Origin
Albany, TX
Afternoon in Albany on Sunday
Local time
3:57 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Albany, TX to Houston, TX
Drive Time
7h 12m
Distance
363.6 mi
585 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 1m
★
6 AM
7h 12m
8 AM
7h 34m
10 AM
7h 20m
12 PM
7h 18m
3 PM
7h 21m
5 PM
7h 33m
8 PM
7h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Albany, TX
Thomas balabaud
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Traveling from Albany to Houston covers 357 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 58 minutes of drive time. This route primarily utilizes Highway 6 South, Conrad Hilton Boulevard, and Highway 183 to navigate across Texas. You should plan on a fuel budget of approximately $53 to complete the journey. Given the duration, this trip is manageable as a single-day drive, though you should prepare for a full day behind the wheel. Since both cities are located within the Great Plains region, you will experience a consistent landscape as you travel southeast. It is a straightforward trek, but knowing the route requirements ahead of time will help you stay on schedule.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
181.8 miles from Albany, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 47m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straightforward interstate sprint, as this route features zero percent highway travel. Because you are navigating local roads, there is no single long, uninterrupted stretch; your focus will be consistently required by the winding nature of the path. The journey shifts across various surface streets and local highways, making it a more engaged experience than a typical highway cruise. You will need to stay alert to your surroundings as you transition through the various segments of Highway 6 and Highway 183. This is an active driving experience where the road surface and turns keep you attentive for the duration of the trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 47 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
East State Highway 6 is the longest continuous segment at about 46.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on East State Highway 6 and East 2nd Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 72.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 363.6 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 72.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 354.9 miles (I 45 / North Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
72.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
Take the exit toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 370
Toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenvil...
5
296.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 49m in
Take the exit toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
5
354.9 mi into trip
|
~6h 59m in
|
I 45 / North Freeway
Merge onto I 45 / North Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
362.3 mi into trip
|
~7h 9m 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
362.7 mi into trip
|
~7h 9m 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
Towns Along This Route
Between Albany, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward Sh 108 South, Fm 919: Gordon, Stephenville and Spur 515: Conroe.
Sh 108 South
72.4 mi in
|
~1h 29m
Fm 919: Gordon
72.4 mi in
|
~1h 29m
Stephenville
72.4 mi in
|
~1h 29m
Spur 515: Conroe
296.9 mi in
|
~5h 49m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East State Highway 6 | 46.6 mi | 46m |
| East 2nd Street | 42.4 mi | 48m |
| I 20 | 37.2 mi | 37m |
| State Highway 6 South | 33.2 mi | 49m |
| North Earl Rudder Freeway | 30.1 mi | 31m |
| TX 6 | 28.5 mi | 33m |
| Aggie Expressway | 24.7 mi | 27m |
| State Highway 108 | 22.2 mi | 33m |
Longest stretch:
East State Highway 6
— 46.6 mi, about 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albany, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on TX 6
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
South 2nd Street
2
Continue on TX 6
33 mi
·
49 min
·
State Highway 6 South
3
Continue on TX 6
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Conrad Hilton Boulevard
4
Continue on US 183
392 ft
·
9 sec
·
US Highway 183
5
Turn left onto East Interstate 20
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
East Interstate 20
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward I 20 East: Fort Worth
7
Merge onto I 20
37 mi
·
37 min
·
I 20
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 370
Toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenville
9
Turn straight onto TX 108
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Interstate 20
10
Turn right onto TX 108
22 mi
·
33 min
·
State Highway 108
11
Continue on TX 108
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
North Graham Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on TX 108
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Graham Avenue
13
Continue on TX 108
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South State Highway 108
14
At end of road, turn right onto US 281
17 mi
·
19 min
·
South US Highway 281
15
Continue on US 281; TX 6
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
North 2nd Street
16
Continue on TX 6
42 mi
·
48 min
·
East 2nd Street
17
Continue on TX 6
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Avenue C
18
Continue on TX 6
29 mi
·
33 min
·
TX 6
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
20
Continue on TX 6
9.1 mi
·
9 min
·
East State Highway 6
21
Continue on TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Memorial Street
22
Continue on TX 6
37 mi
·
37 min
·
East State Highway 6
23
Continue on TX 6
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
24
Continue on TX 6
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
North State Highway 6
25
Continue on US 79; TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Market Street
26
Continue on US 190; TX 6
14 mi
·
14 min
·
South State Highway 6
27
Continue on US 190; TX 6
30 mi
·
31 min
·
North Earl Rudder Freeway
28
Continue on TX 6
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 6
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe
30
Turn straight onto TX 105
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
State Highway 6
31
Turn left onto TX 105
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 105
32
Turn straight onto TX 249
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Aggie Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on TX 249 Toll
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
MCTRA 249 Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on TBT
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Tomball Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on TX 249
13 mi
·
16 min
·
Tomball Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on TX 249
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
West Mount Houston Road
37
Turn right onto Veterans Memorial Drive
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Veterans Memorial Drive
38
Continue on North Freeway Frontage Road
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
North Freeway Frontage Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Take the ramp
453 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 45 South
40
Merge onto I 45
7.4 mi
·
9 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
42
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
43
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
44
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
45
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
46
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
47
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
Aim for an early morning departure to ensure you reach Houston before evening traffic intensifies. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace your drive comfortably throughout the day. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the local segments to ensure you stay within your $53 budget, as local roads can sometimes be less convenient for quick refueling than major interstates. Since the route is entirely comprised of local roads, avoid rushing through the turns and prioritize steady, consistent speeds. Given the length of the drive, packing a cooler with drinks and snacks will help you stay refreshed without needing to make extra, unplanned stops along the way.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181.8 miles from Albany, TX, or about 3h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.6 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.8 miles or 3h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 57m
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 Albany, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Albany, TX
This is one driving day of about 363.6 miles and 7h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Albany, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on East State Highway 6 for about 46.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 181.8 mi from Albany, TX · 3h 47m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
182 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 181.8 miles from Albany, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Houston, TX
The final approach into Houston, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Houston, TX.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.54 one way
$111.08 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
127 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $60.87 | $121.73 |
| premium | $4.59 | $65.72 | $131.44 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $80.78 | $161.56 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.74
Tomball Tollway
(7 mi)
$0.49
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
$56
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 109.1 | 1 | $38.18 | $17.45 |
| Efficient EV | 90.9 | 1 | $31.82 | $14.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 145.4 | 1 | $50.90 | $23.27 |
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Destination
Houston, TX
Afternoon in Houston on Sunday
Local time
3:57 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°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
15 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
7h 12m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Albany, TX to Houston, TX covers 363.6 miles and takes about 7h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are East State Highway 6, East 2nd Street, I 20. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 181.8 miles from Albany, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $55.54 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 363.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 72.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 354.9 miles (I 45 / North Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Albany, TX and Houston, TX, road signs point toward Sh 108 South, Fm 919: Gordon, Stephenville and Spur 515: Conroe.
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