Origin
Dallas, TX
Afternoon in Dallas on Sunday
Local time
2:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dallas, TX to Aransas Pass, TX
Drive Time
6h 51m
Distance
381.7 mi
614 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$58
one way
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Aransas Pass, TX
Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE
Trip Overview
Driving from Dallas to Aransas Pass covers approximately 381.7 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 51 minutes of active time behind the wheel. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate sprint, it is best suited for a single, focused day of travel. You should set aside a fuel budget of roughly $57 to cover the distance between these two Great Plains locations. Since the route relies on local navigation through streets like Ross Avenue, North Houston Street, and Elm Street, you will experience a more granular pace than standard highway travel. Carefully consider your energy levels before heading out, as the lack of highway miles means you will be actively managing turns for the duration of the trip.
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
190.8 miles from Dallas, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a very different experience than a typical interstate cruise, as this route features a 0% highway share. The personality of this drive is defined by a turn-heavy, local-road profile that demands your full attention. Navigating through local streets requires constant engagement, making the journey feel much more hands-on than a long-haul freeway stretch. While you won't encounter the monotony of high-speed lanes, you will need to be prepared for the stop-and-go nature of navigating urban and local corridors. This is a technical drive that rewards patience and careful navigation over the nearly seven-hour duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
South R L Thornton Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 89.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and TX 130 Toll. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 381.7 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 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 30 West, I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 30 West, I 35E South
8
0.8 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E South
6
136.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
|
I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
162.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
Take the exit toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 265
Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
7
221.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 45m in
Take the exit toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 470
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 89.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| TX 130 Toll | 58.5 mi | 54m |
| North United States Highway 183 | 43.5 mi | 47m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 37.9 mi | 39m |
| South US Highway 183/ US 87 | 26.7 mi | 28m |
| I 35 | 26.5 mi | 26m |
| South US Highway 183 | 24.6 mi | 27m |
| US 183 | 10.1 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
South R L Thornton Freeway
— 89.9 mi, about 1h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dallas, TX and Aransas Pass, TX.
1
Start on North Lamar Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
North Lamar Street
Use the none lane.
2
Turn right onto Elm Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Elm Street
3
Continue on Elm Street
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Elm Street
4
Take the ramp
327 ft
·
7 sec
Toward I 30, I 35E
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward I 30 West, I 35E South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
330 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 35E South
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 35E
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Stemmons Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
9
Continue on I 35E
89 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426
Toward Dallas Zoo
Use the none lane.
10
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
26 mi
·
26 min
·
I 35
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 265
Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
Use the slight right lane.
14
Continue on TX 130 Toll
59 mi
·
54 min
·
TX 130 Toll
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 470
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 183
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
United States Highway 183
17
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
North Colorado Street
18
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
19
Continue on US 183
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North Magnolia Avenue
20
Turn left onto US 90; US 183
5.0 mi
·
6 min
·
East Pierce Street
Use the none lane.
21
Continue on US 183
43 mi
·
47 min
·
North United States Highway 183
22
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
North Esplanade Street
23
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 87; US 183
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South US Highway 183
24
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
27 mi
·
28 min
·
South US Highway 183/ US 87
25
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
North Jefferson Street
26
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
23 mi
·
24 min
·
South US Highway 183
27
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Alamo Street
28
Continue on US 77
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Alamo Street
29
Turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Empresario Street
30
Turn right onto FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
Use the right lane.
31
Continue on FM 136
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
32
Turn left onto TX 188
7.2 mi
·
7 min
·
State Highway 188
33
Turn right onto FM 1069
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
FM 1069 North
34
Turn left onto TX 35 Bus
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Wheeler Avenue
35
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 35 Bus
240 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Cleveland Boulevard
36
Turn left onto Loop 90
16 ft
·
0 sec
·
Harrison Boulevard
37
Arrive at destination
Loop 90
Trip Plan
To tackle this 381.7-mile trek efficiently, plan to leave Dallas early in the morning to account for the slower pace of local roads. You are limited to one recommended stop along the way, so choose your break point strategically to maximize your comfort before finishing the final leg to Aransas Pass. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $57 estimate can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's specific efficiency in stop-and-go conditions. Since you will be navigating specific local arteries like North Houston Street and Elm Street, ensure your GPS is updated to handle the numerous turns. Staying hydrated and alert is vital, as the lack of high-speed stretches means you will be actively steering for the entire 6h 51m duration.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 190.8 miles from Dallas, TX, or about 3h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 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 84 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 190.8 miles or 3h 16m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aransas Pass, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dallas, 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 Dallas, TX
This is one driving day of about 381.7 miles and 6h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Dallas, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 89.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 190.8 mi from Dallas, TX · 3h 16m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
191 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 84 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 190.8 miles from Dallas, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 miles.
Arriving in Aransas Pass, TX
The final approach into Aransas Pass, 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 Aransas Pass, 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
$58.31 one way
$116.61 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
134 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $63.90 | $127.79 |
| premium | $4.59 | $68.99 | $137.98 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $84.80 | $169.60 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 114.5 | 1 | $40.08 | $18.32 |
| Efficient EV | 95.4 | 1 | $33.40 | $15.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 152.7 | 1 | $53.44 | $24.43 |
Gas CO2
134 kg
EV CO2
45 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
Aransas Pass, TX
Afternoon in Aransas Pass on Sunday
Local time
2:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°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
11 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
6h 51m 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 Dallas, TX to Aransas Pass, TX covers 381.7 miles and takes about 6h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are South R L Thornton Freeway, TX 130 Toll, North United States Highway 183. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 190.8 miles from Dallas, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $58.31 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 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 is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 381.7 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 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Dallas, TX to Aransas Pass, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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