Origin
Cleveland, TX
Afternoon in Cleveland on Saturday
Local time
3:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cleveland, TX to McKinney, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 12m
Distance
217.5 mi
350 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 0m
★
6 AM
4h 13m
8 AM
4h 39m
10 AM
4h 22m
12 PM
4h 20m
3 PM
4h 24m
5 PM
4h 38m
8 PM
4h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cleveland, TX
Wikimedia Commons
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 217.5-mile journey from Cleveland, Texas, to McKinney, Texas, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 4 hours and 12 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-20, US 281, and the Sam Rayburn Tollway, this drive offers a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $33, it's an economical option for a quick trip. Both Cleveland and McKinney are situated within the Great Plains region, so you'll experience a consistent landscape throughout. This route is straightforward and efficient, making it an ideal choice for a one-day excursion.
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
108.8 miles from Cleveland, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 33.8 mi | 36m |
| US 281 | 26.1 mi | 28m |
| Sam Rayburn Tollway | 23.8 mi | 25m |
| US 67 | 21.2 mi | 24m |
| US Highway 67/377 East | 19 mi | 21m |
| US Highway 67 | 15.4 mi | 17m |
| Jim Wright Freeway | 12.6 mi | 14m |
| TX 121 Express | 8.9 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 33.8 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cleveland, TX and McKinney, TX.
1
Start on FM 1176
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 1176
2
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
3
Turn right onto FM 567
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Fannin Street
4
Continue on FM 567
2.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 567
5
Turn right onto US 67; US 84
21 mi
·
24 min
·
US 67; US 84
6
Continue on US 67; US 377
19 mi
·
21 min
·
US Highway 67/377 East
7
Continue on US 67; US 377
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Central Avenue
8
Continue on US 67; US 377
15 mi
·
17 min
·
US Highway 67
9
Continue on US 67; US 377
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest US Highway 377
10
Continue on US 67; US 377
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Dublin Bypass
11
Continue on US 67; US 377
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
South US Highway 377
12
Turn straight onto US 67; US 377
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
West Washington Street
13
Turn left onto FM 988
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto FM 8
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
West Lingleville Road
Use the right lane.
15
At end of road, turn left onto US 281
26 mi
·
28 min
·
US 281
Use the left lane.
16
Take the exit
313 ft
·
9 sec
17
Turn straight onto I-20 Service Road
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
I-20 Service Road
18
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 20 East: Fort Worth
19
Merge onto I 20
34 mi
·
36 min
·
I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
5.6 mi
·
5 min
·
West Freeway
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 5B
Toward I 820 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 820
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 820
0.3 mi
·
18 sec
·
Northeast Loop
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas Entrance
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
4.4 mi
·
4 min
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto TX 121 Express
8.9 mi
·
10 min
·
TX 121 Express
Toward TX 121 North: DFW Airport North Entry
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
TX 121
Toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on SRT
3.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on TX 121
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 121
30
Continue on SRT
20 mi
·
21 min
·
Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on Spur 399
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on TX 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South McDonald Street
33
Turn slight left
281 ft
·
10 sec
34
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Tennessee Street
35
Arrive at destination
North Tennessee Street
Trip Plan
Given its manageable 4-hour duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving early to maximize your daylight hours and potentially avoid heavier traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can easily plan your breaks around fuel and food needs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 33.8-mile stretch on I-20, to ensure you have enough to reach your next service area. This route's efficiency means you can focus on reaching your destination without significant detours.
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 108.8 miles from Cleveland, TX, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33.8 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 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 2h 11m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McKinney, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, TX
This is one driving day of about 217.5 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Cleveland, 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 20 for about 33.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 108.8 miles from Cleveland, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 79 and 183.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
79 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
|
FM 988 / Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop
Turn left onto FM 988 / Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
144 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
I 30 / West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
7
149.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
Take the exit toward I 820 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5B
Toward I 820 North
7
163.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m in
|
I 820 TEXpress
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas Entrance
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas E...
8
183.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m in
|
TX 121
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121 toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.86 one way
$65.73 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $35.97 | $71.95 |
| premium | $4.54 | $38.83 | $77.67 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $48.02 | $96.04 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.91
Sam Rayburn Tollway
(23.8 mi)
$1.91
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
$33
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.84 | $10.44 |
| Efficient EV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.03 | $8.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87 | 1 | $30.45 | $13.92 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% 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.
Destination
McKinney, TX
Afternoon in McKinney on Saturday
Local time
3:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Mostly Sunny
S 15 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 12:44PM CDT until April 16 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 12:44PM CDT until April 17 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 12m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 79% of the route on major roads. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 33.8 miles on I-20, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While much of the drive will be on interstates and major highways, the inclusion of US 281 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway may offer slight variations in scenery and traffic patterns. This is a route built for covering ground efficiently rather than winding through charming backroads.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 33.8 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US 281. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 79 miles in near FM 988 / Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 217.5 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 79 miles (FM 988 / Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop): Lane positioning matters here; at 144 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in McKinney, TX
Full guide →McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of 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 12m. Total distance: 217.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 33.8 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.91 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Rayburn 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 McKinney, 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 79 miles (FM 988 / Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop): Lane positioning matters here; at 144 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at McKinney, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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