Dallas to Houston is the most-driven route in Texas — about 240 miles along I-45, connecting the state's two largest metropolises. The highway runs through the flat East Texas plains, passing Corsicana, Ennis, and Huntsville.
The drive is simple and fast, though I-45 carries very heavy traffic, particularly on Fridays. Most Texans treat this as a routine 3.5-hour trip.
Stops Along the Way
A historic East Texas city known for its fruitcake (seriously) and a good rest stop roughly an hour south of Dallas.
Home of Sam Houston State University and a giant roadside Sam Houston statue — about an hour north of Houston on I-45.
Tips for This Trip
Friday afternoon I-45 is brutal
The Dallas-Houston corridor is one of Texas's most congested stretches on Friday afternoons. Leave before noon or after 7pm if possible.
Budget tolls for downtown Houston
The Sam Houston Tollway and Hardy Toll Road offer faster approaches into Houston's downtown core.
Plenty of fuel and food options
Unlike some Texas drives, I-45 between Dallas and Houston has frequent service stops — you won't be caught without gas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Houston is about 225 miles (362 km) from Dallas in a straight line, and approximately 240 miles (386 km) by road via Interstate 45.