How Long Does It Take To Drive To Dallas, Texas?
Planning a road trip to Dallas, Texas soon? Driving times can vary greatly based on where you’re starting from. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how long it takes to drive to Dallas.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Driving times to Dallas range from under 3 hours from nearby cities like Austin to over 18 hours from farther away places like Miami. The most common trips are around 3 hours from Houston, under 5 from New Orleans, and just over 7 from Atlanta.
Drive Times to Dallas from Major Cities
Houston to Dallas: 3 hours
If you’re traveling from Houston to Dallas, you can expect a relatively short drive of around 3 hours. The two cities are approximately 240 miles apart, making it a convenient and easily achievable trip.
Whether you’re heading to Dallas for business or pleasure, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy all the attractions the city has to offer.
Austin to Dallas: 3 hours
If you’re coming from Austin, you’ll also enjoy a quick and hassle-free drive to Dallas. The distance between the two cities is around 195 miles, and it usually takes about 3 hours to reach your destination. This makes it ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Don’t forget to stop by some of the charming small towns along the way to add a little extra adventure to your journey.
Oklahoma City to Dallas: 3.5 hours
For those traveling from Oklahoma City, the drive to Dallas takes around 3.5 hours. With a distance of approximately 205 miles, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beautiful landscapes of both Oklahoma and Texas during your trip.
Be sure to plan some stops along the way to stretch your legs and explore the unique attractions that each state has to offer.
New Orleans to Dallas: 4.5 hours
If you’re coming from the vibrant city of New Orleans, you can expect a slightly longer drive to Dallas. The distance between the two cities is around 540 miles, which usually takes about 4.5 hours. This road trip will take you through the picturesque landscapes of Louisiana and into the heart of Texas.
Don’t forget to pack some snacks and prepare a great playlist to keep you entertained during your journey.
Atlanta to Dallas: 7.5 hours
Traveling from Atlanta to Dallas requires a bit more time on the road, as the distance between the two cities is approximately 720 miles. On average, it takes around 7.5 hours to complete the journey. However, this road trip can be an exciting adventure, allowing you to explore multiple states along the way.
Consider making some stops in cities like Birmingham and Jackson to break up the drive and make the most of your trip.
The Best Routes to Take
Houston: Take I-45 North to Dallas
If you’re traveling from Houston to Dallas, one of the best routes to take is I-45 North. This route will take you through scenic landscapes and vibrant cities along the way. You’ll start your journey in Houston and head north on I-45, passing through towns like Huntsville and Corsicana before reaching Dallas.
The drive usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and your driving speed.
Austin: Take I-35E North to Dallas
For those coming from Austin, the recommended route to Dallas is taking I-35E North. This route offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of central Texas. As you leave Austin, you’ll drive through cities like Georgetown and Waco before arriving in Dallas.
The approximate driving time from Austin to Dallas is around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Oklahoma City: Take I-35 South to Dallas
If you’re traveling from Oklahoma City, taking I-35 South is the most convenient route to reach Dallas. This route will take you through the heart of Oklahoma, passing through towns like Norman and Ardmore before crossing the Texas border.
Once you’re in Texas, you’ll continue on I-35 South until you reach Dallas. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, but make sure to check for any road closures or construction before you start your trip.
New Orleans: Take I-20 West to Dallas
For those coming from New Orleans, the best route to take is I-20 West. This scenic route will take you through parts of Louisiana and into Texas. As you drive west on I-20, you’ll pass through cities like Shreveport and Marshall before reaching Dallas.
The approximate driving time from New Orleans to Dallas is around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops along the way.
Atlanta: Take I-20 West to Dallas
If you’re traveling from Atlanta to Dallas, the recommended route is taking I-20 West. This route will take you through the southern states, offering a mix of beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences.
As you leave Atlanta, you’ll drive through cities like Birmingham and Jackson before reaching Dallas. The approximate driving time from Atlanta to Dallas is around 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and the number of rest breaks you take.
