Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Waxahachie, TX to Houston, 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
3h 56m
Distance
219.2 mi
353 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 43m
★
6 AM
3h 56m
8 AM
4h 22m
10 AM
4h 5m
12 PM
4h 3m
3 PM
4h 6m
5 PM
4h 21m
8 PM
3h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waxahachie, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Traveling from Waxahachie to Houston covers 222.4 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel. Because this route is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate shot, it is best suited as a straightforward one-day trip. You should budget approximately $33 for fuel to complete the journey. Both cities sit within the Great Plains region of Texas, keeping the landscape consistent throughout your transit. Since the drive is manageable in a single session, you likely won't need to plan for an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Use this route if you are looking for a direct, local-road experience between these two Texas hubs.
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
109.6 miles from Waxahachie, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 198.8 mi | 3h 28m |
| South US Highway 287 | 14.3 mi | 15m |
| East US 287 Business | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Milam Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| West Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Louisiana Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Prairie Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 198.8 mi, about 3h 28m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,315 veh/hr typical · worst 3,925
Quietest
2 AM
~414 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 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 Waxahachie, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on this road
159 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto North Rogers Street
132 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Rogers Street
3
Turn left onto US 287 Bus
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
West Main Street
4
Continue on US 287 Bus
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
5
Continue on US 287 Bus
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
East US 287 Business
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
7
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
8
Merge onto US 287
14 mi
·
15 min
·
South US Highway 287
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 45 South: Corsicana
10
Merge onto I 45; US 287
199 mi
·
3 hr 28 min
·
I 45; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
14
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
15
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
16
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
17
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Given the local nature of this 3-hour and 16-minute drive, flexibility is your greatest advantage when planning your departure. You only need to account for one planned stop to keep your trip efficient, but feel free to adjust based on your personal comfort. Since you are navigating local streets like Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, watch your speed closely as you transition between different zones. Budgeting the $33 for fuel in advance ensures you won't have to scramble for stations in unfamiliar local areas. Because this route lacks high-speed highway stretches, leave early to avoid potential congestion on local roads and ensure a more relaxed arrival in Houston.
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 109.6 miles from Waxahachie, TX, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 198.8 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 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.6 miles or 1h 59m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waxahachie, 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 Waxahachie, TX
This is one driving day of about 219.2 miles and 3h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Waxahachie, 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 198.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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 109.6 miles from Waxahachie, 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 198.8 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
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
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
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
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
Rest Area
0.8 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
2.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Downtown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websiteNTER - The Great Escape
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.8 mi from route
~5 min detour
Waxahachie, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+12149801053
Visit websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.6 mi from route
~6 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 18.5 and 219.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
18.5 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 45 South: Corsicana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 45 South: Corsicana
5
19.1 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
I 45; US 287
Merge onto I 45; US 287
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
217.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 53m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
7
218.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Milam Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Milam Street
5
219.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
|
Louisiana Street
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.02 one way
$60.05 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $33.54 | $67.07 |
| premium | $4.23 | $36.46 | $72.92 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $41.39 | $82.78 |
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: 76.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.8 | 0 | $23.02 | $10.52 |
| Efficient EV | 54.8 | 0 | $19.18 | $8.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.7 | 1 | $30.69 | $14.03 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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
Waxahachie, TX
Afternoon in Waxahachie on Sunday
Local time
2:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
96°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 10 to 15 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 18 at 4:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 22 at 12:26PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Afternoon in Houston on Sunday
Local time
2:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 18 at 4:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:30PM CDT until July 22 at 12:26PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
97°F
Buffalo, TX
110 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 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 56m 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 unique experience on this 222.4-mile trek, as the route relies entirely on local roads rather than high-speed interstates. You will navigate through North Rogers Street, West Main Street, and Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, making this a turn-heavy journey that demands your full attention. With a 0% highway share, this is far from a monotonous interstate grind; instead, you will be traveling through local environments that require frequent adjustments. The technical nature of these roads means you should prepare for a drive that feels more hands-on and varied than a typical highway cruise. Stay alert as you transition between these specific local thoroughfares to keep your progress steady.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 198.8 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and South US Highway 287. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 18.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 219.2 miles you will encounter 10 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: at 18.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 19.1 miles (I 45; US 287): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
561 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
190 ft
Total Descent
716 ft
Highest Point
561 ft
Elevation Range
526 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Waxahachie, TX
Full guide →Founded 1850
Waxahachie is a city in Blackland Prairie region of Texas.
Top landmarks
- • Joshua Chapel A.M.E. Church — historic place in Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas
- • Saint Paul's Episcopal Church — building in Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas
- • Chautauqua Auditorium — historic place in Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas
Arriving in Houston, TX
Full guide →“Space City” · Founded 1836
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered. === Welcome World Cup fans === Games will be played at NRG Stadium on the south side of Houston The best way to get to the stadium on game day is to use MetroRail trains (red line to NRG Stadium/Astrodome). Fare cards can be purchased at kiosks at train platforms and cost US$1.25 per ride The best hotels for football fans are downtown or near the medical center (both areas have easy access to MetroRail).
Top landmarks
- • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
- • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
- • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris 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 56m. Total distance: 219.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 198.8 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 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 Houston, 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 18.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 19.1 miles (I 45; US 287): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Houston, 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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