Driving from Arlington to Houston: Which Route Is Right For You?

Texas is a beautiful state, with plenty of cities worth visiting. Amongst these, both Arlington and Houston offer exciting opportunities for visitors and residents alike. However, with a distance of approximately 240 miles separating these two cities, you might be wondering how long it takes to get from Arlington to Houston. Keep reading for a guide on the best and fastest routes, as well as traffic patterns, to help you make the most of your journey.

The Fastest Routes

If you're in a hurry, there are two primary routes you might consider. The first is via I-45 S, the direct route from Arlington to Houston. The distance between these two cities is approximately 230 miles, which takes around 3-4 hours to drive. However, bear in mind that traffic can worsen during peak hours, which may increase your travel time.

The second faster route involves taking I-20 E and merging onto I-45 S. This path provides you with a chance to experience a good detail of East Texas and maybe avoid traffic in some areas of the journey. This route has a similar distance to the first one but may take slightly less time due to its lesser traffic during peak hours.

The Slowest Routes

If you have time to spare and are in no rush, consider taking the longer route. This path follows I-35 S before merging onto TX-70 S and then onto TX-105 E. Finally, merge onto I-45 S towards Houston. This route is around 270 miles long and may take between 4-5 hours to drive, depending on traffic.

A second slower yet scenic route is via US-287 S and US-75 S, which follows through Palestine, Buffalo, and Huntsville. A great opportunity to experience rural Texas and take some unique pictures. This way is approximately 270 miles long and may take 5 to 7 hours.

Traffic Patterns

While the distance and route taken can influence the time of travel, timing is equally important. Rush hour traffic, particularly in the morning and evenings, could add up to an hour to your journey. As rush hour last longer here are some examples of how traffic jams can make your trip way longer.

On a typical weekday, for instance, you can expect peak traffic to occur between 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and in the afternoon, between 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM when traveling towards Houston. Traffic jams take away the beauty of the journey, so if you have flexibility to travel outside of peak hours, this may save you significant time on your journey.

In summary, the fastest way to reach Houston from Arlington is via I-45 S, which is approximately 230 miles and may take around 3-4 hours. If you take I-20 E, you will pass a bit of East Texas and avoid some traffic, taking almost the same time. If you have more time and want to experience the Texas countryside, take the I-35 S route, which is 270 miles and may take 4-5 hours, or the US-287 S and US-75 S route, also 270 miles but will need 5-7 hours. Remember, timings can differ depending on the level of traffic, so be sure to check traffic updates and travel during non-peak hours when possible. Safe travels!