Planning a Dallas to Houston road trip?
The scenic drive from Dallas to Houston takes you through some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, including the rolling hills of the Hill Country, as well as the lush pine forests of East Texas.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop and explore some of Texas’ most iconic towns and cities, including Ennis, Waco, and College Station.
Also Read: Dallas to New Orleans Road Trip
Dallas to Houston Drive Hours
The drive from Dallas to Houston is just over 4 hours long if you take the most direct route along I-45S.
However, there are plenty of places to stop along the way while you make the trip from Dallas to Houston by car, so you may want to allow for a few extra hours to enjoy the journey.
Looking to plan a round trip? Drive from Dallas to Houston along I-45S and see attractions such as Ennis and Huntsville.
On the return Houston to Dallas drive, take Highway 6 and I-35N through College Station and Waco!
You can easily spend 4-5 days on this loop trip.
Dallas to Houston Trip Distance
One things you should know before beginning this road trip – just how far is Dallas from Houston?
The distance from Dallas to Houston is just over 230 miles on the most direct route of I-45.
Wondering how far is Houston from Dallas if you take the more scenic route of I-35 and Highway 6 between the two cities?
You will be driving for over 270 miles.
Also Read: Dallas to Austin Road Trip
Essential Stops on Dallas to Houston Road Trip on I-45S
Here are our favorite stops on a Dallas to Houston road trip:
Ennis
Ennis is one of the best small towns to visit in Texas.
This historic town is located just south of Dallas and is known for its beautiful Bluebonnet Trail.
The Ennis Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your exploration of the town, and from there you can pick up a map of the colorful wildflower trails.
Ennis also hosts a huge bluebonnet festival every spring.
It is an essential stop on the drive to Houston from Dallas if you’re driving during the wildflower season.
Corsicana
Next up is Corsicana, a small town known for its historic downtown and the discovery of oil.
One of our favorite stops is the Pearce Museum which is known for its Wild West and Civil War-era artifacts.
The town also has several antique shops and boutiques, so be sure to stop here.
Richland
If you’re looking for a place to cool off, make sure to stop at Richland Chambers Reservoir.
This man-made lake is the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Old Fort Parker Historic Site
Skip the driving directions and take a detour to the town of Groesbeck.
This small town is home to the Old Fort Parker Historic Site, which is the site of a fort that was attacked by Comanches in 1836.
The fort, built by the Parker family, is now open to the public.
Also Read: Dallas to San Antonio Drive
Hunstville
The next stop on our road trip from Dallas to Houston is the town of Huntsville.
This historic town is known for its prison museum, which is the oldest prison in Texas.
Other things to do in Huntsville include visiting the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and taking a tour of the Huntsville State Park.
Here you will also find the gigantic Sam Houston statue – an excellent photo op on the road trip route.
Sam Houston National Forest
The scenic route from Dallas to Houston then goes through the Sam Houston National Forest.
This forest is located just north of Houston and is a great place for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and fishing at Lake Livingston.
There are also several equestrian trails in the forest.
There are also several scenic drives in the area and it looks amazing in the fall.
Conroe
Conroe is located just north of Houston and is known for its lakes and parks.
There are several things to do in Conroe, including a day on Lake Conroe, going to the Heritage Museum, and taking a stroll through the downtown area.
Enjoy the hiking trails along the lake or enjoy fishing for outdoor lovers.
It is one of the great places to stop between Dallas and Houston.
Woodlands
The Woodlands, located just north of Houston, is known for its shopping and dining.
Check out the famous Woodlands trolley, Lake Woodlands, nearby Old Town Spring, and other attractions.
The trails here are also excellent for hiking and birding.
Downtown Houston
Our final stop! Houston is the largest city in Texas and is home to many things to see and do.
Some of the best things to do in Houston include visiting the Space Center Houston, taking a tour of the Museum District, checking out the Heights district, and exploring the downtown area.
