How far is Houston, TX from Center, TX?
The driving distance from Houston, TX to Center, TX is about 153 miles (246.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.2 miles (219.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 50m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 55m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
The second-largest city in Walker County, Texas.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Houston and Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houston and Center.
-
1
Start on Louisiana Street
145 m · 20 sec · Louisiana Street
-
2
Turn right onto Franklin Street
664 ft · 28 sec · Franklin Street
-
3
Turn left onto Travis Street
1205 ft · 29 sec · Travis Street
-
4
Take the ramp straight toward I 45 North Express Lane
1.6 km · 2 min
-
5
Merge slight left onto North Freeway
130.4 mi · 2 hr 20 min · North Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward TX 164: Groesbeck
1708 ft · 50 sec
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7
Turn left onto Donie Road
20.8 mi · 31 min · Donie Road
-
8
Turn left onto Lcr 800
118 m · 17 sec · Lcr 800
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lcr 800
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Houston and Center.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
North Freeway
Merge slight left onto North Freeway
130 mi · 02h 20m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Houston and Mostly Cloudy near Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Houston to Center?
The road trip is about 153 miles (246.3 km) and usually takes 02h 55m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Huntsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.6 miles from Houston and 76.4 miles from Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.2 miles (219.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.41 one way or $40.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Houston and Mostly Cloudy near Center.
Stop Ideas Near Huntsville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall Cafe And Pie Bar
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Huntsville.
Bryan, TX
Prairie View, TX
Houston
Houston, TX
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Houston and Center. Straight-line distance: 136.23 mi (219.24 km).
#1 Houston
The fourth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Houston metropolitan area.
| Population | 2,316,120 |
| Coordinates | 29.7632800, -95.3632700 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Center
City in Shelby County, Texas, United States
| Population | 5,043 |
| Coordinates | 31.5107300, -96.4247000 |
| Altitude | 131 |
| Country | United States |
End: Center (-96.4247, 31.51073)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 246 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $20.41 | $40.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.96 | $45.92 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $24.79 | $49.58 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $21.56 | $43.12 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.