Woodbranch, TX to Dallas, TX is 221.2 miles and takes about 4h 3m via I 45 and Farm-to-Market Road 3083, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily travels through the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a straightforward drive for those heading north. You'll experience a consistent highway-focused journey for most of the way. With a recommended one-day duration, this route is ideal for a quick transition between two points without extensive detours. Plan for a relatively uncomplicated drive that gets you to your destination efficiently.
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
110.6 miles from Woodbranch, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city.
As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 3m. Total distance: 221.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 93% of the journey on main roads like I 45. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 194.6 miles primarily on I 45, meaning long periods of consistent speed. While Farm-to-Market Road 3083 and State Highway 242 offer slight variations, the character remains largely that of a fast-paced, interstate-style trip. Expect smooth sailing for the majority of your travel time, with minimal interruptions to your momentum.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 45 is the longest continuous segment at about 194.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and Farm-to-Market Road 3083. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near Elm Street.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 221.2 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Woodbranch Drive): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (Eastex Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|Elm Street
Turn right onto Elm Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.6 mi into trip|~2m in|Woodbranch Drive
At end of road, turn left onto Woodbranch Drive
Navigation decision point
6
0.8 mi into trip|~3m in|Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
At end of road, turn right onto Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
219.7 mi into trip|~4h in
Take the exit toward Main Street West, Elm Street
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 284B
Toward Main Street West, Elm Street
8
220 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Elm Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Elm Street
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 45
194.6 mi
3h 18m
Farm-to-Market Road 3083
8 mi
14m
State Highway 242
6.5 mi
9m
South Loop 336 East
3.2 mi
4m
Beach Airport Road
2.1 mi
3m
FM 1485
2 mi
2m
FM 3083
1.2 mi
2m
Elm Street
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 194.6 mi, about 3h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodbranch, TX and Dallas, TX.
1
Start on North Linnwood Drive
315 ft·15 sec·North Linnwood Drive
2
Continue on North Linnwood Drive
0.3 mi·1 min·North Linnwood Drive
3
Turn right onto Elm Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Elm Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto Woodbranch Drive
0.2 mi·39 sec·Woodbranch Drive
5
At end of road, turn right onto Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
0.3 mi·33 sec·Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Turn left onto TX 242
6.5 mi·9 min·State Highway 242
7
Turn right onto FM 1485
2.0 mi·2 min·FM 1485
8
Continue on FM 3083
6.5 mi·11 min·Farm-to-Market Road 3083
9
Continue on FM 3083
1.2 mi·2 min·FM 3083
10
Turn right onto Loop 336
3.2 mi·4 min·South Loop 336 East
Use the right lane.
11
Turn right onto FM 3083
2.1 mi·3 min·Beach Airport Road
12
Continue on FM 3083
1.5 mi·2 min·Farm-to-Market Road 3083
13
Turn right onto Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 45 North Frontage Road
14
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 45 North
15
Merge onto I 45
195 mi·3 hr 18 min·I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 284BToward Main Street West, Elm StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward Elm StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Turn straight onto Elm Street
0.9 mi·1 min·Elm Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
19
Turn right onto North Lamar Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·North Lamar Street
20
Arrive at destination
North Lamar Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 3m duration, starting your drive in Woodbranch, TX, in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive in Dallas with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can be flexible; consider a quick break around the halfway point or when you feel the need. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch on I 45, as services can be spaced out. The $33 fuel cost suggests a moderate expense for this journey, so budget accordingly and top off your tank before departing if you're concerned about finding stations.
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 110.6 miles from Woodbranch, TX, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 194.6 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 49 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.6 miles or 2h 9m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Woodbranch, 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 Woodbranch, TX
This is one driving day of about 221.2 miles and 4h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Woodbranch, 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 45 for about 194.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 110.6 mi from Woodbranch, TX
· 2h 9m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.42 one way
$66.85 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$36.59
$73.17
premium
$4.54
$39.49
$78.99
diesel
$5.61
$48.84
$97.68
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.4
0
$23.23
$10.62
Efficient EV
55.3
0
$19.35
$8.85
EV Truck/SUV
88.5
1
$30.97
$14.16
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Woodbranch, TX
Late night
in Woodbranch on Saturday
Local time
3:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Dallas, TX
Late night
in Dallas on Saturday
Local time
3:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 3m 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 Woodbranch, TX to Dallas, TX covers 221.2 miles and takes about 4h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 45, Farm-to-Market Road 3083, State Highway 242. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 110.6 miles from Woodbranch, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.42 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 221.2 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Woodbranch Drive): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (Eastex Freeway Frontage Road): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Woodbranch, TX to Dallas, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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.
