but be mindful of the duration to ensure a comfortable arrival in Fort Worth.
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 150.5 miles from San Leon, TX, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 198.4 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 66 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.5 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Worth, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving San Leon, 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 San Leon, TX
This is one driving day of about 300.9 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from San Leon, 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 198.4 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 150.5 miles from San Leon, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 198.4 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
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
Flying J Travel Center
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
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Buc-ee's
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Buc-ee's
2.4 mi from route
Lone Star Flight Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13467082517
Visit websiteDennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteNTER - The Great Escape
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Waxahachie, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+12149801053
Visit websiteForest Park Miniature Railroad
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18179665509
Visit websiteFrankie Carter Randolph Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Friendswood, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+12814826055
Downtown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~9 min detour
Early stretch
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 11.8 and 300.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
11.8 mi into trip
|
~19m in
Take the ramp toward I 45 North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 45 North
8
238.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 20m in
|
US 287
Take the exit onto US 287 toward US 287 North: Waxahachie, Fort Worth
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 247
Toward US 287 North: Waxahachie, Fort Worth
8
296.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 35W South, I 35W North: Waco, Denton
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 437
Toward I 35W South, I 35W North: Waco, Denton
7
296.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35W North: Denton
7
300.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 31m in
Take the exit toward Allen Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49A
Toward Allen Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.21 one way
$82.43 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $46.04 | $92.07 |
| premium | $4.23 | $50.05 | $100.10 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.82 | $113.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.3 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 | 90.3 | 1 | $31.59 | $14.44 |
| Efficient EV | 75.2 | 0 | $26.33 | $12.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 120.4 | 1 | $42.13 | $19.26 |
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
San Leon, TX
Morning in San Leon on Sunday
Local time
10:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph
15% 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
Fort Worth, TX
Morning in Fort Worth on Sunday
Local time
10:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Partly Sunny
S 10 to 15 mph
11% 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
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 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 32m 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?
This route is 99% highway, meaning you'll be on major roads for nearly the entire 300.9 miles. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 198.4 miles, primarily on North Freeway. Expect frequent exits and merging traffic as you navigate through populated areas and then transition to more open highway cruising on US 287. You'll notice the landscape change subtly as you head further into the Great Plains.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 198.4 mi on North Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and US 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.8 miles in.
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 10 significant decision points across 300.9 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 11.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 238.9 miles (US 287): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.5 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
652 ft
5 ft
Total Climb
788 ft
Total Descent
141 ft
Highest Point
652 ft
~300.9 mi in
Elevation Range
647 ft
About the Cities
Starting in San Leon, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Fort Worth, TX
Full guide →“Panther city” · Founded 1849
Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.
Top landmarks
- • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
- • St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, 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 32m. Total distance: 300.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 198.4 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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 Fort Worth, 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 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 238.9 miles (US 287): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.5 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 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Worth, 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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