Origin
Dallas, TX
Afternoon in Dallas on Thursday
Local time
4:12 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dallas, TX to Marlin, TX
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 6m
Distance
118.6 mi
191 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 58m
★
6 AM
2h 7m
8 AM
2h 25m
10 AM
2h 13m
12 PM
2h 11m
3 PM
2h 14m
5 PM
2h 24m
8 PM
2h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Marlin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Dallas to Marlin covers approximately 118.6 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 6 minutes of driving time. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, eliminating the need to book an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $18 on fuel for the round journey, making this an accessible excursion for your weekend plans. Both cities are firmly rooted in the Great Plains, ensuring a consistent regional landscape throughout your travel. This route is designed for those who prefer a direct, local approach rather than a high-speed interstate commute.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
59.3 miles from Dallas, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 2m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 6m. Total distance: 118.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous highway grind, this route avoids interstate travel entirely, maintaining a 0% highway share as you navigate regional roads. You will find that the path is characterized by frequent turns rather than long, uninterrupted stretches of straight pavement. This road personality requires you to stay alert and engaged with the steering, offering a more hands-on driving experience. It is a practical path that prioritizes local connectivity over rapid transit speeds.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 East State Highway 6. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 118.6 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the ramp toward I 30, I 35E
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 30, I 35E
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
5
0.9 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
I 35E / South Stemmons Freeway
Merge onto I 35E / South Stemmons Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
91.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 337
Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 89.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| East State Highway 6 | 18.4 mi | 18m |
| Marlin Highway | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| North Memorial Street | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| North Business Highway 6 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| North Loop Drive | 1 mi | 1m |
| South Stemmons Freeway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Elm Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
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 Marlin, TX.
1
Start on North Lamar Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
North Lamar Street
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 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 straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 337
Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
13
Turn left onto US 77 Bus
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Loop Drive
14
Continue on Loop 484
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Marlin Highway
15
Continue on TX 6
9.1 mi
·
9 min
·
East State Highway 6
16
Continue on TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Memorial Street
17
Continue on TX 6
9.3 mi
·
9 min
·
East State Highway 6
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
19
Turn straight onto TX 6 Business
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Business Highway 6
20
Continue on TX 6 Business
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
Craik Street
21
Turn left onto TX 7
408 ft
·
6 sec
·
Live Oak Street
22
Arrive at destination
TX 7
Trip Plan
Since your travel time is just over two hours, you have significant flexibility in your departure schedule to avoid peak local congestion. You won't need to plan for formal stops along the way, but keeping a small amount of extra cash for fuel is wise to account for the $18 estimate. Because this is a turn-heavy route, consider checking your tire pressure before leaving Dallas to ensure better handling on the local roads. If you prefer a relaxed pace, leave mid-morning to arrive in Marlin by lunchtime without feeling rushed. Always keep your navigation apps handy, as local road signage can be less intuitive than major highway markers.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 59.3 miles from Dallas, TX, or about 1h 2m 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 26 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.3 miles or 1h 2m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Marlin, 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 118.6 miles and 2h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Dallas, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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 59.3 mi from Dallas, TX · 1h 2m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
59 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 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59.3 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 Marlin, TX
The final approach into Marlin, 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 Marlin, 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
$17.92 one way
$35.84 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $19.62 | $39.23 |
| premium | $4.54 | $21.18 | $42.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.19 | $52.37 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.6 | 0 | $12.45 | $5.69 |
| Efficient EV | 29.7 | 0 | $10.38 | $4.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.4 | 0 | $16.60 | $7.59 |
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Marlin, TX
Afternoon in Marlin on Thursday
Local time
4:12 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
59°F
Italy, TX
59 mi in
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
1 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 6m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 Marlin, TX covers 118.6 miles and takes about 2h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are South R L Thornton Freeway, East State Highway 6, Marlin Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59.3 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 $17.92 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 118.6 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
The route from Dallas, TX to Marlin, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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