How far is Melissa, TX from Houston, TX?
Fastest route
The distance between Melissa, Texas and Houston, Texas is approximately 277 miles (446 kilometers). The fastest route, considering current traffic conditions, is via I-45 S. Here are some tips and suggestions for your journey:
Directions
- Start by heading west on Cooper St toward Red River St.
- Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto McKinney St.
- Continue straight to stay on McKinney St.
- Continue onto N State Hwy 121.
- Use any lane to take the ramp onto TX-121 S/US-75 S.
- Continue on TX-121 S/US-75 S.
- Keep right at the fork to stay on US-75 S.
- Continue onto I-345/US-75 S.
- Keep left to continue on US-75.
- Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 47C for McKinney St.
- Merge onto Bagby St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your journey ahead of time to ensure a smooth trip.
- ⛽ Make sure to have enough fuel for the journey.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS device to stay on track.
- 🚦 Stay updated on traffic conditions and consider alternative routes if necessary.
- 🥤 Stay hydrated during the drive.
- 🚫 Observe speed limits and drive safely.
- 🛣️ Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
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 07m.
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.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Melissa and Houston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Melissa and Houston.
-
1
Start on West Cooper Street
114 m · 22 sec · West Cooper Street
-
2
Turn left onto McKinney Street
1 mi · 2 min · McKinney Street
-
3
Turn right onto Sam Rayburn Highway
1.6 km · 1 min · Sam Rayburn Highway
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on US 75 South, TX 121 South
1.3 km · 2 min
-
5
Merge slight left onto Central Expressway
35 mi · 38 min · Central Expressway
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6
Continue on Julius Schepps Freeway
3.4 mi · 4 min · Julius Schepps Freeway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Julius Schepps Freeway
234.2 mi · 4 hr 6 min · Julius Schepps Freeway
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8
Continue on Gulf Freeway
83 m · 4 sec · Gulf Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 10 East: Beaumont
2168 ft · 53 sec
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on Milam Street
1614 ft · 39 sec
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11
Continue on Milam Street
2031 ft · 1 min · Milam Street
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12
Turn right onto Prairie Street
100 m · 14 sec · Prairie Street
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13
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
157 m · 17 sec · Louisiana Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Louisiana Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Melissa and Houston.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Julius Schepps Freeway
Keep slight left to continue on Julius Schepps Freeway
234 mi · 04h 06m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Melissa and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers near Houston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Melissa to Houston?
The road trip is about 280 miles (450.6 km) and usually takes 04h 07m 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 138.6 miles from Melissa and 141.4 miles from Houston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 253.6 miles (408.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.4 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 8:44 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.34 one way or $74.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Melissa and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers near Houston.
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.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Melissa and Houston. Straight-line distance: 253.59 mi (408.12 km).
#1 Melissa
City in Collin County, Texas, United States
| Population | 13,793 |
| Coordinates | 33.2859500, -96.5727700 |
| Altitude | 207 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: Louisiana Street (-95.363596, 29.76347)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 451 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $37.34 | $74.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.01 | $84.02 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $45.36 | $90.72 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $39.45 | $78.90 |
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 20, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.