How far is Garland, TX from Waco, TX?
The driving distance from Garland, TX to Waco, TX is about 245.2 miles (394.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 198.2 miles (319 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 28m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Rockwall County, Texas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Garland and Waco.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Garland and Waco.
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1
Start on the route
2.1 mi · 5 min
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto US Highway 259 South
16.3 mi · 24 min · US Highway 259 South
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3
Take the ramp right
2301 ft · 56 sec
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4
Merge slight left
131.8 mi · 2 hr 17 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
3065 ft · 1 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
607 ft · 15 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
67 m · 5 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E South: Waco
1915 ft · 30 sec
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9
Continue on South R L Thornton Freeway
2866 ft · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway
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10
Continue on South R L Thornton Freeway
89 mi · 1 hr 31 min · South R L Thornton Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 84: Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive
1531 ft · 37 sec
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12
Continue on North Jack Kultgen Expressway
801 ft · 18 sec · North Jack Kultgen Expressway
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13
Turn right onto East Waco Drive
3.3 mi · 7 min · East Waco Drive
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14
Continue on West Waco Drive
34 m · 8 sec · West Waco Drive
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Waco Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Garland and Waco.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 259 South
Merge slight left
132 mi · 02h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Clear leaving Garland and Mostly Clear near Waco.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Garland to Waco?
The road trip is about 245.2 miles (394.6 km) and usually takes 04h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Fate is a useful midpoint, sitting about 122.6 miles from Garland and 122.6 miles from Waco.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 198.2 miles (319 km), while the road route adds roughly 47 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:02 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.69 one way or $65.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 76.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Garland and Mostly Clear near Waco.
Stop Ideas Near Fate
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fate.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Garland and Waco. Straight-line distance: 198.22 mi (319.01 km).
#1 Garland
The fourth most populous city in Texas.
| Population | 238,139 |
| Coordinates | 33.5165000, -94.6693800 |
| Altitude | 117 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waco
The 11th most populous city in Texas.
| Population | 141,377 |
| Coordinates | 31.5493300, -97.1466700 |
| Altitude | 143 |
| Country | United States |
End: Waco (-97.14667, 31.54933)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 395 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $32.69 | $65.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.78 | $73.56 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $39.71 | $79.42 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $34.54 | $69.08 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Texas · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.