Chambers County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Vidor, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 40m
Distance
251.6 mi
405 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 27m
★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 49m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Vidor, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Vidor, TX to Montopolis, TX is 251.6 miles and takes about 4h 40m via I 10, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. Expect a straightforward drive primarily on major highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. The route offers minimal complexity, allowing you to focus on reaching your destination 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
125.8 miles from Vidor, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 91.2 mi | 1h 43m |
| TX 71 | 77.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| Katy Freeway | 74.4 mi | 1h 21m |
| East State Highway 71 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Bastrop Freeway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Airport Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| West Freeway Boulevard North | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 91.2 mi, about 1h 43m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~4,887 veh/hr typical · worst 5,738
Quietest
2 AM
~583 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Vidor, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on this road
97 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto East Freeway Boulevard South
269 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Freeway Boulevard South
3
Turn right onto Wilson Street
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
Wilson Street
4
Turn right onto East Courtland Street
474 ft
·
24 sec
·
East Courtland Street
5
Turn right onto FM 105
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
North Main Street
6
Turn left onto West Freeway Boulevard North
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Freeway Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 10 West, US 90 West
8
Merge onto I 10; US 90
8.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 10; US 90
9
Continue on I 10; US 69; US 96; US 287
83 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 10; US 69; US 96; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 10; US 90
74 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
Katy Freeway
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit onto TX 71
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
TX 71
Toward TX 71 West: La Grange, Austin
12
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 71
77 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
TX 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on 71 Toll
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Bastrop Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Bastrop Highway
17
Continue on 183 Toll
0.7 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
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.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto Loop 111
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
20
Continue on Loop 111
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
21
Continue on US 183
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
22
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
23
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 40m estimated drive time, leaving Vidor in the morning should allow you to arrive in Montopolis well before evening. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility to take a break when needed, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without exiting is over 90 miles on I 10. The $37 fuel cost estimate is a good baseline, but always check current prices. Since this is a single-day trip, you can adjust your departure time based on traffic or personal preference.
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 125.8 miles from Vidor, TX, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.2 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 55 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.8 miles or 2h 23m 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 Montopolis, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Vidor, 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 Vidor, TX
This is one driving day of about 251.6 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Vidor, 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 10 for about 91.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
126 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 125.8 miles from Vidor, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 91.2 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.
Chambers County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
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
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.5 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.5 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.6 mi from route
Colorado County Eastbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Colorado County Westbound Rest Area
2.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Chambers County Museum at Wallisville
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, right off the route
Early stretch
0.1 mi from route
Wallisville, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+14093892252
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteDowntown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteARs Entertainment Hub Baytown
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~9 min detour
Early stretch
3.6 mi from route
~9 min detour
Baytown, Texas
Hours: 4–10 pm
+18889999440
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Early stretch
3.9 mi from route
~10 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Early stretch
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 250.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Wilson Street
Turn right onto Wilson Street
Navigation decision point
6
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
West Freeway Boulevard North
Turn left onto West Freeway Boulevard North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
167.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m 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
248.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m 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
250.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m 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
$34.46 one way
$68.92 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
88 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $38.49 | $76.99 |
| premium | $4.23 | $41.85 | $83.70 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $47.51 | $95.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75.5 | 0 | $26.42 | $12.08 |
| Efficient EV | 62.9 | 0 | $22.02 | $10.06 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100.6 | 1 | $35.22 | $16.10 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 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
Vidor, TX
Night in Vidor on Saturday
Local time
9:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:39AM CDT until July 19 at 6:12AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:38AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Night in Montopolis on Saturday
Local time
9:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Cloudy
S 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:39AM CDT until July 19 at 6:12AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:38AM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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
2 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 40m 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 route is 99% highway, so you'll be on freeways for almost the entire 251.6 miles. The longest continuous stretch of highway driving is 91.2 miles on I 10. You'll encounter dense exits as you approach and travel through the Houston metropolitan area before transitioning to more open highway cruising. The final segment into Montopolis will involve TX 71 and the Katy Freeway.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.2 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and TX 71. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Wilson Street.
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 15 significant decision points across 251.6 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 0.1 miles (Wilson Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (West Freeway Boulevard North): Lane positioning matters here; at 167.4 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
552 ft
14 ft
Total Climb
575 ft
Total Descent
130 ft
Highest Point
552 ft
~233.7 mi in
Elevation Range
538 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 Vidor, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Austin along the way.
Austin
166.8 mi in
|
~3h 8m
|
via TX 71
About the Cities
Starting in Vidor, TX
Full guide →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 40m. Total distance: 251.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 40m 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 91.2 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Wilson Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (West Freeway Boulevard North): Lane positioning matters here; at 167.4 miles (TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 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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