Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Texas City, TX to Montopolis, 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 43m
Distance
200.9 mi
323 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 31m
★
6 AM
3h 44m
8 AM
4h 9m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 50m
3 PM
3h 54m
5 PM
4h 8m
8 PM
3h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Texas City, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Texas City, TX to Montopolis, TX is 200.9 miles and takes about 3h 43m via TX 71, Katy Freeway, and Gulf Freeway, with a fuel budget near $29 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. Most of your travel will be on highways, making for a relatively quick connection between these two points. With a single day recommended, you can expect a straightforward drive without major logistical hurdles.
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
100.5 miles from Texas City, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| TX 71 | 77.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| Katy Freeway | 73.8 mi | 1h 20m |
| Gulf Freeway | 32.7 mi | 37m |
| Emmett F Lowry Expressway | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| East State Highway 71 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Bastrop Freeway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Palmer Highway | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| 9th Avenue North | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
TX 71
— 77.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,971 veh/hr typical · worst 7,284
Quietest
2 AM
~653 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 37 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 Texas City, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on this road
48 ft
·
8 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Spur 197
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
6th Street
3
Turn left onto 9th Avenue North
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
9th Avenue North
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on FM 1764
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Palmer Highway
5
Continue on FM 1764
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Emmett F Lowry Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 45
33 mi
·
37 min
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 48B
Toward I 10 West: San Antonio
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
Merge onto I 10; US 90
74 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto TX 71
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
TX 71
Toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
10
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 71
77 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
TX 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on 71 Toll
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Bastrop Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Bastrop Highway
15
Continue on 183 Toll
0.7 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Use the right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto Loop 111
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
18
Continue on Loop 111
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
19
Continue on US 183
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
20
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
21
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3h 43m drive, consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for any unexpected delays. Since this trip is easily completed in a single day, you have flexibility with your timing. With a fuel cost estimated at $29, it's wise to ensure your tank is full before leaving Texas City. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 77.7 miles on TX 71, as services might be less frequent in certain sections.
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 100.5 miles from Texas City, TX, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.7 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 44 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.5 miles or 1h 54m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montopolis, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Texas City, 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 Texas City, TX
This is one driving day of about 200.9 miles and 3h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Texas City, 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 TX 71 for about 77.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
100 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 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 100.5 miles from Texas City, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before TX 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.7 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.
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Colorado County Eastbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Colorado County Westbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Bay Street Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Texas City, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14099483111
Visit websiteDowntown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteKaty Heritage Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Katy, Texas
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+12813914840
Visit websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 199.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
9th Avenue North
Turn left onto 9th Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
42.2 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West: San Antonio
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 48B
Toward I 10 West: San Antonio
6
116.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
|
TX 71
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
197.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
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 US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
7
199.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m in
Take the exit toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Stree...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.52 one way
$55.03 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $30.74 | $61.47 |
| premium | $4.23 | $33.42 | $66.83 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $37.93 | $75.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60.3 | 0 | $21.09 | $9.64 |
| Efficient EV | 50.2 | 0 | $17.58 | $8.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 80.4 | 1 | $28.13 | $12.86 |
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Texas City, TX
Late night in Texas City on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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
4 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
3h 43m 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?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 97% of the 200.9 miles on high-speed roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 77.7 miles on TX 71, offering a sustained period of highway cruising. The transition from primarily highway to surface roads will occur near your destination, as the highway portion concludes. Expect to encounter dense exits as you approach urban areas.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 77.7 mi on TX 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 71 and Katy Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near 9th Avenue North.
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 13 significant decision points across 200.9 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 0.7 miles (9th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 116.7 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
506 ft
6 ft
Total Climb
564 ft
Total Descent
107 ft
Highest Point
506 ft
~172.2 mi in
Elevation Range
500 ft
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 Texas City, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Austin along the way.
Austin
116.1 mi in
|
~2h 11m
|
via TX 71
About the Cities
Starting in Texas City, TX
Full guide →Founded 1911
Texas City is in Galveston County and lies on the Gulf Coast of the Texas mainland.
Top landmarks
- • The Settlement Historic District — historic district in Texas City, Galveston 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 3h 43m. Total distance: 200.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 77.7 miles on TX 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 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 Montopolis, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (9th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 116.7 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Montopolis, 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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