Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from West University Place, TX to Fort Worth, TX

Pin this trip

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

Drive Time

4h 49m

Distance

261.4 mi

421 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 36m ★
6 AM
4h 49m
8 AM
5h 16m
10 AM
4h 59m
12 PM
4h 56m
3 PM
5h 0m
5 PM
5h 15m
8 PM
4h 41m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in Harris County, Texas, United States

West University Place, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Fort Worth, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 261.4-mile drive from West University Place, TX, to Fort Worth, TX, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in under 5 hours. With an estimated fuel cost of around $40, it’s an economical option for a single-day trip. You'll primarily be on TX 6 and I-35W, making for a consistent driving experience. Given the relatively short duration and main road focus, an overnight stop isn't necessary, allowing you to reach your destination the same day. The route keeps you within the Great Plains region throughout, offering a consistent landscape.

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

130.7 miles from West University Place, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
TX 6 50 mi 53m
I 35W 49.2 mi 51m
North State Highway 6 43.3 mi 43m
Purple Heart Trail 31.5 mi 31m
Aggie Expressway 24.8 mi 27m
Tomball Parkway 9.7 mi 11m
East State Highway 6 9.1 mi 9m
Tomball Tollway 7.3 mi 8m
Longest stretch: TX 6 — 50 mi, about 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between West University Place, TX and Fort Worth, TX.

1

Start on this road

54 ft · 5 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Edloe Street

367 ft · 18 sec · Edloe Street
3

Turn right onto Rice Boulevard

0.4 mi · 1 min · Rice Boulevard
4

Turn right onto Weslayan Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · Weslayan Street
5

Turn left onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

403 ft · 8 sec · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward US 59 South, I 69 South Use the slight left lane.
7

Merge onto I 69; US 59

0.5 mi · 41 sec · Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Exit 123 Toward I 610 South, I 610 North Use the right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 610 North: George Bush Intercontinental Airport Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Toward I 610 North
11

Merge onto I 610

4.4 mi · 5 min · West Loop South
Use the straight lane.
12

Take the exit onto US 290

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Northwest Freeway
Exit 13A Toward US 290 West: Austin Use the slight left lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto US 290

3.0 mi · 3 min · Northwest Freeway
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward Bingle Road, Pinemont Drive Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn straight onto Northwest Freeway Frontage Road

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Northwest Freeway Frontage Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Turn right onto Bingle Road

1.9 mi · 2 min · Bingle Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Continue on North Houston Rosslyn Road

3.9 mi · 6 min · North Houston Rosslyn Road
18

Turn left onto TX 249

1.3 mi · 2 min · Tomball Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
19

Continue on TX 249

8.4 mi · 9 min · Tomball Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Continue on TBT

7.3 mi · 8 min · Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on TX 249 Toll

3.6 mi · 4 min · MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Continue on TX 249 Toll

25 mi · 27 min · Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Continue on TX 105

5.8 mi · 6 min · State Highway 105
24

Turn right onto TX 105

0.2 mi · 16 sec · State Highway 6
25

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
26

Merge onto TX 6

50 mi · 53 min · TX 6
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight right at fork onto TX 6

5.8 mi · 5 min · North State Highway 6
28

Continue on TX 6

2.2 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
29

Continue on TX 6

37 mi · 37 min · North State Highway 6
30

Continue on TX 6

2.2 mi · 2 min · South Memorial Street
31

Continue on TX 6

9.1 mi · 9 min · East State Highway 6
32

Take the exit onto TX 6

0.3 mi · 33 sec · TX 6
33

Turn right onto Loop 340

4.9 mi · 6 min · East Loop 340
34

Take the exit

354 ft · 10 sec
35

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 35 North
36

Merge onto I 35; US 77

31 mi · 31 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W

49 mi · 51 min · I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth Use the slight left lane.
38

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 49A Toward Allen Avenue Use the slight right lane.
39

Turn straight onto South Freeway

0.1 mi · 18 sec · South Freeway
40

Turn left onto East Allen Avenue

210 ft · 12 sec · East Allen Avenue
41

Turn left onto South Freeway

258 ft · 5 sec · South Freeway
42

Arrive at destination

South Freeway

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 4-hour and 49-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from West University Place to avoid potential traffic as you approach Fort Worth. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $40, and plan your refueling accordingly. The longest stretch without a major town change is approximately 50 miles on TX 6, so plan your break before or after this segment to ensure comfort.

