Carrollton, TX → Houston, TX
243 mi · 4h 51m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Carrollton
55°
Navarro County
59°
Grimes County
61°
Houston
55°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 243 mi · 4h 51m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
59°F, wind 10 mph
Incidents
1
1 critical
Rest Stops
12
Truck svc, Restrooms
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● QuikTrip
- ● SoPac Trail Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area
Hazards Ahead
2 road closures may affect your route · 14 construction zones on route
14 Construction Zones on Route
SH-289: Alternating lanes closed near Loop 12
I-30: Construction near I-35E
SH-78 southbound: Right lane closed near I-30
I-30 eastbound: Right lane closed near Loop 12
I-30 eastbound: Right lane closed near Loop 12
I-45 southbound: Frontage road work near BI0045J
+ 8 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via East Hebron Parkway → International Parkway → PGBT (President George Bush Turnpike) → I-45 South
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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29 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 243-mile half-day drive from Carrollton to Houston stays within TX and takes about 4h 51m without stops. We track 29 rest areas and 2 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
66° / 55°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
63° / 50°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
60° / 47°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
51° / 47°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
56° / 49°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
61° / 52°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
70° / 63°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Use Caution🌧️ Heavy rain → ☁️ Overcast. Use caution.
Sunday
Use Caution🌧️ Heavy rain → 🌧️ Heavy rain. Use caution.
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Carrollton, TX
55°F
Wind: 9 mph
Houston, TX
55°F
Wind: 3 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Carrollton, TX to Houston, TX
The 243-mile drive from Carrollton, Texas to Houston, Texas takes approximately 4h 51m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route stays within Texas, connecting Carrollton and Houston. A drive of 243 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Carrollton to Houston
For medium-distance drives like this 243-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 243-mile drive from Carrollton to Houston takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Carrollton to Houston?
The drive is approximately 243 miles and takes about 4h 51m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Today (Nov 13) looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Carrollton to Houston today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Carrollton to Houston route?
Yes, there are 29 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 2 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
Learn how 4D trajectory analysis can help you find the optimal departure time to avoid dangerous weather and traffic.
🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
A practical guide to every method for checking driving conditions--weather apps, 511 sites, traffic cameras, radio, and more. Pros, cons, and when to use each.
🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
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Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
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