Remember, these driving times are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and your driving speed. It’s always a good idea to plan your journey ahead of time, check for any road closures or construction, and take breaks as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Tips for Driving to Dallas
Avoid morning and evening rush hour around cities
When planning your drive to Dallas, it’s important to take into consideration the peak traffic hours in and around major cities along the way. Avoiding morning and evening rush hours can save you a significant amount of time and stress.
Plan your departure time accordingly to ensure a smoother journey.
Watch out for speed limit changes on highways
As you drive towards Dallas, you’ll likely encounter various speed limit changes on the highways. It’s important to stay vigilant and pay attention to the posted signs to avoid any potential speeding tickets. Remember, speeding not only puts you at risk, but it also endangers others on the road.
Bring snacks/drinks for long stretches without services
While driving to Dallas, you may come across long stretches of highway without any services or rest stops. To avoid hunger or thirst during these stretches, it’s a good idea to bring along some snacks and drinks.
Having a supply of water and non-perishable snacks can keep your energy levels up and prevent unnecessary stops.
Be prepared for Texas summer heat
Driving to Dallas during the summer months means encountering the scorching Texas heat. Make sure to prepare for the high temperatures by dressing appropriately and keeping your vehicle cool. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Additionally, ensure that your vehicle’s air conditioning is in good working condition before embarking on your journey.
Have emergency contacts programmed in GPS
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to program emergency contacts into your GPS or phone before hitting the road. In case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances, having easy access to emergency contacts can be crucial.
It’s a small step that can provide peace of mind during your journey.
Major Highways to Use
I-45: Runs north from Houston through Dallas
If you’re driving from Houston to Dallas, one of the major highways you can take is I-45. This highway runs north from Houston all the way through Dallas. It’s a convenient route that offers a direct path to your destination.
Along the way, you’ll pass through various towns and cities, so you can make stops if needed. The total driving distance on I-45 from Houston to Dallas is approximately 240 miles, and depending on traffic conditions, it can take around 4 to 5 hours to reach your destination.
I-35E: Connects Dallas to Austin and San Antonio
If you’re coming from Austin or San Antonio and heading to Dallas, I-35E is the highway you should take. This highway connects Dallas to both Austin and San Antonio, making it a popular route for travelers.
The driving distance from Austin to Dallas on I-35E is approximately 195 miles, and it usually takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the journey. Similarly, if you’re driving from San Antonio to Dallas, the distance is around 275 miles, and it can take about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
I-20: Runs east/west across Texas into Dallas
I-20 is another major highway that runs east/west across Texas and connects to Dallas. If you’re coming from cities like Fort Worth, Midland, or Abilene, this is the highway you’ll most likely be using.
The driving distance on I-20 from Fort Worth to Dallas is approximately 35 miles, and it usually takes less than an hour to reach your destination. If you’re driving from Midland, the distance is around 325 miles, and it can take about 5 to 6 hours.
And if you’re coming from Abilene, the distance is approximately 180 miles, and the drive usually takes around 3 hours.
I-30: Connects Dallas to Little Rock, AR
If you’re traveling from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Dallas, I-30 is the highway that connects the two cities. This route is commonly used by travelers going between the two regions. The driving distance from Little Rock to Dallas on I-30 is approximately 320 miles, and it usually takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete the journey, depending on traffic conditions.
These major highways provide convenient routes to drive to Dallas from various cities in Texas and neighboring states. It’s important to note that the driving times mentioned are estimates and can vary based on factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and the speed at which you drive.
It’s always a good idea to check for real-time traffic updates and plan your journey accordingly. Safe travels!
Conclusion
As you can see, drive times to Dallas vary greatly based on your starting point. With strategic route planning using major interstates, you can optimize and enjoy your road trip. Just watch for traffic around cities, take breaks when needed, and drive safely. We hope this guide gave you all the information you need to hit the open highway and make it to Dallas in no time!