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 130.7 miles from West University Place, TX, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50 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 58 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 130.7 miles or 2h 31m 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 59m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving West University Place, 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 West University Place, TX

This is one driving day of about 261.4 miles and 4h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from West University Place, 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 6 for about 50 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Brazos County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

College Station, TX

131 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

College Station, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marlin, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 130.7 miles from West University Place, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 coffee break

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Houston, Texas

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Hill County Northbound Rest Area

0 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Hill County Southbound Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.1 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.1 mi from route

Road Ranger

0.2 mi from route

Buc-ee's

0.2 mi from route

TA

0.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

1.5 mi from route

The Escape Game Houston (Galleria)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+17136365541

Visit website

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18179665509

Visit website

Houston Zoo

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17135336500

Visit website

ExitusVR

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Houston, Texas

+17133440525

Visit website

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17137520314

Visit website

Midtown Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+17135267577

Visit website

Fort Worth Herd

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm

+18173364373

Visit website

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17137520314

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 29

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.5 and 10.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
1.5 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward US 59 South, I 69 South

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward US 59 South, I 69 South
8
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the exit toward I 610 South, I 610 North

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

Use the right lane. Exit 123 Toward I 610 South, I 610 North
7
2.3 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 610 North: George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 610 North: George Bush Intercontinenta...
7
7.2 mi into trip | ~12m in | US 290 / Northwest Freeway

Take the exit onto US 290 / Northwest Freeway toward US 290 West: Austin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 13A Toward US 290 West: Austin
7
10.5 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward Bingle Road, Pinemont Drive

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 Bingle Road, Pinemont Drive

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.50 one way

$79.00 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $43.23 $86.47
premium $4.54 $46.67 $93.34
diesel $5.61 $57.71 $115.43

Estimated Tolls: $0.76

Tomball Tollway (7.3 mi) $0.51
MCTRA 249 Tollway (3.6 mi) $0.25

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

$40

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 91.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 78.4 0 $27.45 $12.55
Efficient EV 65.4 0 $22.87 $10.46
EV Truck/SUV 104.6 1 $36.60 $16.73

Gas CO2

91 kg

EV CO2

31 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

West University Place, TX

Morning in West University Place on Tuesday

Local time

10:44 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

E 10 mph 31% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 20 at 5:25PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued April 20 at 5:15PM CDT until April 20 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Destination

Fort Worth, TX

Morning in Fort Worth on Tuesday

Local time

10:44 AM

CDT

Current temp

62°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

9 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 49m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Waco Mammoth National Monument

National Monument

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 180.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for about 75% of this trip, primarily utilizing TX 6 and I-35W. You'll encounter one longest uninterrupted stretch of about 50 miles on TX 6, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While predominantly highway, the connection between these main arteries provides a practical and efficient path. The character of the drive is about covering ground efficiently rather than winding scenic byways, making it a reliable route for reaching Fort Worth.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 50 mi on TX 6.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 6 and I 35W. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 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 29 significant decision points across 261.4 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 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Worth, TX

Full guide →

“Panther city” · Founded 1849

Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.

Top landmarks

  • • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
  • • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
  • • St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, 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 4h 49m. Total distance: 261.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 49m 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 50 miles on TX 6. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.76 in tolls one way, starting with Tomball 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.

Yes — we found about 11 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 Fort Worth, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

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 Fort Worth, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Fort Worth, TX

La Grulla, TX 542 mi · 9h 28m Laguna Heights, TX 523.4 mi · 9h 35m Alamo, TX 511.8 mi · 8h 50m North Alamo, TX 508 mi · 8h 50m

More from West University Place, TX

Brownsville, TX 348.5 mi · 6h 37m Garland, TX 302.1 mi · 5h 56m Arlington, TX 260.9 mi · 4h 44m Corpus Christi, TX 204.7 mi · 4h 2m

More trips to Fort Worth, TX

El Paso, TX 605.5 mi Cameron Park, TX 516.4 mi Cameron Park Colonia, TX 516 mi Roma, TX 509.8 mi La Joya, TX 505.8 mi Abram, TX 502.6 mi
Escape planner: West University Place, TX Scenic drives in TX

Explore more options from West University Place, TX or browse trips ending in Fort Worth, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.