Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Seabrook, TX to Plano, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 10m
Distance
285.8 mi
460 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 57m
★
6 AM
5h 11m
8 AM
5h 38m
10 AM
5h 20m
12 PM
5h 18m
3 PM
5h 22m
5 PM
5h 37m
8 PM
5h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Seabrook, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Plano, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Seabrook to Plano is 285.8 miles and takes about 5h 10m via North Freeway and Gulf Freeway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. Expect a straightforward, highway-focused drive that's entirely manageable in a single day. It's a practical route for getting from the coast to North Texas efficiently.
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
142.9 miles from Seabrook, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 237.4 mi | 4h 9m |
| Gulf Freeway | 22.5 mi | 26m |
| North Central Expressway | 16.6 mi | 18m |
| East NASA Parkway | 5.9 mi | 10m |
| NASA Parkway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East 15th Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Gulf Freeway Frontage Road | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| NASA Bypass | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 237.4 mi, about 4h 9m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,256 veh/hr typical · worst 3,806
Quietest
2 AM
~407 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 Seabrook, TX and Plano, TX.
1
Start on this road
109 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto Anders Avenue
120 ft
·
10 sec
·
Anders Avenue
3
Turn right onto Main Street
98 ft
·
4 sec
·
Main Street
4
Continue on NASA 1
5.3 mi
·
9 min
·
East NASA Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on NASA 1
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
NASA Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward Sarah Deel Drive, NASA Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
7
Turn straight onto East NASA Parkway
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East NASA Parkway
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on NASA Parkway
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
NASA Parkway
9
Turn slight right
171 ft
·
6 sec
Use the right lane.
10
Turn slight right onto Gulf Freeway Frontage Road
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
Gulf Freeway Frontage Road
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 45 North
12
Merge onto I 45
23 mi
·
26 min
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 45
237 mi
·
4 hr 9 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 75
15 mi
·
16 min
·
North Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 28A
Toward Plano Parkway, 15th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto North Central Expressway
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Central Expressway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
17
Turn right onto East 15th Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 15th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Arrive at destination
East 15th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 10m duration, consider an early morning departure from Seabrook to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $43, planning your fuel fill-up before hitting the longest stretch of the North Freeway at 237.4 miles is a smart move. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you have the flexibility to stop midway without feeling rushed.
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 142.9 miles from Seabrook, TX, or about 2h 38m 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 63 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.9 miles or 2h 38m 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 14m
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 Seabrook, 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 Seabrook, TX
This is one driving day of about 285.8 miles and 5h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Seabrook, 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
143 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 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 142.9 miles from Seabrook, 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 237.4 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
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
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
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
SoPac Trail Rest Area
1.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Bounce N Play Seabrook
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Seabrook, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+13466338320
Visit websiteDark Hour Haunted House
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Plano, Texas
+14692980556
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit website11th Hour Escape
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: 12–5:30 pm
+14692095978
Visit websiteHeritage Farmstead Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19728810140
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteSpace Center Houston
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+12812442100
Visit websiteThe Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~12 min detour
First break
4.6 mi from route
~12 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17139266368
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 0 and 285.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Anders Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto Anders Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Main Street
Turn right onto Main Street
Navigation decision point
7
5.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward Sarah Deel Drive, NASA Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Sarah Deel Drive, NASA Parkway
8
283.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m 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
285.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 9m in
|
East 15th Street
Turn right onto East 15th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.15 one way
$78.29 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $43.73 | $87.45 |
| premium | $4.23 | $47.54 | $95.08 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $53.96 | $107.93 |
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
$39
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.7 | 1 | $30.01 | $13.72 |
| Efficient EV | 71.5 | 0 | $25.01 | $11.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.3 | 1 | $40.01 | $18.29 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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
Seabrook, TX
Late night in Seabrook on Monday
Local time
1:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 to 15 mph
13% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 16 at 6:07PM CDT until July 16 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:07PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
Destination
Plano, TX
Late night in Plano on Monday
Local time
1:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph
36% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 16 at 6:07PM CDT until July 16 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 6:07PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
100°F
Italy, TX
143 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
10 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 10m 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 is a 99% highway-focused drive, meaning you'll spend almost all your time on well-maintained, high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 237.4 miles on the North Freeway, indicating long periods of consistent driving without significant town detours. The primary roads guiding you are the North Freeway, Gulf Freeway, and North Central Expressway, signaling a consistent urban and suburban corridor experience for much of the journey.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 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?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and Gulf Freeway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Anders Avenue.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 10m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Anders Avenue): Navigation decision point; near the start (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.8 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
668 ft
9 ft
Total Climb
843 ft
Total Descent
184 ft
Highest Point
668 ft
~285.8 mi in
Elevation Range
659 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Seabrook, TX
Full guide →Founded 1961
North Barrier Coast is on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Arriving in Plano, TX
Full guide →Founded 1873
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.
Top landmarks
- • Heritage Farmstead Museum — building in Texas, United States
- • Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway — historic place in Plano, Collin County, 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 10m. Total distance: 285.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.
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.
Yes — we found about 28 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.
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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Anders Avenue): Navigation decision point; near the start (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.8 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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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