How far is Katy, TX from McKinney, TX?
Fastest route
The route from Katy, Texas, USA to McKinney, Texas, USA is approximately 288 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 59 minutes via I-45 N. The route has tolls and some road sections may be closed at certain times or days.
Directions
- Start by getting on I-10 E in Harris County from Hwy Blvd.
- Head east on Hwy Blvd toward Danover Rd.
- Pass by McDonald's (on the right).
- Continue straight onto Katy Mills Blvd.
- Turn left onto Interstate 10 Frontage Rd E.
- Use the left lane to take the ramp onto I-10 E.
- Take TX-99/Grand Pkwy and I-45 N to S Central Expy N in McKinney. Take exit Exit 40A from US-75 N.
Tips & Suggestions
- π Make sure to have enough cash or a compatible toll pass for the tolls on the route.
- π£οΈ Stay updated with the current traffic conditions to choose the fastest route.
- πΊοΈ Use a navigation app or GPS device to follow the directions accurately.
- β οΈ Be aware that parts of I-345 may be closed at certain times or days.
- π§ Exercise caution and follow traffic signs when merging or changing lanes.
- β½ It's recommended to have a full tank of gas before starting the journey.
- π± Keep your mobile phone charged in case you need to make emergency calls or use navigation apps.
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 17m.
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 Leon County, Texas
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Katy and McKinney.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Katy and McKinney.
-
1
Start on Highway Boulevard
1.1 mi Β· 2 min Β· Highway Boulevard
-
2
Turn left onto Katy Freeway Frontage Road
69 m Β· 4 sec Β· Katy Freeway Frontage Road
-
3
Take the ramp slight left toward I 10 East
1776 ft Β· 44 sec
-
4
Merge slight left onto Katy Freeway
1.3 km Β· 52 sec Β· Katy Freeway
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 South: Grand Parkway
2346 ft Β· 45 sec
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway
1 km Β· 1 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on TX 99 Toll North
854 ft Β· 21 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto West Grand Parkway North
37.8 mi Β· 41 min Β· West Grand Parkway North
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 45 North: Dallas
1.4 mi Β· 3 min
-
10
Merge slight left
214 mi Β· 3 hr 41 min
-
11
Continue on North Central Expressway
26.6 mi Β· 29 min Β· North Central Expressway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward SRT South, TX 5: Sam Rayburn Tollway
1776 ft Β· 22 sec
-
13
Keep slight right
1.2 km Β· 1 min
-
14
Merge slight left
1.5 km Β· 1 min
-
15
Continue on South McDonald Street
1.6 km Β· 2 min Β· South McDonald Street
-
16
Turn slight left
86 m Β· 10 sec
-
17
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi Β· 3 min Β· South Tennessee Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m Β· 1 sec Β· North Tennessee Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Katy and McKinney.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 45 North
Merge slight left
214 mi Β· 03h 41m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Katy and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near McKinney.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Katy to McKinney?
The road trip is about 288.6 miles (464.4 km) and usually takes 04h 17m 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?
Buffalo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 144 miles from Katy and 144.5 miles from McKinney.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 240.3 miles (386.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.3 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 8:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.47 one way or $76.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 90.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms around Katy and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near McKinney.
Stop Ideas Near Buffalo
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 Buffalo.
Bryan, TX
Waco, TX
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Katy and McKinney. Straight-line distance: 240.29 mi (386.71 km).
#1 Katy
City in Texas, United States; within the HoustonβThe WoodlandsβSugar Land metropolitan area
| Population | 23,889 |
| Coordinates | 29.7857900, -95.8244000 |
| Altitude | 42 |
| Country | United States |
#2 McKinney
The third most populous city in Collin County, Texas.
| Population | 208,272 |
| Coordinates | 33.1976200, -96.6152700 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Tennessee Street (-96.61506, 33.19762)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 464 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $38.47 | $76.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $43.29 | $86.57 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $46.74 | $93.47 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $40.65 | $81.30 |
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 Β· Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh β stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.