Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Wichita Falls, TX to Plano, 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
2h 34m
Distance
138.2 mi
222 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
24 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 24m
★
6 AM
2h 34m
8 AM
2h 55m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 39m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 54m
8 PM
2h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wichita Falls, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Plano, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Wichita Falls to Plano covers 139.6 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 9 minutes of driving time. Because this is a straightforward trek within the Great Plains, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $21 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly connection between these two Texas hubs. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, the duration is manageable for a morning departure. Since both cities are located within the same region, you will experience a consistent landscape throughout the drive.
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
69.1 miles from Wichita Falls, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Central East Freeway | 71.5 mi | 1h 15m |
| West US Highway 380 | 21.8 mi | 25m |
| President George Bush Turnpike | 13.3 mi | 14m |
| South Stemmons Freeway | 10.5 mi | 11m |
| I 35E | 9.8 mi | 10m |
| West University Drive | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| I 35 | 1 mi | 1m |
| Old Jacksboro Highway | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Central East Freeway
— 71.5 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wichita Falls, TX and Plano, TX.
1
Start on US 287 Bus
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Scott Avenue
2
Continue on US 287 Bus
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
East Scott Avenue
3
Turn slight right onto Loop 473
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Old Jacksboro Highway
4
Turn left onto Central East Freeway
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Central East Freeway
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
6
Merge onto US 82; US 287
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Central East Freeway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
70 mi
·
1 hr 13 min
·
Central East Freeway
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
9
Keep slight left at fork
147 ft
·
4 sec
10
Turn left onto US 380
22 mi
·
25 min
·
West US Highway 380
11
Continue on US 380
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West University Drive
12
Take the exit
288 ft
·
7 sec
13
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
North Interstate 35
14
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 35 South
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Merge onto I 35; US 77
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 35; US 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 35E; US 77
9.8 mi
·
10 min
·
I 35E; US 77
Toward I 35E South: Dallas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
10 mi
·
11 min
·
South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 445
Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto PGBT
13 mi
·
14 min
·
President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 75 North: McKinney
Use the slight left lane.
23
Turn slight right
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 29
Toward 15th Street
Use the slight right lane.
24
Turn straight onto Central Expressway
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
Central Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn right onto East 15th Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 15th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
East 15th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 139.6-mile journey, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic buildup as you approach the Plano area. Since the entire trip is estimated at just over two hours, you likely won't require a formal stop, but keeping $21 in your budget for fuel ensures you won't be caught off guard. Because this route lacks a significant highway share, stay alert for changes in speed limits and turn requirements along the local roads. The lack of a designated longest stretch means you should be prepared for frequent road transitions. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, allowing you to easily adjust your departure time to suit your personal schedule.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 69.1 miles from Wichita Falls, TX, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.5 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 30 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.1 miles or 1h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Plano, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls, TX
This is one driving day of about 138.2 miles and 2h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Wichita Falls, 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 Central East Freeway for about 71.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.1 miles from Wichita Falls, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Central East Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.5 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.
Wise County Northbound
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
1 mi from route
Texas Travel Information Center at Wichita Falls
1.3 mi from route
TA
2.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
2.2 mi from route
Maniac’s Mansion (TAG’s)
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Wichita Falls, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+19402575543
Visit websiteMuseum of North Texas History
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Wichita Falls, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19403227628
Visit websiteDark Hour Haunted House
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Plano, Texas
+14692980556
Visit website11th Hour Escape
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: 12–5:30 pm
+14692095978
Visit websiteHeritage Farmstead Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Plano, Texas
Hours: Closed
+19728810140
Visit websiteExplorium Denton Children's Museum a Program of Denton County Friends of The Family.
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Denton, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19403205444
Visit websiteAndrew Brown Park West
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.6 mi from route
~7 min detour
Coppell, Texas
Hours: 7 am–11 pm
+19724625100
Visit websiteOak Hills Splash Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.8 mi from route
~9 min detour
Carrollton, Texas
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+19724663080
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 99 and 136.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
99 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
Take the ramp toward I 35 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 35 South
6
110 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
|
I 35E / South Stemmons Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E / South Stemmons Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
120.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 445
Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpik...
