Origin
Katy, TX
Evening in Katy on Friday
Local time
7:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Katy, TX to Garland, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 16m
Distance
324.1 mi
522 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$49
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 4m
★
6 AM
6h 17m
8 AM
6h 42m
10 AM
6h 25m
12 PM
6h 23m
3 PM
6h 27m
5 PM
6h 41m
8 PM
6h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Katy, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 324.1-mile drive from Katy, TX, to Garland, TX, is a straightforward 6-hour, 16-minute journey, making it perfectly manageable as a single-day trip. You'll primarily be on US 59 and I-69, with a brief stint on West Grand Parkway North, keeping you on well-trafficked highways for about 90% of the time. Given its highway-focused profile, expect a consistent pace across both legs of your trip, which remain within the Great Plains region of Texas. With an estimated fuel cost of $49, this route offers an efficient way to travel between these two points without needing an overnight stop. Plan for one main stop to break up the drive.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
162.1 miles from Katy, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
About the Cities
Arriving in Garland, TX
Full guide →Garland is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area in the State of Texas. Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, used to live in Garland, as well as some other small towns around Texas. So, yeah. Don't be shocked if you take a wrong turn through a downscale neighborhood and see someone barbecuing hot dogs using one of those things that turns your truck's air filter into a grill. On the other hand, Garland's north side is a palacial monument to suburban living in all its McMansioned, strip malling, Starbucks-sipping glory. Garland is basically an unprepossessing, pleasant place. While it's hard to get too excited about much that happens in Garland, it is just so darned pleasant.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 16m. Total distance: 324.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is largely a highway-focused drive, designed for covering distance efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on major arteries like US 59 and I-69, which means consistent speeds and minimal delays. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 57.5 miles on US 59, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While the 90% highway share indicates a focus on speed, be aware that highway driving, especially in Texas, can sometimes involve significant truck traffic and varying speed limits. The landscape through the Great Plains generally offers wide-open views.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 47 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 59 is the longest continuous segment at about 57.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 59 and West Grand Parkway North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 30 significant decision points across 324.1 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 1.1 miles (US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 30 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road
Turn left onto US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
2.3 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the exit toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 South: Grand Parkway
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 743B
Toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 South: Grand Par...
7
2.7 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway
6
55.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 69 North: Cleveland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 69 North: Cleveland
6
227.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 18m in
|
TX 135 / State Highway 135 North
Enter roundabout onto TX 135 / State Highway 135 North
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Katy, TX and Garland, TX, road signs point toward Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches and Daingerfield.
Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches
146.2 mi in
|
~2h 41m
|
via US 59
Daingerfield
305.2 mi in
|
~5h 46m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 59 | 57.5 mi | 1h 5m |
| West Grand Parkway North | 51.5 mi | 55m |
| I-69 | 42 mi | 44m |
| US 271 | 29.8 mi | 34m |
| US Route 259 | 19.2 mi | 21m |
| I 30 | 17.1 mi | 17m |
| US Highway 259 North | 16.5 mi | 24m |
| Kilgore Drive | 13.5 mi | 15m |
Longest stretch:
US 59
— 57.5 mi, about 1h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Katy, TX and Garland, TX.
1
Start on US 90
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway Boulevard
2
Turn left onto US 90
227 ft
·
4 sec
·
Katy Freeway Frontage Road
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp onto US 90
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
US 90
Toward I 10 East
4
Merge onto I 10; US 90
0.8 mi
·
52 sec
·
Katy Freeway
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 743B
Toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 South: Grand Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway
Use the slight left lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward TX 99 Toll North
8
Merge onto TX 99 Toll
52 mi
·
55 min
·
West Grand Parkway North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 69 North: Cleveland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on TX 99 Toll
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 99 Toll
11
Merge onto I 69; US 59
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Eastex Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69; US 59
0.7 mi
·
44 sec
·
I 69; US 59
13
Continue on I-69; US 59
42 mi
·
44 min
·
I-69; US 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 59; FM 942
36 mi
·
40 min
·
US 59; FM 942
15
Take the exit onto US 59
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
US 59
Toward US 59 North, Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 59
16 mi
·
17 min
·
US 59
Toward US 59 North: Nacogdoches
17
Turn left
0.7 mi
·
1 min
18
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
this road
19
Merge onto Loop 224
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Southwest Stallings Drive
20
Continue on US 59
0.9 mi
·
58 sec
·
North US Highway 59
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on this road
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
this road
23
Merge onto US 259
11 mi
·
12 min
·
US Highway 259
24
Continue on US 259
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US Route 259
25
Continue on US 259
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
South Railroad Avenue
26
Continue on US 259
16 mi
·
18 min
·
US Route 259
27
Turn right onto US 79; US 259
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Highway 79
28
Continue on US 259
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Kilgore Drive
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 259 Business
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
US 259 Business
30
Turn left onto Houston Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Houston Street
31
Keep slight right at fork onto Houston Street
371 ft
·
7 sec
·
Houston Street
32
Enter roundabout onto TX 135
124 ft
·
1 sec
·
State Highway 135 North
33
Continue on TX 135
11 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 135 North
34
Continue on US 271
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Tyler Street
35
Continue on US 271
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
South Main Street
36
Turn left onto US 80
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Upshur Avenue
37
Turn right onto FM 2685
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
FM 2865
38
Turn right onto FM 2685
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
FM 2685
39
Turn right onto TX 155
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
TX 155
40
Continue on US 271
30 mi
·
34 min
·
US 271
41
Turn right onto Burton Road
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Burton Road
42
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
43
Merge onto I 30
17 mi
·
17 min
·
I 30
44
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 259: De Kalb, Daingerfield
45
Turn left onto US 259
17 mi
·
24 min
·
US Highway 259 North
46
Turn left onto FM 1701
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
FM 1701
47
Arrive at destination
FM 1701
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour, 16-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Katy to avoid potential afternoon traffic as you approach Garland. With only one recommended stop and a consistent highway focus, you have flexibility in pacing. However, breaking up the 324.1 miles around the halfway mark can help maintain energy. A key consideration for this route is fuel: with an estimated cost of $49, plan to refuel before you are on empty, especially given the longest stretch of 57.5 miles without a planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition between US 59 and I-69.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 162.1 miles from Katy, TX, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.5 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 71 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 162.1 miles or 3h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Garland, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Katy, 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 Katy, TX
This is one driving day of about 324.1 miles and 6h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Katy, 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 US 59 for about 57.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 162.1 mi from Katy, TX · 3h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
162 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 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 162.1 miles from Katy, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Garland, TX
The final approach into Garland, 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 Garland, 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
$48.97 one way
$97.94 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
113 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $53.60 | $107.21 |
| premium | $4.54 | $57.87 | $115.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $71.56 | $143.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 97.2 | 1 | $34.03 | $15.56 |
| Efficient EV | 81 | 0 | $28.36 | $12.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 129.6 | 1 | $45.37 | $20.74 |
Gas CO2
113 kg
EV CO2
38 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.
Destination
Garland, TX
Evening in Garland on Friday
Local time
7:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°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
20 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
6h 16m 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 Katy, TX to Garland, TX covers 324.1 miles and takes about 6h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 59, West Grand Parkway North, I-69. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 162.1 miles from Katy, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $48.97 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 1 meaningful break 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 30 significant decision points across 324.1 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 1.1 miles (US 90 / Katy Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Katy, TX and Garland, TX, road signs point toward Loop 287 East: Nacogdoches and Daingerfield.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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