Trip from Dallas, TX to Washington, TX

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 45m

Distance

208.7 mi

336 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 33m ★

6 AM

3h 46m

8 AM

4h 11m

10 AM

3h 55m

12 PM

3h 52m

3 PM

3h 56m

5 PM

4h 10m

8 PM

3h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Dallas, TX

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ghost town in Washington County, Texas, United States

Washington, TX

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Trip Overview

If you are planning to head from Dallas to Washington, Texas, expect a journey covering 208.7 miles that typically takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. Since the entire trip remains within the Great Plains region, you will find a consistent landscape throughout your travel. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a highway sprint, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $31, the costs remain quite manageable for a solo traveler or a small group. You will navigate primarily via local streets like Ross Avenue, North Houston Street, and Elm Street, so plan for a slower pace than you might experience on a major interstate route.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

104.4 miles from Dallas, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .

Drive Character

Forget the monotony of the highway; this 208.7-mile route features a 0% highway share, offering a strictly local driving experience. You will navigate a series of turns rather than long, straight stretches, as evidenced by the fact that there is no extended uninterrupted mileage on Ross Avenue. The character of this drive is defined by its technical nature, requiring your full attention as you transition between local roads. It is a departure from high-speed travel, trading rapid transit for the constant engagement of surface streets. Behind the wheel, you should prepare for a hands-on experience where the focus is on navigating local turns rather than cruising at high speeds.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 28 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 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in.

Route Complexity 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 208.7 miles you will encounter 10 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 10 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

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

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

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

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.

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	46.6 mi	46m
North Earl Rudder Freeway	30.1 mi	31m
South State Highway 6	13.7 mi	14m
North State Highway 6	6.2 mi	6m
State Highway 105	4.2 mi	5m
Marlin Highway	2.7 mi	3m
North Main Street	2.2 mi	3m

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 Washington, TX.

Start on North Lamar Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · North Lamar Street

Turn right onto Elm Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Elm Street

Continue on Elm Street

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Elm Street

Take the ramp

327 ft · 7 sec

Toward I 30, I 35E

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Toward I 30 West, I 35E South Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

330 ft · 8 sec

Toward I 35E South Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 35E

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Stemmons Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35E

0.5 mi · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway

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.

Continue on I 35; US 77

0.1 mi · 8 sec · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Exit 337 Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway

0.1 mi · 16 sec · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Turn left onto US 77 Bus

1.0 mi · 1 min · North Loop Drive

Continue on Loop 484

2.7 mi · 3 min · Marlin Highway

Continue on TX 6

9.1 mi · 9 min · East State Highway 6

Continue on TX 6

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Memorial Street

Continue on TX 6

37 mi · 37 min · East State Highway 6

Continue on TX 6

2.2 mi · 3 min · North Main Street

Continue on TX 6

6.2 mi · 6 min · North State Highway 6

Continue on US 79; TX 6

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Market Street

Continue on US 190; TX 6

14 mi · 14 min · South State Highway 6

Continue on US 190; TX 6

30 mi · 31 min · North Earl Rudder Freeway

Turn straight onto TX 6 Bus

2.1 mi · 3 min · TX 6 Bus

Turn right onto TX 105

1.9 mi · 2 min · East Washington Avenue

Continue on TX 105

4.2 mi · 5 min · State Highway 105

Turn left onto FM 1155

1.4 mi · 3 min · FM 1155 East

Turn left

245 ft · 17 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the turn-heavy nature of this 3-hour and 45-minute trip, you should prioritize a focused departure time to avoid unnecessary fatigue. Since you have only one planned stop along the way, make sure to time your break strategically to maximize your comfort during the drive. Keep your fuel budget of $31 in mind as you monitor your vehicle's consumption, as local stop-and-go driving often burns more fuel than steady interstate speeds. Because this route relies entirely on local roads like Elm Street and North Houston Street, keep a reliable navigation system active to help manage the frequent turns. This flexibility is your biggest advantage, so feel free to adjust your pace to suit your personal comfort level on the road.

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 104.4 miles from Dallas, TX, or about 1h 50m 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 46 miles or 48m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 104.4 miles or 1h 50m 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

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington, 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 208.7 miles and 3h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 104.4 mi from Dallas, TX · 1h 50m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bellmead, TX

104 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

Italy, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mart, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104.4 miles from Dallas, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 miles.

Arriving in Washington, TX

The final approach into Washington, 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 Washington, 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

$31.54 one way

$63.07 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$34.52	$69.04
premium	$4.54	$37.26	$74.52
diesel	$5.61	$46.08	$92.16

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 73 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	62.6	0	$21.91	$10.02
Efficient EV	52.2	0	$18.26	$8.35
EV Truck/SUV	83.5	1	$29.22	$13.36

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Dallas, TX

Night in Dallas on Wednesday

Local time

10:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Washington, TX

Night in Washington on Wednesday

Local time

10:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

62°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

2 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

3h 45m 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 Washington, TX covers 208.7 miles and takes about 3h 45m 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, North Earl Rudder 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 104.4 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 $31.54 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

The route from Dallas, TX to Washington, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Washington, TX to Dallas, TX

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208.4 mi 3h 45m

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Trip from Dallas, TX to Washington, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Washington, TX

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Dallas, TX

Washington, TX

Same local time

2 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 45m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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