Origin
Southlake, TX
Evening in Southlake on Sunday
Local time
6:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Southlake, TX to Houston, TX
Drive Time
4h 44m
Distance
264.4 mi
426 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 31m
★
6 AM
4h 44m
8 AM
5h 11m
10 AM
4h 54m
12 PM
4h 51m
3 PM
4h 55m
5 PM
5h 10m
8 PM
4h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Southlake, TX
Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Driving from Southlake to Houston covers approximately 268.3 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 59 minutes behind the wheel. Given the duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget roughly $40 for fuel costs to complete the journey. The entire trip remains within the Great Plains region of Texas, ensuring a consistent geographic experience from start to finish. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straightforward interstate haul, you should prepare for a more hands-on experience on the road. This practical itinerary offers a direct path between these two Texas hubs while keeping your travel expenses predictable.
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
132.2 miles from Southlake, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a very different experience than your typical interstate cruise, as this route is defined by its turn-heavy local nature. You will navigate via East Southlake Boulevard, Village Center Drive, and Highway 114, which means your attention will be consistently required rather than set to cruise control. Notably, the highway share for this trip is 0%, emphasizing the local character of the roads you will traverse. With the longest uninterrupted stretch on East Southlake Boulevard clocking in at 0 miles, you will find yourself navigating frequent turns throughout the duration of the drive. It is a technical, active journey that rewards drivers who prefer local thoroughfares over monotonous highway stretches.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Julius Schepps Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 237.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and SH 114 TEXpress. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.1 miles in near TX 114.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 264.4 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 3.1 miles (TX 114): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.3 miles (TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
3.1 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
TX 114
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114 toward TX 121 North, TX 114 East: DFW Airport, Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward TX 121 North, TX 114 East: DFW Airport,...
8
6 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway toward TX 114 East: Dallas, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 114 East: Dallas, Dallas Fort Worth I...
7
11.3 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress toward TX 114 Express: SH 114 TEXpress East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward TX 114 Express: SH 114 TEXpress East
8
23.9 mi into trip
|
~28m in
Take the exit toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West
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 429B
Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West
7
25.4 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 45 South: Houston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 45 South: Houston
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Southlake, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Commerce Street West along the way.
Commerce Street West
23.9 mi in
|
~28m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 237.2 mi | 4h 9m |
| SH 114 TEXpress | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| West John W Carpenter Freeway | 5.3 mi | 5m |
| North Stemmons Freeway | 4 mi | 5m |
| TX 114 | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| SH 183 TEXpress | 1.5 mi | 1m |
| East Southlake Boulevard | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| John W Carpenter Freeway | 0.8 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 237.2 mi, about 4h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southlake, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on FM 1709
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Southlake Boulevard
2
Continue on FM 1709
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East Southlake Boulevard
Use the none lane.
3
Turn left onto North Kimball Avenue
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Kimball Avenue
Use the none lane.
4
Turn right onto East State Highway 114
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
East State Highway 114
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
Toward TX 114 East
6
Merge onto TX 114
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
·
TX 114
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
TX 114
Toward TX 121 North, TX 114 East: DFW Airport, Dallas
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 114
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
West John W Carpenter Freeway
Toward TX 114 East: Dallas, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 114 TEXpress
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
SH 114 TEXpress
Toward TX 114 Express: SH 114 TEXpress East
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Merge onto TX 183 TEXpress
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
SH 183 TEXpress
11
Merge onto TX 183
0.8 mi
·
50 sec
·
John W Carpenter Freeway
12
Merge onto I 35E
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
North Stemmons Freeway
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
Exit 429B
Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West
Use the slight right lane.
14
Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Stemmons Freeway
15
Turn left onto Continental Avenue
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Continental Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Turn left onto McKinney Avenue
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
McKinney Avenue
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 75 North
18
Merge onto Spur 366
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Use the none lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 45 South: Houston
Use the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto I 45
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the none lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 45
234 mi
·
4 hr 5 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
25
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
Use the none lane.
26
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
27
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
28
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 268.3-mile journey, plan for at least one stop to break up the drive and keep your energy levels steady. Since the route involves significant local navigation, departing during off-peak hours can help you avoid unnecessary congestion on these smaller thoroughfares. Keep your fuel budget of $40 in mind, but consider topping off your tank before leaving Southlake to ensure you have plenty of range for the winding portions of the trip. Because you aren't tied to a high-speed interstate, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace if you encounter heavy traffic along the local roads. A concrete tip for this specific drive is to keep your navigation system active at all times, as the turn-heavy nature of the route requires constant course adjustments.
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 132.2 miles from Southlake, TX, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 237.2 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 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.2 miles or 2h 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 3h 52m
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 Southlake, 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 Southlake, TX
This is one driving day of about 264.4 miles and 4h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Southlake, 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 Julius Schepps Freeway for about 237.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 132.2 mi from Southlake, TX · 2h 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
132 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 132.2 miles from Southlake, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Julius Schepps Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 237.2 miles.
Arriving in Houston, TX
The final approach into Houston, 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 Houston, 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
$40.39 one way
$80.78 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $44.26 | $88.52 |
| premium | $4.59 | $47.79 | $95.58 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $58.74 | $117.48 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.3 | 0 | $27.76 | $12.69 |
| Efficient EV | 66.1 | 0 | $23.13 | $10.58 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105.8 | 1 | $37.02 | $16.92 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Houston, TX
Evening in Houston on Sunday
Local time
6:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°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
5 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
4h 44m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Southlake, TX to Houston, TX covers 264.4 miles and takes about 4h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Julius Schepps Freeway, SH 114 TEXpress, West John W Carpenter 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 132.2 miles from Southlake, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.39 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 264.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles (TX 114): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6 miles (TX 114 / West John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.3 miles (TX 114 TEXpress / SH 114 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Southlake, TX to Houston, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Commerce Street West along the way.
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