Trip from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

171.4 mi

276 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 19m ★

6 AM

3h 32m

8 AM

3h 56m

10 AM

3h 40m

12 PM

3h 38m

3 PM

3h 42m

5 PM

3h 55m

8 PM

3h 24m

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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Little River-Academy, TX

Eddie O.

Houston, TX

Trace Hudson

Trip Overview

The drive from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX covers 171.4 miles and takes about 3h 31m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on North Earl Rudder Freeway, Aggie Expressway, East US Highway 190 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 30.1 miles on North Earl Rudder Freeway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.90 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

85.7 miles from Little River-Academy, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
North Earl Rudder Freeway	30.1 mi	31m
Aggie Expressway	24.7 mi	27m
East US Highway 190	24.3 mi	32m
South State Highway 6	13.7 mi	14m
Tomball Parkway	12.6 mi	16m
US 79	10.4 mi	12m
FM 2095	7.6 mi	10m
North Freeway	7.4 mi	9m

Longest stretch: North Earl Rudder Freeway — 30.1 mi, about 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Little River-Academy, TX and Houston, TX.

Start on FM 436

4.9 mi · 6 min · West Main Street

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec

Merge onto US 190; TX 36

24 mi · 32 min · East US Highway 190

Continue on US 77; US 190; TX 36

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Kemp Street

Continue on US 77; US 190; TX 36

2.1 mi · 2 min · East 1st Street

Turn left onto FM 2095

7.6 mi · 10 min · FM 2095

At end of road, turn left onto FM 2095

7.0 mi · 12 min · Farm-to-Market Road 2095

At end of road, turn left onto US 79; US 190

10 mi · 11 min · US 79; US 190

Take the exit onto US 79; US 190

0.1 mi · 22 sec · US 79; US 190

At end of road, turn right onto US 190; TX 6

0.6 mi · 37 sec · South 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

Continue on TX 6

3.4 mi · 3 min · State Highway 6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe

Turn straight onto TX 105

0.2 mi · 24 sec · State Highway 6

Turn left onto TX 105

5.9 mi · 6 min · State Highway 105

Turn straight onto TX 249

25 mi · 27 min · Aggie Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 249 Toll

3.6 mi · 4 min · MCTRA 249 Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TBT

7.0 mi · 8 min · Tomball Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 249

13 mi · 16 min · Tomball Parkway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 249

1.8 mi · 3 min · West Mount Houston Road

Turn right onto Veterans Memorial Drive

1.8 mi · 3 min · Veterans Memorial Drive

Continue on North Freeway Frontage Road

0.1 mi · 13 sec · North Freeway Frontage Road

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the ramp

453 ft · 11 sec

Toward I 45 South

Merge onto I 45

7.4 mi · 9 min · North Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 45

271 ft · 3 sec · Gulf Freeway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec

Exit 48A Toward I 10 East: Beaumont Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Toward Milam Street Use the slight left lane.

Continue on Milam Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Milam Street

Turn right onto Prairie Street

328 ft · 13 sec · Prairie Street

Turn right onto Louisiana Street

516 ft · 16 sec · Louisiana Street

Arrive at destination

Louisiana Street

Trip Plan

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 85.7 miles from Little River-Academy, TX, or about 1h 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.1 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 38 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 85.7 miles or 1h 49m 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 49m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Little River-Academy, 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 Little River-Academy, TX

This is one driving day of about 171.4 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Little River-Academy, 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 North Earl Rudder Freeway for about 30.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Grimes County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Navasota, TX

86 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

Rockdale, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

College Station, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 85.7 miles from Little River-Academy, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Houston, Texas

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 171.4

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Houston, Texas

1.1 mi

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+13462417524

Visit website

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Union Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

+17132598070

Visit website

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17137520314

Visit website

Midtown Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+17135267577

Visit website

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17137520314

Visit website

Lakewood Crossing Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 146.9

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

Houston Zoo

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17135336500

Visit website

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 171.4

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17139266368

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 104.7 and 171.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

104.7 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in

Take the exit toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward East TX 105, Spur 515: Conroe

162.7 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in | I 45 / North Freeway

Merge onto I 45 / North Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

170.2 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Take the exit toward I 10 East: Beaumont

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 48A Toward I 10 East: Beaumont

170.6 mi into trip | ~3h 29m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Milam Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward Milam Street

171.3 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in | Louisiana Street

Turn right onto Louisiana Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.90 one way

$51.80 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$28.35	$56.70
premium	$4.54	$30.60	$61.20
diesel	$5.61	$37.84	$75.69

Estimated Tolls: $0.74

Tomball Tollway (7 mi) $0.49

MCTRA 249 Tollway (3.6 mi) $0.25

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	51.4	$18.00	$8.23
Efficient EV	42.9	$15.00	$6.86
EV Truck/SUV	68.6	$24.00	$10.97

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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 18, 2026

Origin

Little River-Academy, TX

Afternoon in Little River-Academy on Saturday

Local time

2:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Houston, TX

Afternoon in Houston on Saturday

Local time

2:28 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 5 to 10 mph 68% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 18 at 8:20AM CDT until April 18 at 8:30AM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 18 at 8:18AM CDT until April 18 at 9:15AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

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

19 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 31m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a 3h 31m highway drive covering 171.4 miles, with most of the trip on North Earl Rudder Freeway and Aggie Expressway. The longest continuous stretch is about 30.1 miles on North Earl Rudder Freeway.

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

There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

North Earl Rudder Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 30.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Earl Rudder Freeway and Aggie Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 104.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 171.4 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 104.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.7 miles (I 45 / North Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 170.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 515: Conroe along the way.

Spur 515: Conroe

104.7 mi in | ~2h 9m

About the Cities

Arriving in Houston, TX

Full guide →

“Space City” · Founded 1836

Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered.

Top landmarks

• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
• Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
• Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris County, Texas

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 3h 31m. Total distance: 171.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX covers 171.4 miles and takes about 3h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are North Earl Rudder Freeway, Aggie Expressway, East US Highway 190. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 85.7 miles from Little River-Academy, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.90 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.

On the drive from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 515: Conroe along the way.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Downtown Aquarium

Downtown Aquarium

Cidercade Houston

Children's Museum Houston

Union Station

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

Midtown Park

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

Lakewood Crossing Park

Houston Zoo

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Little River-Academy, TX

Houston, TX

Same local time

19 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 31m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Houston, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How many breaks should I plan?

How hard is the drive from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Little River-Academy, TX to Houston, TX?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Houston, TX

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