7
121.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Tu...
7
136.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 75 North: McKinney
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 75 North: McKinney
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.88 one way
$41.76 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $22.86 | $45.71 |
| premium | $4.54 | $24.67 | $49.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.51 | $61.03 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.09
President George Bush Turnpike
(13.3 mi)
$1.06
Central Expressway
(0.4 mi)
$0.03
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
$21
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
24 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Texas Best Smokehouse Travel Center - Tesla Supercharger
Henrietta, TX
Tesla
12 DCFC
TA Travel Center - Tesla Supercharger
Decatur, TX
Tesla
12 DCFC
Target - Tesla Supercharger
Lewisville, TX
Tesla
12 DCFC
Buc-ee's - Tesla Supercharger
Denton, TX
Tesla
8 DCFC
Carrollton Station TX
Carrollton, TX
RED_E
8 DCFC
Walmart 4627 (Denton, TX)
Denton, TX
Electrify America
6 DCFC
Rayzor Ranch Marketplace - Tesla Supercharger
Denton, TX
Tesla
6 DCFC
Buc-ee's
Denton, TX
Non-Networked
6 DCFC
Tesla: 5
Blink Network: 3
ChargePoint Network: 3
Non-Networked: 3
Electrify America: 2
eVgo Network: 2
EV Connect: 1
FORD_CHARGE: 1
IONNA: 1
RACETRAC: 1
WALMART: 1
RED_E: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.5 | 0 | $14.51 | $6.63 |
| Efficient EV | 34.6 | 0 | $12.09 | $5.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.3 | 0 | $19.35 | $8.84 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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
Wichita Falls, TX
Late night in Wichita Falls on Tuesday
Local time
3:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Plano, TX
Late night in Plano on Tuesday
Local time
3:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 15 mph
69% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 17 at 11:26PM CDT until April 18 at 12:15AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS San Angelo 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
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
2h 34m 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 trip is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. You will navigate via East Scott Avenue, Old Jacksboro Highway, and the Central East Freeway to reach your destination. With a highway share of 0%, the route favors local roads that require your full attention behind the wheel. The path demands more active driving than a standard highway trek, as you transition through various local thoroughfares. Expect a driving experience that feels more grounded in the local infrastructure than a high-speed transit route.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.5 mi on Central East Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and West US Highway 380. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 99 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 19 significant decision points across 138.2 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 99 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 110 miles (I 35E / South Stemmons Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.4 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.
Between Wichita Falls, TX and Plano, TX, road signs point toward Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike and Pgbt Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike.
Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike
120.4 mi in
|
~2h 12m
Pgbt Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike
121.6 mi in
|
~2h 14m
About the Cities
Starting in Wichita Falls, TX
Full guide →Wichita Falls is a town in the North Central Plains of Texas, named for Wichita Indians who lived near waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. In 1882, Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought the first train to the area, establishing the town as an agricultural and trade center. The oil boom in the early 1900s made city headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing. The city is the seat for Wichita County and a leading gateway to Texas on I-44. It's a major trade and industrial center with economy based on Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing.
Top landmarks
- • Newby-McMahon Building — building in Wichita Falls, Texas
- • Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum — American professional wrestling hall of fame and museum in Wichita Falls, Texas
- • The Kell House — house
Arriving in Plano, TX
Full guide →Plano is a city of 285,000 people (2020) in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex region of Texas and is north of Dallas. It is home to the headquarters of several large corporations.
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 2h 34m. Total distance: 138.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.5 miles on Central East Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.09 in tolls one way, starting with President George Bush Turnpike. 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.
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 Plano, 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 99 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 110 miles (I 35E / South Stemmons Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Plano, TX before heading back.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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