Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Spring, TX to Dallas, 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
3h 49m
Distance
217.6 mi
350 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 36m
★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 15m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 56m
3 PM
3h 59m
5 PM
4h 13m
8 PM
3h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Spring, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Driving from Spring to Dallas covers 217.8 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 22 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate sprint, it works perfectly as a straightforward day trip. You should budget roughly $32 for fuel to complete the journey. Both cities are located within the Great Plains region, meaning you will remain in a consistent landscape throughout your travels. Navigating via East Noble Street, West Hardy Road, and Main Street requires your full attention. It is a manageable distance for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
108.8 miles from Spring, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 213.8 mi | 3h 40m |
| Spring Cypress Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Elm Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Interstate 45 South Frontage Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Lamar Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| West Hardy Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East Hardy Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 213.8 mi, about 3h 40m
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 Spring, TX and Dallas, TX.
1
Start on East Hardy Road
258 ft
·
18 sec
·
East Hardy Road
2
Turn left onto East Noble Street
155 ft
·
11 sec
·
East Noble Street
3
Turn left onto West Hardy Road
356 ft
·
7 sec
·
West Hardy Road
4
Turn straight onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
Main Street
5
Continue on Spring Cypress Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Spring Cypress Road
6
Turn slight right
213 ft
·
10 sec
7
Turn right onto Interstate 45 South Frontage Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate 45 South Frontage Road
Use the right lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 45 North
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Merge onto I 45
214 mi
·
3 hr 40 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward Elm Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto Elm Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Elm Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
13
Turn right onto North Lamar Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
North Lamar Street
14
Arrive at destination
North Lamar Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a 3-hour and 22-minute trip, planning for at least one stop will help you stay sharp on these winding local roads. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid peak traffic on Main Street and other local thoroughfares. Keep your $32 fuel budget in mind and try to fill up before you hit the more congested stretches of the route. Because the drive is not a highway-based route, factor in extra time for turns and potential local congestion. A concrete tip for this specific drive is to map out your turns on East Noble Street and West Hardy Road in advance, as the lack of long highway stretches makes navigation critical.
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 108.8 miles from Spring, TX, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 213.8 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 48 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 1h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Spring, 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 Spring, TX
This is one driving day of about 217.6 miles and 3h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Spring, 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 213.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.8 miles from Spring, 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 213.8 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
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Dennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteCarl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.6 mi from route
~7 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websiteCandy Cane Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 9 am–11 pm
+19365223804
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 0 and 216.4 — 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
|
East Noble Street
Turn left onto East Noble Street
Navigation decision point
5
1.3 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Interstate 45 South Frontage Road
Turn right onto Interstate 45 South Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 45 North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 45 North
8
216.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m in
Take the exit toward Main Street West, Elm 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 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
8
216.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Elm Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Elm Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.80 one way
$59.61 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $33.29 | $66.58 |
| premium | $4.23 | $36.20 | $72.39 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $41.09 | $82.17 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.85 | $10.44 |
| Efficient EV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.04 | $8.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87 | 1 | $30.46 | $13.93 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Spring, TX
Late night in Spring on Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
96°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:01PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:58PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Destination
Dallas, TX
Late night in Dallas on Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:01PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:58PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
96°F
Rhode Island, TX
109 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 49m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly technical experience behind the wheel, as this route is defined by its turn-heavy local roads rather than high-speed highway cruising. With a highway share of 0%, you won't find the monotonous stretches typical of cross-country interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on East Noble Street, emphasizing the constant need for navigation and gear shifts. As you progress through the 217.8-mile journey, the character of the road stays consistent, demanding steady focus. This is a hands-on drive that keeps you engaged with the local infrastructure from start to finish.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 213.8 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and Spring Cypress Road. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Noble Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 217.6 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: near the start (East Noble Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (Interstate 45 South Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
517 ft
116 ft
Total Climb
624 ft
Total Descent
312 ft
Highest Point
517 ft
~186.5 mi in
Elevation Range
401 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Spring, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Dallas, TX
Full guide →“Big D” · Founded 1841
Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
Top landmarks
- • Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
- • Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
- • George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...
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 49m. Total distance: 217.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 49m 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 213.8 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Noble Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (Interstate 45 South Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Dallas, 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, 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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