Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Garland, TX to Mesquite, TX

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

2h 41m

Distance

143.2 mi

230 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 31m ★
6 AM
2h 42m
8 AM
3h 3m
10 AM
2h 49m
12 PM
2h 47m
3 PM
2h 50m
5 PM
3h 2m
8 PM
2h 36m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
several species of legumes

Mesquite, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 143.2-mile drive from Garland, Texas, to Mesquite, Texas, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 96% of the journey on major roads like I-30 and US Highway 259 South. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, this trip is an economical option for a quick getaway or a practical transit. You'll stay within the Great Plains region throughout your travels, making for a consistent driving experience. Given its manageable length and minimal stops (just one suggested), this route is ideal for those looking for an efficient journey.

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

71.6 miles from Garland, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 41m. Total distance: 143.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this trip, with a significant 96% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 118.8 miles, primarily on I-30, which means you'll be covering ground efficiently. While the profile suggests a highway-centric journey, the inclusion of North Belt Line Road indicates a brief departure from the interstate, potentially offering a slight change of pace before reaching your destination. This route is built for steady progress rather than winding scenic detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 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 118.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 30 and US Highway 259 South. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in near US 259 / US Highway 259 South.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Garland, TX to Mesquite, TX is easy. At 2h 41m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

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 18.9 miles (I 30): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 137.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

These 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

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 straight / slight right lanes.
7
137.7 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Take the exit toward Belt Line Road - Broadway Boulevard

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 59 Toward Belt Line Road - Broadway Boulevard
4
137.9 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | Broadway Boulevard

Turn left onto Broadway Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
143.2 mi into trip | ~2h 41m in | South Galloway Avenue

Turn left onto South Galloway Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 30 118.8 mi 2h 1m
US Highway 259 South 16.3 mi 24m
North Belt Line Road 3.7 mi 6m
FM 1701 2.1 mi 5m
North Bryan - Belt Line Road 0.9 mi 1m
Broadway Boulevard 0.5 mi <1m
East Main Street 0.1 mi <1m
West Interstate 30 <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 30 — 118.8 mi, about 2h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Garland, TX and Mesquite, 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

119 mi · 2 hr 1 min · I 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 59 Toward Belt Line Road - Broadway Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
6

Turn straight onto West Interstate 30

385 ft · 9 sec · West Interstate 30
7

Turn left onto Broadway Boulevard

0.5 mi · 58 sec · Broadway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
8

Continue on North Belt Line Road

3.7 mi · 6 min · North Belt Line Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
9

Continue on North Bryan - Belt Line Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Bryan - Belt Line Road
10

Turn right onto TX 352

0.1 mi · 25 sec · East Main Street
11

Turn left onto South Galloway Avenue

4 ft · 0 sec · South Galloway Avenue
Use the left lane.
12

Arrive at destination

South Galloway Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 2 hour and 41 minute drive, starting early is recommended to avoid potential traffic, especially as you'll be covering 143.2 miles with only one planned stop. The longest stretch of 118.8 miles on I-30 means you can settle in, but be mindful of rest stops before you hit that point to stay comfortable. The estimated fuel cost of $22 is quite reasonable, so ensure your tank is full before departing Garland to maximize your time on the road. Keep an eye on signage for US Highway 259 South as it becomes your primary route for a significant portion of the trip.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.6 miles from Garland, TX, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.8 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 32 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 71.6 miles or 1h 23m 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 10m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mesquite, 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 143.2 miles and 2h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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 118.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 71.6 mi from Garland, TX · 1h 23m into the drive

city in Hunt County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greenville, TX

72 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

Mount Pleasant, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sulphur Springs, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.6 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 118.8 miles.

Arriving in Mesquite, TX

The final approach into Mesquite, 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 Mesquite, 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

$21.64 one way

$43.28 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $23.68 $47.37
premium $4.54 $25.57 $51.13
diesel $5.61 $31.62 $63.23

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43 0 $15.04 $6.87
Efficient EV 35.8 0 $12.53 $5.73
EV Truck/SUV 57.3 0 $20.05 $9.16

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 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.

Forecast as of Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Garland, TX

Night in Garland on Thursday

Local time

11:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

83°F

Partly Sunny

S 15 mph 9% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 14 at 6:30AM CDT until April 14 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 14 at 6:28AM CDT until April 14 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Destination

Mesquite, TX

Night in Mesquite on Thursday

Local time

11:18 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Greenville, TX

72 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

9 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 41m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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 Mesquite, TX covers 143.2 miles and takes about 2h 41m 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, North Belt Line Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.6 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 $21.64 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
The drive from Garland, TX to Mesquite, TX is easy. At 2h 41m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (US 259 / US Highway 259 South): Navigation decision point; at 18.9 miles (I 30): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 137.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Garland, TX to Mesquite, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Mesquite, TX to Garland, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

143.1 mi 2h 42m

Continue From Mesquite, TX

El Paso, TX 653.9 mi · 10h 57m Houston, TX 241.5 mi · 4h 17m Montopolis, TX 205.8 mi · 3h 38m Fort Worth, TX 46.1 mi · 58m

More from Garland, TX

Kermit, TX 548.2 mi · 9h 52m Monahans, TX 538.1 mi · 9h 29m Aransas Pass, TX 484.1 mi · 9h 27m Plainview, TX 462.4 mi · 8h 47m Timberwood Park, TX 426.5 mi · 7h 45m San Antonio, TX 423.6 mi · 7h 39m

More trips to Mesquite, TX

Houston, TX 241.2 mi
Weekend drives from Garland, TX Scenic drives in TX

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.