Skip to main content

Trip from Garland, TX to Alamo Heights, TX

Data updated 2 hours ago

Drive Time

7h 34m

Distance

418.2 mi

673 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$63

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
7h 24m ★
6 AM
7h 34m
8 AM
7h 54m
10 AM
7h 41m
12 PM
7h 39m
3 PM
7h 42m
5 PM
7h 53m
8 PM
7h 28m

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

city in Bexar County, Texas, United States

Alamo Heights, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Garland, TX to Alamo Heights, TX covers 418.2 miles and takes about 7h 34m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 30, Purple Heart Trail, South R L Thornton Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 131.8 miles on I 30. At current regular gas prices, budget about $63.19 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

209.1 miles from Garland, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 47m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

This is a 7h 34m highway drive covering 418.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 30 and Purple Heart Trail. The longest continuous stretch is about 131.8 miles on I 30.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 30 is the longest continuous segment at about 131.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 30 and Purple Heart Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 150.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 418.2 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 150.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

8
150.7 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in

Take the exit toward I 35E: Denton, Waco

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. Exit 46A Toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
9
151.4 mi into trip | ~2h 48m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
7
151.4 mi into trip | ~2h 48m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E South: Waco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / right lanes. Toward I 35E South: Waco
8
342 mi into trip | ~6h 6m in | I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
7
413.2 mi into trip | ~7h 25m in

Take the exit toward FM 1976: Walzem Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 165 Toward FM 1976: Walzem Road

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Garland, TX and Alamo Heights, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.

Waco

150.7 mi in | ~2h 46m

Denton

151.3 mi in | ~2h 48m

Dallas Zoo

152.3 mi in | ~2h 49m | via I 35E

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 30 131.8 mi 2h 16m
Purple Heart Trail 99.6 mi 1h 46m
South R L Thornton Freeway 89.9 mi 1h 32m
I 35 55.8 mi 58m
US Highway 259 South 16.3 mi 24m
North Pan Am Expressway 7.7 mi 8m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway 6.6 mi 7m
Austin Highway 3.7 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 30 — 131.8 mi, about 2h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Garland, TX and Alamo Heights, TX.

1

Start on FM 1701

2.1 mi · 5 min · FM 1701
2

At end of road, turn right onto US 259

16 mi · 24 min · US Highway 259 South
3

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 56 sec
4

Merge onto I 30

132 mi · 2 hr 16 min · I 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 46A Toward I 35E: Denton, Waco Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
7

Keep slight left at fork

221 ft · 5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 35E South: Waco Use the left / right lanes.
9

Continue on I 35E

0.5 mi · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway
10

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.
11

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

56 mi · 58 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290

50 mi · 54 min · Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street Use the slight left lane.
15

Continue on I 35

1.7 mi · 1 min · Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on I 35

12 mi · 12 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Continue on I 35

7.7 mi · 8 min · North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 165 Toward FM 1976: Walzem Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn straight onto Interstate 35 North

431 ft · 8 sec · Interstate 35 North
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
20

Turn right onto Walzem Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Walzem Road
21

Turn left onto Loop 368

3.7 mi · 5 min · Austin Highway
22

Turn right onto Albany Street

363 ft · 17 sec · Albany Street
23

Turn right onto Kokomo Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · Kokomo Street
24

Turn left onto Blue Bonnet Boulevard

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Blue Bonnet Boulevard
25

Arrive at destination

Blue Bonnet Boulevard

Trip Plan

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 209.1 miles from Garland, TX, or about 3h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 131.8 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 92 miles or 1h 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 209.1 miles or 3h 47m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alamo Heights, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Garland, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Garland, TX

This is one driving day of about 418.2 miles and 7h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 92 miles from Garland, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 30 for about 131.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 209.1 mi from Garland, TX · 3h 47m into the drive

suburban city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Arlington, TX

209 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

Greenville, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 92 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Arlington, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 209.1 miles from Garland, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 30 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 131.8 miles.

Arriving in Alamo Heights, TX

The final approach into Alamo Heights, 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 Alamo Heights, 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

$63.19 one way

$126.38 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 146 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $69.17 $138.34
premium $4.54 $74.67 $149.33
diesel $5.61 $92.33 $184.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$63

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$88–$113

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 146.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $44 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 125.5 1 $43.91 $20.07
Efficient EV 104.6 1 $36.59 $16.73
EV Truck/SUV 167.3 2 $58.55 $26.76

Gas CO2

146 kg

EV CO2

49 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.

Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Garland, TX

Evening in Garland on Tuesday

Local time

8:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alamo Heights, TX

Evening in Alamo Heights on Tuesday

Local time

8:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°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

7h 34m 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 Garland, TX to Alamo Heights, TX covers 418.2 miles and takes about 7h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 30, Purple Heart Trail, South R L Thornton 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 209.1 miles from Garland, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.19 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 2 meaningful breaks 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 15 significant decision points across 418.2 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 150.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Garland, TX and Alamo Heights, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

More trips to Alamo Heights, TX

Explore more options from Garland, TX or browse trips ending in Alamo Heights, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.

Explore maps for Garland, TX or Alamo Heights, TX on MapSof.net.