Houston and Arlington are two major cities in Texas, each offering a mix of culture, entertainment, and business opportunities. Whether you’re traveling for a Cowboys game, a trip to Six Flags Over Texas, or a business meeting, knowing the distance and best travel options can help you plan your trip efficiently.
- In this guide, we’ll cover:
Exact distance from Houston to Arlington
Driving time and best routes
Bus, flight, and train options
Top places to visit along the way
Let’s dive in!
How Far is Arlington from Houston?
The distance from Houston to Arlington depends on your travel method:
| Travel Method | Distance | Estimated Time |
| Driving | 277 miles (445 km) | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Bus | Approx. 277 miles | 4.5 – 6 hours |
| Flight (Direct) | 225 miles (362 km) | 1-hour flight + airport time |
| Train (Amtrak) | Varies | 6-8 hours (with transfers) |
Pro Tip: Driving is the most flexible and convenient option, but flights are the fastest if you want to skip long road hours.
Driving from Houston to Arlington
Best Driving Route
I-45 North to I-20 West (Fastest & Most Direct Route)
- Total Distance: 277 miles
Estimated Drive Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Major Cities Passed: Conroe → Huntsville → Corsicana → Dallas → Arlington
Best For: Quickest way to Arlington with minimal stops.
Scenic Alternative Route
- I-45 North → US-287 North (For a More Scenic Drive)
- Total Distance: 285 miles
Estimated Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Major Stops: Fairfield → Waxahachie → Fort Worth → Arlington - Best For: Travelers wanting to see small Texas towns and make stops.
Driving Tips
- Avoid rush hour traffic in Houston & Dallas (7-9 AM & 4-6 PM).
Use Google Maps or Waze to check for accidents or road closures.
Consider a halfway stop in Corsicana for a meal or a break.
Public Transportation Options
If you don’t want to drive, you can take a bus, flight, or train from Houston to Arlington.
Bus from Houston to Arlington
- Bus Providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, RedCoach
Average Travel Time: 4.5 – 6 hours
Ticket Cost: $30 – $60 (One Way)
Departure: Houston Downtown Greyhound Station
Arrival: Dallas or Fort Worth (Take a local bus/train to Arlington)
Best For: Budget travelers who don’t mind a longer journey.
Flight from Houston to Arlington (Dallas Airports)
- Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, United
Flight Duration: 1 hour (Nonstop)
Departure Airport: Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Hobby (HOU)
Arrival Airport: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Cost: $100 – $250 (Round Trip)
Additional Time: Getting through security + Transport from DFW to Arlington (30 min ride)
Best For: Fastest option if you’re okay with airport security and wait times.
Train from Houston to Arlington
- Provider: Amtrak Texas Eagle
Travel Time: 6-8 hours (Requires transfer in Dallas)
Cost: $30 – $80 (One Way)
Departure Station: Houston Amtrak Station
Arrival Station: Fort Worth Amtrak Station (Take a local train or bus to Arlington)
Best For: Train lovers who enjoy scenic rides.
Top Places to Stop Between Houston & Arlington
Sam Houston National Forest (Huntsville, TX)
Why Visit? Hiking, scenic views, and a peaceful break from driving.
Buc-ee’s Travel Center (Madisonville, TX)
Why Visit? Famous for Texas BBQ, snacks, and souvenirs.
Corsicana, TX – Home of Collin Street Bakery
Why Visit? Try their world-famous Texas pecan fruitcake and fresh pastries.
Dallas, TX – Final Stop Before Arlington
Why Visit? Take a quick detour to see the Dallas Museum of Art, Reunion Tower, or Deep Ellum food spots.
Conclusion
- The distance from Houston to Arlington is approximately 277 miles, and you have multiple ways to travel:
Driving (4 hours 15 minutes) – Best for flexibility and road trip fun.
Flying (1 hour flight + 30 min ground travel) – Best for speed.
Bus (4.5 – 6 hours) – Best for budget travelers.
Train (6-8 hours) – Best for a scenic, relaxing ride.
Final Tip: If you’re traveling for a Cowboys game or Six Flags, book transportation in advance since these events cause higher travel demand.
Ready for your trip? Choose your best route and enjoy Arlington!
FAQs
1. How long does it take to drive from Houston to Arlington?
About 4 hours and 15 minutes with normal traffic.
2. What’s the cheapest way to get from Houston to Arlington?
Taking a bus ($30-$60 one way) is the cheapest option.
3. What’s the fastest way to travel from Houston to Arlington?
A direct flight (1 hour) to Dallas (DFW or DAL) + a 30-min ride to Arlington.
4. Are there toll roads on the way from Houston to Arlington?
Yes, but you can avoid them by sticking to I-45 North and I-20 West.
5. Do I need a car in Arlington?
If you’re visiting only major attractions, public transport and ride-sharing apps are fine.
If you plan to explore Dallas-Fort Worth, renting a car is better.
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