Trip from Plano, TX to Gardendale, TX

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

6h 31m

Distance

377.1 mi

607 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$57

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

6h 19m ★

6 AM

6h 31m

8 AM

6h 56m

10 AM

6h 40m

12 PM

6h 37m

3 PM

6h 41m

5 PM

6h 55m

8 PM

6h 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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city in Collin and Denton counties in Texas, United States

Plano, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Gardendale, TX

Jeff Stapleton

Trip Overview

The drive from Plano, TX to Gardendale, TX covers 377.1 miles and takes about 6h 31m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 20, SH 183 TEXpress, Jim Wright Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 299.7 miles on I 20. At current regular gas prices, budget about $56.98 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

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

188.5 miles from Plano, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 16m into the drive .

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Drive Character

This is a 6h 31m highway drive covering 377.1 miles, with most of the trip on I 20 and SH 183 TEXpress. The longest continuous stretch is about 299.7 miles on I 20.

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

There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 299.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and SH 183 TEXpress. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.8 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 377.1 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 7.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 23 key points

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

7.8 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the exit toward I 635

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 21 Toward I 635

8.1 mi into trip | ~9m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 635 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 635 West

16.1 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the exit toward I 35E South: Dallas

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

Use the left / straight lanes. Exit 27C Toward I 35E South: Dallas

18.8 mi into trip | ~21m in | North Walton Walker Boulevard

Keep slight right at fork onto North Walton Walker Boulevard toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 436A Toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth...

58.1 mi into trip | ~1h 3m in

Take the exit toward I 30 West: Weatherford

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 3A Toward I 30 West: Weatherford

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 20	299.7 mi	5h 4m
SH 183 TEXpress	13.6 mi	13m
Jim Wright Freeway	12.8 mi	14m
Central Expressway	7 mi	7m
I 820 TEXpress	6.9 mi	6m
FM 554	6.2 mi	7m
West Freeway	6 mi	6m
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway	4.8 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 20 — 299.7 mi, about 5h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Plano, TX and Gardendale, TX.

Start on East 15th Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · East 15th Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto Central Expressway

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Central Expressway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 19 sec

Toward US 75 South

Merge onto US 75

6.8 mi · 7 min · Central Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Exit 21 Toward I 635 Use the straight / right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.9 mi · 55 sec

Toward I 635 West Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 635

2.4 mi · 2 min · Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 635

4.8 mi · 5 min · Lyndon B Johnson Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 31 sec

Exit 27C Toward I 35E South: Dallas Use the left / straight lanes.

Merge onto I 35E

2.2 mi · 2 min · South Stemmons Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto North Walton Walker Boulevard

0.6 mi · 39 sec · North Walton Walker Boulevard

Exit 436A Toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 14 sec

Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto Loop 12 TEXpress

2.2 mi · 2 min · Loop 12 TEXpress

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto TX 183 TEXpress

13 mi · 13 min · SH 183 TEXpress

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress

2.0 mi · 2 min · SH 121/183 TEXpress

Continue on TX 183 TEXpress

0.1 mi · 7 sec · SH 183 TEXpress

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress

0.7 mi · 42 sec · SH 121/183 TEXpress

Continue on I 820 TEXpress

6.9 mi · 6 min · I 820 TEXpress

Toward I 820 Express West Toll Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 820

0.4 mi · 24 sec · Northeast Loop

Continue on I 820

13 mi · 14 min · Jim Wright Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 1 min

Exit 3A Toward I 30 West: Weatherford Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 30

6.0 mi · 6 min · West Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 20

300 mi · 5 hr 4 min · I 20

Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec

Toward Loop 338: Odessa

Turn left onto East Interstate 20

235 ft · 4 sec · East Interstate 20

Turn right onto Loop 338

0.7 mi · 53 sec · Southeast Loop 338

Continue on Loop 338

2.6 mi · 3 min · Ray C. Stoker, Jr. Memorial Highway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on Loop 338

2.8 mi · 3 min · Northeast Loop 338

Take the exit

225 ft · 6 sec

Turn straight onto FM 554

6.2 mi · 7 min · FM 554

Turn left onto East Goldenrod Drive

0.3 mi · 41 sec · East Goldenrod Drive

Turn right onto North Gardendale Avenue

140 ft · 6 sec · North Gardendale Avenue

Arrive at destination

North Gardendale Avenue

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 188.5 miles from Plano, TX, or about 3h 16m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 299.7 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 83 miles or 1h 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 188.5 miles or 3h 16m 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 26m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Plano, 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 Plano, TX

This is one driving day of about 377.1 miles and 6h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Plano, 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 20 for about 299.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 188.5 mi from Plano, TX · 3h 16m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wichita Falls, TX

189 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

Fort Worth, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brownwood, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 188.5 miles from Plano, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 299.7 miles.

Arriving in Gardendale, TX

The final approach into Gardendale, 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 Gardendale, 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

$56.98 one way

$113.96 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 132 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$62.37	$124.74
premium	$4.54	$67.33	$134.66
diesel	$5.61	$83.26	$166.52

Estimated Tolls: $0.56

Central Expressway (7 mi) $0.56

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

$57

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$83–$108

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 131.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	113.1	1	$39.60	$18.10
Efficient EV	94.3	1	$33.00	$15.08
EV Truck/SUV	150.8	1	$52.79	$24.13

Gas CO2

132 kg

EV CO2

44 kg (67% 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

Plano, TX

Night in Plano on Tuesday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gardendale, TX

Night in Gardendale on Tuesday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°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

8 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 31m 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 Plano, TX to Gardendale, TX covers 377.1 miles and takes about 6h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 20, SH 183 TEXpress, Jim Wright 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 188.5 miles from Plano, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $56.98 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.

The route from Plano, TX to Gardendale, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Gardendale, TX to Plano, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

377.2 mi 6h 31m

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Trip from Plano, TX to Gardendale, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Gardendale, TX

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Plano, TX

Gardendale, TX

Same local time

8 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 31m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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