Also Read: One day in Houston Itinerary
Essential Stops on Dallas to Houston Road Trip via I-35S and Highway 6
This route is longer but has several interesting attractions for families.
Waxahachie
Waxahachie is one of the great places to stop between Houston and Dallas.
Waxahachie is known for its Victorian architecture and the Ellis County Courthouse.
The Waxahachie Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your exploration of the town.
Hillsboro
Hillsboro is the next stop on our road trip.
This small town is known for its antique shops and the Roadside America Museum.
Other attractions include Hill County Courthouse, Lake Whitney, and bbq joints.
West
West is known for its Czech Heritage and the famous kolaches.
It is one of the best things to do between Dallas and Houston for foodies.
Stop by Slovacek’s and try their amazing array of the sweet as well as savory kolaches.
Enjoy shopping for home goods while you’re there!
The History of West Museum is the perfect place to learn about the town’s history.
Other attractions include the Czech Festival and West Depot.
Waco
If you are driving from Dallas to Houston via I-35S, then Waco is an essential stop.
Waco is home to several interesting attractions, including the Dr. Pepper Museum as well as the Waco Mammoth National Monument.
At Waco Mammoth National Monument, you can see the fossilized skeletons of these prehistoric beasts as well as enjoy other attractions such as dig pit for kids, hiking trails, and picnic tables.
This city is also known for its Magnolia Market, which is a popular spot for shopping and dining.
Other things to do in Waco include taking a tour of the Baylor University campus and exploring the downtown murals and artwork.
Fun fact: Wondering what’s halfway between Dallas and Houston on I-35? Its Waco!
Bryan and College Station
The next stop on our road trip is Bryan and College Station.
College Station is home to Texas A&M University.
There are many things to do in College Station, including visiting the George Bush Presidential Library, taking a tour of the campus, and also its famous Aggie heritage.
Things to do in Bryan include taking a stroll through historic Downtown Bryan, visiting the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, as well as checking out the Messina Hof Winery.
During the holiday season, Santa’s Wonderland holiday attraction is amongst the top things to see between Dallas and Houston.
The lights here are so bright and numerous, they can be seen even from the road.
Navasota
Navasota is a charming small town with a rich history.
The city of Navasota was once an important stop on the railroad; today, Navasota is known for its vibrant arts scene, blues heritage, and charming downtown.
Navasota offers many attractions between Dallas and Houston for those looking to venture off the beaten path.
Stop by the Classic Rock Coffee Co. and Kitchen for brunch, see the murals in downtown, and check out the historic buildings spread all over town.
Houston
Houston is the largest city in Texas and has much to offer visitors.
One of the most popular attractions in Houston is the Museum District.
This area is home to 19 different museums, covering a wide range of topics such as art, history, and science, all within walking distance!
Another must-see in Houston is the Space Center Houston, where visitors can learn about America’s space program and see firsthand some of the iconic artifacts from NASA’s history.
Houston also has a thriving food scene; visitors can enjoy everything from Texas barbecue to Cajun cuisine and chicken fried steak.
If you’re looking for a road trip that will take you through some of the best scenery and attractions Texas has to offer, then look no further than the Dallas to Houston drive.
This route takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in the state, as well as past some of its most popular tourist destinations.
Road trip Houston to Dallas
You can also use this guide for planning a Houston to Dallas road trip.
Take Highway 6 and I-35N to plan a trip along major cities between Dallas and Houston such as College Station and Waco.
Or check out Woodlands and Ennis on your road trip from Houston to Dallas along I-45S.
At the end, you will find Big D – full of excitement and attractions.
See the museums, take a stroll through neighborhoods such as Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts District, and off course – eat some Texas bbq!
The drive from Houston to Dallas is fun for the entire family.
What are some of your favorite stops on a Dallas to Houston TX drive?
Did we miss any amazing things to do between Houston and Dallas? Let us know in the comments below!