Trip from Stephenville, TX to Garland, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 48m

Distance

256.1 mi

412 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 35m ★

6 AM

4h 48m

8 AM

5h 15m

10 AM

4h 58m

12 PM

4h 55m

3 PM

4h 59m

5 PM

5h 14m

8 PM

4h 40m

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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city in and the county seat of Erath County, Texas, United States

Stephenville, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 256.1-mile drive from Stephenville, TX, to Garland, TX, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 48 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused experience, about 75% of your journey will be on major roads, including East R L Thornton Freeway and US Highway 67. With an estimated fuel cost of $39, this route is a straightforward trek across the Great Plains region of Texas. You'll encounter just one recommended stop, making it an efficient trip for those looking to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. This drive offers a practical way to cover ground within the state.

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

128.1 miles from Stephenville, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
East R L Thornton Freeway	132.6 mi	2h 17m
Northeast Big Bend Trail	61.8 mi	1h 11m
US Highway 67	28.8 mi	32m
US Highway 259 North	16.5 mi	24m
Marvin D Love Freeway	5.5 mi	5m
South R L Thornton Freeway	3.6 mi	4m
West S G Alexander Freeway	2.7 mi	2m
FM 1701	2.1 mi	4m

Longest stretch: East R L Thornton Freeway — 132.6 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Stephenville, TX and Garland, TX.

Start on TX 108

0.3 mi · 35 sec · North Graham Street

Continue on TX 108

0.4 mi · 48 sec · South Graham Avenue

Turn left onto US 67; US 377

0.2 mi · 15 sec · East South Loop

Turn right onto US 67

0.4 mi · 30 sec · Glen Rose Road

Continue on US 67

29 mi · 32 min · US Highway 67

Continue on US 67

62 mi · 1 hr 11 min · Northeast Big Bend Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 67

2.7 mi · 2 min · West S G Alexander Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 67

5.5 mi · 5 min · Marvin D Love Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 35E

3.6 mi · 4 min · South R L Thornton Freeway

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec

Exit 427A Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Boulevard, Griffin Street Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

422 ft · 5 sec

Toward I 35E North, I 30 West: Denton, Fort Worth, Texarkana

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 32 sec

Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Convention Center

Keep slight left at fork

385 ft · 6 sec

Toward I 30 East: Texarkana

Continue on I 30; US 67

7.5 mi · 9 min · East R L Thornton Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 30; US 67

125 mi · 2 hr 8 min · East R L Thornton Freeway

Toward I 30 East: Texarkana Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward US 259: De Kalb, Daingerfield

Turn left onto US 259

17 mi · 24 min · US Highway 259 North

Turn left onto FM 1701

2.1 mi · 4 min · FM 1701

Arrive at destination

FM 1701

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour, 48-minute duration, this 256.1-mile drive is easily manageable as a single-day trip from Stephenville to Garland. Aim for an early morning departure to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $39, planning is minimal. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a break is over 130 miles. A practical tip: utilize navigation apps to monitor real-time traffic conditions, particularly on East R L Thornton Freeway, as this can significantly 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 128.1 miles from Stephenville, TX, or about 2h 26m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.6 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 56 miles or 1h 4m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 128.1 miles or 2h 26m 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 50m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Garland, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Stephenville, 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 Stephenville, TX

This is one driving day of about 256.1 miles and 4h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Stephenville, 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 East R L Thornton Freeway for about 132.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dallas, TX

128 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.

Popular next leg

Dallas, TX to Garland, TX

151.8 mi · 2h 50m

Pacing Suggestions

Cleburne, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rockwall, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 128.1 miles from Stephenville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before East R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 132.6 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.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

Shenaniganz Entertainment Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rockwall, Texas

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 2h 24m in / 2h 24m to go 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hours: 12–11 pm

+19727221133

Visit website

Shenaniganz Entertainment Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Rockwall, Texas

Hours: 12–11 pm

+19727221133

Visit website

Cultivar Coffee Roasting Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14693876289

Visit website

City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19724823055

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 103.7 and 112.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

103.7 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Take the exit toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Boulevard, Griffin Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 427A Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Riverfront Bouleva...

104.1 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North, I 30 West: Denton, Fort Worth, Texarkana

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 35E North, I 30 West: Denton, Fort Wor...

104.2 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Convention Center

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 30 East: Texarkana, Convention Center

104.6 mi into trip | ~2h in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 30 East: Texarkana

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 30 East: Texarkana

112.1 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in | I 30; US 67 / East R L Thornton Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 30; US 67 / East R L Thornton Freeway toward I 30 East: Texarkana

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 30 East: Texarkana

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.70 one way

$77.39 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 90 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$42.36	$84.71
premium	$4.54	$45.72	$91.45
diesel	$5.61	$56.54	$113.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 89.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	76.8	0	$26.89	$12.29
Efficient EV	64	0	$22.41	$10.24
EV Truck/SUV	102.4	1	$35.85	$16.39

Gas CO2

90 kg

EV CO2

30 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Stephenville, TX

Morning in Stephenville on Tuesday

Local time

8:20 AM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Garland, TX

Morning in Garland on Tuesday

Local time

8:20 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°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

3 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

4h 48m 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-focused drive for this 256.1-mile trip. With a 75% highway share, you'll spend most of your time on faster-paced roads like East R L Thornton Freeway and US Highway 67. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 132.6 miles on East R L Thornton Freeway. While the profile is largely highway, the inclusion of Northeast Big Bend Trail suggests some variation in the road's character as you progress. This route is designed for efficient travel rather than leisurely sightseeing.

75% 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: 132.6 mi on East R L Thornton Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on East R L Thornton Freeway and Northeast Big Bend Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 103.7 miles in.

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 11 significant decision points across 256.1 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 103.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Stephenville, TX and Garland, TX, road signs point toward Fort Worth, Texarkana, Convention Center and Daingerfield.

Fort Worth

104.1 mi in | ~1h 59m

Texarkana

104.1 mi in | ~1h 59m

Convention Center

104.2 mi in | ~1h 59m

Daingerfield

237.2 mi in | ~4h 17m

About the Cities

Starting in Stephenville, TX

Full guide →

Stephenville is a city in the Cross Timbers region of Texas. Acclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World" (okay, maybe there's more than one), it's the home to Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M system, and even has an equine therapy program.

Arriving in Garland, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1891

Garland is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area in the State of Texas. Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, used to live in Garland, as well as some other small towns around Texas. So, yeah. Don't be shocked if you take a wrong turn through a downscale neighborhood and see someone barbecuing hot dogs using one of those things that turns your truck's air filter into a grill. On the other hand, Garland's north side is a palacial monument to suburban living in all its McMansioned, strip malling, Starbucks-sipping glory. Garland is basically an unprepossessing, pleasant place. While it's hard to get too excited about much that happens in Garland, it is just so darned pleasant.

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 4h 48m. Total distance: 256.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 132.6 miles on East R L Thornton Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Garland, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Garland, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Stephenville, TX to Garland, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Shenaniganz Entertainment Center

Shenaniganz Entertainment Center

Cultivar Coffee Roasting Co.

City Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Stephenville, TX

Garland, TX

Same local time

3 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 48m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Stephenville, TX

Arriving in Garland, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Garland, TX

More from Stephenville, TX

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