San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Albany, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 37m
Distance
221.4 mi
356 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 24m
★
6 AM
4h 37m
8 AM
5h 4m
10 AM
4h 47m
12 PM
4h 44m
3 PM
4h 48m
5 PM
5h 3m
8 PM
4h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Albany, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Albany, TX to Montopolis, TX is 221.4 miles and takes about 4h 37m via US 183, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. You'll be on a mostly highway profile, making for a straightforward trip. With a recommended one-day duration and a manageable distance, this route is a solid option for getting between these two points efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
110.7 miles from Albany, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 183 | 51.8 mi | 57m |
| US Highway 183 | 45.4 mi | 1h 7m |
| South US Highway 183 | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| State Highway 6 South | 33.2 mi | 49m |
| US Highway 84 East | 29.2 mi | 33m |
| 183A Toll Road | 14.3 mi | 14m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 4.8 mi | 5m |
| North Key Avenue | 2.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US 183
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albany, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on TX 6
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
South 2nd Street
2
Continue on TX 6
33 mi
·
49 min
·
State Highway 6 South
3
Continue on TX 6
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Conrad Hilton Boulevard
4
Continue on US 183
45 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
US Highway 183
5
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Early Boulevard
6
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Garmon Drive
7
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi
·
33 min
·
US Highway 84 East
8
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 183; TX 16
9
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi
·
15 min
·
US 183; US 190
10
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft
·
4 sec
·
North US Highway 281
11
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
North Key Avenue
12
Continue on US 183
35 mi
·
38 min
·
South US Highway 183
13
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
14
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 183
15 mi
·
17 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
19
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
20
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 37m estimated drive time, leaving Albany, TX in the morning should allow you to reach Montopolis by early afternoon. You'll only need one stop, so consider breaking up the 51.8-mile longest stretch on US 183 for a quick stretch or to refuel. The fuel cost is estimated at $32, so keep that in mind for your budget. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility to depart a bit later if needed, but be aware that the highway portion will dominate the driving experience.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 110.7 miles from Albany, TX, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 49 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.7 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montopolis, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Albany, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Albany, TX
This is one driving day of about 221.4 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Albany, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 183 for about 51.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
111 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 110.7 miles from Albany, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
2 mi from route
Brown County Museum of History
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256411926
Visit websiteThe Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
2.6 mi from route
~7 min detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256436376
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 65 decision points cluster between mile 111.8 and 221.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
3
111.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
|
US 183; TX 16
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
Navigation decision point
3
148.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m in
|
US 183; US 190; US 281 / North US Highway 281
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281 / North US Highway 281
Merge point - match speed before joining
6
186.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
|
183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
220.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
3
221.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
Take the ramp toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Navigation decision point
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.32 one way
$60.65 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $33.87 | $67.74 |
| premium | $4.23 | $36.83 | $73.65 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $41.80 | $83.61 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.00
183A Toll Road
(14.3 mi)
$1.00
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.4 | 0 | $23.25 | $10.63 |
| Efficient EV | 55.4 | 0 | $19.37 | $8.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 88.6 | 1 | $31.00 | $14.17 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Albany, TX
Late night in Albany on Monday
Local time
12:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:39PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:33PM CDT until July 18 at 6:30PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
12:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:39PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:33PM CDT until July 18 at 6:30PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 37m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 90% of this 221.4-mile drive on highways, primarily US 183. The longest continuous stretch without a significant change in road type is 51.8 miles on US 183. Expect mostly rural cruising for the bulk of the trip, with the transition to surface roads occurring in the final miles as you approach Montopolis.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.8 mi on US 183.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 183 and US Highway 183. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 111.8 miles in near US 183; TX 16.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 37m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 111.8 miles (US 183; TX 16): Navigation decision point; at 148.8 miles (US 183; US 190; US 281 / North US Highway 281): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 186.7 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,653 ft
463 ft
Total Climb
562 ft
Total Descent
1,513 ft
Highest Point
1,653 ft
~63.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,190 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Albany, TX
Full guide →Founded 1874
Top landmarks
- • Shackelford County Courthouse Historic District — historic district in Albany, Shackelford County, Texas
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 37m. Total distance: 221.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.8 miles on US 183. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.00 in tolls one way, starting with 183A Toll Road. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 3 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 111.8 miles (US 183; TX 16): Navigation decision point; at 148.8 miles (US 183; US 190; US 281 / North US Highway 281): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 186.7 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Montopolis, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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