Origin
Sugar Land, TX
Morning in Sugar Land on Tuesday
Local time
6:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sugar Land, TX to Arlington, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 58m
Distance
275 mi
442 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 45m
★
6 AM
4h 58m
8 AM
5h 25m
10 AM
5h 8m
12 PM
5h 5m
3 PM
5h 9m
5 PM
5h 24m
8 PM
4h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sugar Land, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Sugar Land, TX to Arlington, TX is 275 miles and takes about 4h 58m via North Freeway, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, moving from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. Expect mostly highway driving, so plan for a straightforward commute rather than a scenic exploration. With a single day recommended, this route is ideal for those looking to get from point A to point B efficiently. The estimated fuel cost of $42 makes it an affordable option for a quick trip.
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
137.5 miles from Sugar Land, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 30m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Freeway | 213.7 mi | 3h 40m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 15.1 mi | 16m |
| West Sam Houston Tollway South | 12.2 mi | 14m |
| West Sam Houston Tollway North | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 6.1 mi | 6m |
| South Collins Street | 3.9 mi | 7m |
| North Sam Houston Tollway West | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| US Highway 90A | 2.2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
North Freeway
— 213.7 mi, about 3h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sugar Land, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on US 90 Alt
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
US Highway 90A
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Take the ramp
240 ft
·
6 sec
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victoria
3
Continue on this road
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
this road
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victoria
4
Keep slight left at fork
490 ft
·
13 sec
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victoria
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victoria
6
Turn slight left onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward US 59 North, I 69 North
Use the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 69; US 59
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest Freeway
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 115
Toward Sam Houston Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto BW 8
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
West Sam Houston Parkway South
12
Continue on SHT
12 mi
·
14 min
·
West Sam Houston Tollway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto SHT
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
·
West Sam Houston Tollway North
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto SHT
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
West Sam Houston Tollway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto SHT
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the slight right lane.
16
Continue on BW 8
0.8 mi
·
53 sec
·
North Sam Houston Parkway West
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 45 North, I 45 South: Dallas, Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi
·
3 min
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 45
214 mi
·
3 hr 40 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 276A
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 20
15 mi
·
16 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 20
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 451
Toward Collins Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto East Interstate 20
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Interstate 20
25
Turn right onto South Collins Street
3.9 mi
·
7 min
·
South Collins Street
Use the right lane.
26
Turn left onto East Abram Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Abram Street
Use the left lane.
27
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
For this 4h 58m drive, starting early in the morning is your best bet to avoid the heaviest traffic, especially as you near Arlington. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but consider one stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs. The route features a significant 213.7-mile stretch on the North Freeway, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on this long segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as services might be more spaced out on the highway portions compared to urban areas.
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 137.5 miles from Sugar Land, TX, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 213.7 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 61 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.5 miles or 2h 30m 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 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sugar Land, 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 Sugar Land, TX
This is one driving day of about 275 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Sugar Land, 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 213.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 137.5 miles from Sugar Land, 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 213.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 32.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victo...
7
2.5 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Houston, Victo...
7
5.3 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the exit toward Sam Houston Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 115
Toward Sam Houston Tollway
7
32.6 mi into trip
|
~39m in
Take the exit toward I 45 North, I 45 South: Dallas, Downtown
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.
Toward I 45 North, I 45 South: Dallas, Downtown
7
32.8 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 45 North: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 45 North: Dallas
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.55 one way
$83.11 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
96 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $45.48 | $90.97 |
| premium | $4.54 | $49.10 | $98.20 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $60.72 | $121.43 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.00
Sam Houston Tollway
(25 mi)
$2.00
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
$42
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 82.5 | 1 | $28.87 | $13.20 |
| Efficient EV | 68.8 | 0 | $24.06 | $11.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 110 | 1 | $38.50 | $17.60 |
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Destination
Arlington, TX
Morning in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
6:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
80°F
Palestine, TX
138 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
25 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
4h 58m 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?
You'll be on the highway for about 85% of this 275-mile drive. The longest continuous stretch on a main road is 213.7 miles, primarily on the North Freeway. After this extensive highway portion, you'll transition to surface roads for the final miles into Arlington. Be prepared for frequent exits and potential traffic merging as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 213.7 mi on North Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Freeway and Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 275 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 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Sugar Land, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Downtown along the way.
Downtown
32.6 mi in
|
~39m
About the Cities
Starting in Sugar Land, TX
Full guide →Founded 1908
Sugar Land is a city in the North Barrier Coast region of Texas, 24 miles southwest of Downtown Houston. It has a population of 118,000 (2019).
Arriving in Arlington, TX
Full guide →Founded 1876
Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.
Top landmarks
- • Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
- • Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
- • Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States
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 58m. Total distance: 275 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 213.7 miles on North Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.00 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. 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 Arlington, 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 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, 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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