Origin
Garland, TX
Evening in Garland on Sunday
Local time
6:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Garland, TX to Fort Worth, TX
Drive Time
3h 27m
Distance
183.4 mi
295 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 15m
★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 36m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 37m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Worth, TX
Talena Reese
Trip Overview
Spanning 183.4 miles, this journey from Garland to Fort Worth takes approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, you can comfortably handle this as a one-day trip without needing an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes Highway 259 South, I-35W South, and the South Freeway to navigate through the Great Plains. Budgeting about $27 for fuel should cover your transit costs effectively. While the distance is manageable, the turn-heavy nature of the drive makes it feel more substantial than a simple highway cruise, so plan your schedule accordingly.
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
91.7 miles from Garland, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive defined by its turn-heavy local nature rather than a straightforward interstate sprint. Since the highway share is 0%, you will spend your time navigating local roads that require more focus and active steering. The transition from Garland toward Fort Worth involves a mix of roads that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous highway grind, the road changes frequently, so stay alert as you navigate the turns. It is a practical route for those who prefer local navigation over high-speed, long-distance corridors.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 9 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 162.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 30 and US Highway 259 South. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in near US 259 / US Highway 259 South.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 27m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (US 259 / US Highway 259 South): Navigation decision point; at 18.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 18.9 miles (I 30): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
2.1 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
US 259 / US Highway 259 South
At end of road, turn right onto US 259 / US Highway 259 South
Navigation decision point
3
18.4 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
5
18.9 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
I 30
Merge onto I 30
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
181.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 35W South: Waco
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 15B
Toward I 35W South: Waco
8
182.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 25m in
|
US 287 Bus
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 30 | 162.5 mi | 2h 53m |
| US Highway 259 South | 16.3 mi | 24m |
| FM 1701 | 2.1 mi | 5m |
| US 287 Bus | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| South Freeway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 30
— 162.5 mi, about 2h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Garland, TX and Fort Worth, 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
162 mi
·
2 hr 53 min
·
I 30
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Exit 15B
Toward I 35W South: Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 35W; US 287 Bus
0.1 mi
·
6 sec
·
South Freeway
7
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 287 Bus
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on South Freeway
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, but be mindful of the turn-heavy road conditions that can make the 2 hour and 52 minute drive feel longer. I recommend planning for at least one stop to stretch your legs and break up the technical driving sections. Keep an eye on your navigation closely, as the lack of highway miles means you will be making frequent adjustments to your route. Factor the $27 fuel cost into your budget before you head out. A helpful tip for this specific path is to prioritize your route planning around the turn-heavy segments to ensure you stay on track through the local road transitions.
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 91.7 miles from Garland, TX, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 162.5 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.7 miles or 1h 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 2h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Worth, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Garland, TX
This is one driving day of about 183.4 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Garland, 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 30 for about 162.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91.7 mi from Garland, TX · 1h 47m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
92 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 91.7 miles from Garland, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 30 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 162.5 miles.
Arriving in Fort Worth, TX
The final approach into Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth, 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
$28.02 one way
$56.03 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $30.70 | $61.40 |
| premium | $4.59 | $33.15 | $66.30 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $40.75 | $81.49 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55 | 0 | $19.26 | $8.80 |
| Efficient EV | 45.9 | 0 | $16.05 | $7.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73.4 | 0 | $25.68 | $11.74 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Fort Worth, TX
Evening in Fort Worth on Sunday
Local time
6:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
41°F
Wylie, TX
92 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
18 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 27m 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 Garland, TX to Fort Worth, TX covers 183.4 miles and takes about 3h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 30, US Highway 259 South, FM 1701. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 91.7 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 $28.02 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.
This is a straightforward 3h 27m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (US 259 / US Highway 259 South): Navigation decision point; at 18.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 18.9 miles (I 30): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Garland, TX to Fort Worth, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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