Origin
Ames, TX
Late night in Ames on Wednesday
Local time
2:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ames, TX to Arlington, TX
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
4h 59m
Distance
278.7 mi
448 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 46m
★
6 AM
4h 59m
8 AM
5h 26m
10 AM
5h 9m
12 PM
5h 6m
3 PM
5h 10m
5 PM
5h 25m
8 PM
4h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ames, TX
Thomas balabaud
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 278.7-mile drive from Ames to Arlington, Texas, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 59 minutes. Primarily utilizing I 45, East Grand Parkway North, and Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, this highway-focused trip covers 90% of its distance on major roads. With an estimated fuel cost of $42, it's an efficient journey across the Great Plains region of Texas. While there's only one recommended stop, the longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 202.1 miles on I 45, so plan your breaks accordingly.
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
139.3 miles from Ames, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 29m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for this 278.7-mile journey, with 90% of the drive on major interstates and freeways. The character of the road is largely consistent, featuring long stretches of fast-paced driving. The most significant uninterrupted segment spans 202.1 miles on I 45, meaning you'll encounter fewer opportunities for spontaneous detours during this portion. This route prioritizes direct travel rather than scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 45 is the longest continuous segment at about 202.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and East Grand Parkway North. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 14.7 miles in near TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 278.7 miles you will encounter 15 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 14.7 miles (TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.4 miles (Interstate 45 North Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
14.7 mi into trip
|
~18m in
|
TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North
Merge onto TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
47.1 mi into trip
|
~53m in
Take the exit toward Houston, Dallas
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 Houston, Dallas
5
47.4 mi into trip
|
~53m in
|
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
Turn right onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
251.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 25m in
Take the exit toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 276A
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
7
273.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
Take the exit toward Collins Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 451
Toward Collins Street
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ames, TX and Arlington, TX, road signs point toward Houston and Dallas.
Houston
47.1 mi in
|
~53m
Dallas
47.1 mi in
|
~53m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 202.1 mi | 3h 27m |
| East Grand Parkway North | 32.5 mi | 34m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 15.1 mi | 16m |
| West Main Street | 9 mi | 10m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 6.1 mi | 6m |
| West Clayton Street | 5.1 mi | 6m |
| South Collins Street | 3.9 mi | 7m |
| Interstate 45 North Frontage Road | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 202.1 mi, about 3h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ames, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on FM 160
98 ft
·
7 sec
·
Martin L King Street North
2
Turn right onto US 90
9.0 mi
·
10 min
·
West Main Street
3
Turn right onto TX 321
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
North Cleveland Street
4
Turn left onto FM 1960
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
West Clayton Street
5
Turn right onto East Grand Parkway North
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
East Grand Parkway North
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
7
Merge onto TX 99 Toll
32 mi
·
34 min
·
East Grand Parkway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward Houston, Dallas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
Use the right lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
Toward I 45 North
11
Merge onto I 45
202 mi
·
3 hr 27 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 276A
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 20
15 mi
·
16 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 20
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 451
Toward Collins Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto East Interstate 20
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Interstate 20
17
Turn right onto South Collins Street
3.9 mi
·
7 min
·
South Collins Street
Use the right lane.
18
Turn left onto East Abram Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Abram Street
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour and 59-minute duration, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip. To make the most of your drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a longest stretch of over 200 miles on I 45, plan your fuel and rest stops strategically before you begin that lengthy segment. The estimated fuel cost is $42, so ensure your tank is full before heading out.
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 139.3 miles from Ames, TX, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 202.1 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 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.3 miles or 2h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ames, 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 Ames, TX
This is one driving day of about 278.7 miles and 4h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ames, 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 202.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 139.3 mi from Ames, TX · 2h 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
139 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 139.3 miles from Ames, 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 202.1 miles.
Arriving in Arlington, TX
The final approach into Arlington, 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 Arlington, TX.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.11 one way
$84.22 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
98 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $46.10 | $92.19 |
| premium | $4.54 | $49.76 | $99.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $61.53 | $123.07 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83.6 | 1 | $29.26 | $13.38 |
| Efficient EV | 69.7 | 0 | $24.39 | $11.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 111.5 | 1 | $39.02 | $17.84 |
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 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
Arlington, TX
Late night in Arlington on Wednesday
Local time
2:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°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
13 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 59m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ames, TX to Arlington, TX covers 278.7 miles and takes about 4h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 45, East Grand Parkway North, Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 139.3 miles from Ames, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.11 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 278.7 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 14.7 miles (TX 99 Toll / East Grand Parkway North): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.4 miles (Interstate 45 North Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Between Ames, TX and Arlington, TX, road signs point toward Houston and Dallas.
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