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Trip from Alton, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 53m
Distance
301.1 mi
485 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 41m
★
6 AM
5h 54m
8 AM
6h 20m
10 AM
6h 3m
12 PM
6h 0m
3 PM
6h 4m
5 PM
6h 19m
8 PM
5h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alton, TX
Mark Direen
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Alton, TX to Montopolis, TX is 301.1 miles and takes about 5h 53m via I 69C and State Highway 80 North, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, so expect relatively flat terrain for the entirety of your travels. With a single day recommended, this route is ideal for a straightforward transit between these two Texas locations. The majority of the drive is on highways, making it a fairly efficient trip. It's a good option if you're looking for a direct route with minimal complexity.
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
150.5 miles from Alton, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 52m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69C | 138.2 mi | 2h 31m |
| King David Drive | 31.8 mi | 39m |
| State Highway 80 North | 30.8 mi | 35m |
| State Highway 80 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| US Highway 183 South | 11.8 mi | 15m |
| TX 107 | 11.1 mi | 16m |
| Nueces Street | 11.1 mi | 14m |
| US 183 | 10.1 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
I 69C
— 138.2 mi, about 2h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alton, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on FM 676
102 ft
·
6 sec
·
Main Avenue
2
Turn right onto TX 107
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
TX 107
3
Continue on TX 107
9.1 mi
·
13 min
·
TX 107
4
At end of road, turn left onto US 281 Business; TX 107
400 ft
·
12 sec
·
North 10th Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Turn right onto US 281 Business; TX 107
377 ft
·
13 sec
·
West McIntyre Street
6
Turn left onto US 281 Business
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
North Closner Boulevard
7
Turn straight onto North Expressway 281
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Expressway 281
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 69C North, US 281 North
9
Merge onto I 69C; US 281
68 mi
·
1 hr 12 min
·
I 69C; US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281
70 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
I 69C; US 281
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Nueces Street
12
Turn right onto TX 72
32 mi
·
39 min
·
King David Drive
13
Continue on TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
14
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239
233 ft
·
3 sec
·
East Main Street
15
Continue on FM 792
8.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Helena Road
16
Turn straight onto TX 80
24 mi
·
25 min
·
State Highway 80
17
Continue on TX 80
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Nixon Avenue
18
Continue on TX 80; TX 97
31 mi
·
35 min
·
State Highway 80 North
19
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
20
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
South Colorado Street
21
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
United States Highway 183
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
23
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
9.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 460
Toward US 183 North: Austin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on US 183
12 mi
·
15 min
·
US Highway 183 South
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on 183 Toll
0.7 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Use the right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto Loop 111
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
29
Continue on Loop 111
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
30
Continue on US 183
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
31
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
32
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 53m estimated drive time, leaving Alton, TX in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Montopolis, TX with plenty of daylight. The route is manageable in one day, so you won't need to plan for an overnight stay. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $44, and it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer stretches like the 138.2 miles on I 69C. There's one recommended stop, so plan your breaks accordingly to stay refreshed. Being a mostly highway route, be prepared for varying speed limits and potential traffic, especially as you approach more populated areas.
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 150.5 miles from Alton, TX, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.2 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 66 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.5 miles or 2h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 48m
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 Alton, 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 Alton, TX
This is one driving day of about 301.1 miles and 5h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Alton, 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 I 69C for about 138.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
151 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 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 150.5 miles from Alton, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 69C if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.2 miles.
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.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Brooks County Rest Area
0 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Austin 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 websiteZinnia Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~12 min detour
4.8 mi from route
~12 min detour
McAllen, Texas
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+19566811000
Visit websiteLions Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.6 mi from route
~11 min detour
Mission, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+19565808650
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 11.1 and 299.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
11.1 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
US 281 Business; TX 107 / North 10th Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 281 Business; TX 107 / North 10th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
11.2 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
US 281 Business; TX 107 / West McIntyre Street
Turn right onto US 281 Business; TX 107 / West McIntyre Street
Navigation decision point
6
276.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
7
286.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 34m in
Take the exit toward US 183 North: Austin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 460
Toward US 183 North: Austin
7
299.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 51m in
Take the exit toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Stree...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.24 one way
$82.48 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $46.07 | $92.13 |
| premium | $4.23 | $50.08 | $100.17 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.85 | $113.71 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.3 | 1 | $31.62 | $14.45 |
| Efficient EV | 75.3 | 0 | $26.35 | $12.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 120.4 | 1 | $42.15 | $19.27 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Alton, TX
Afternoon in Alton on Sunday
Local time
12:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
99°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 18 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 3:29PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Afternoon in Montopolis on Sunday
Local time
12:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 3:29PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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
8 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 53m 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 most of your time on highways, with 79% of the 301.1-mile route being on roads like I 69C. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 138.2 miles, primarily on I 69C. After that, you'll transition to surface roads, including King David Drive and State Highway 80 North, for the remaining miles. Expect a significant amount of merging and exit traffic as you navigate the highway sections.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.2 mi on I 69C.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69C and King David Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.1 miles in near US 281 Business; TX 107 / North 10th Avenue.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 301.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 11.1 miles (US 281 Business; TX 107 / North 10th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.2 miles (US 281 Business; TX 107 / West McIntyre Street): Navigation decision point; at 276.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
586 ft
74 ft
Total Climb
720 ft
Total Descent
421 ft
Highest Point
586 ft
~279.6 mi in
Elevation Range
512 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Alton, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
276.5 mi in
|
~5h 25m
About the Cities
Starting in Alton, TX
Full guide →Founded 1978
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 5h 53m. Total distance: 301.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 138.2 miles on I 69C. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 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.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Montopolis, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.1 miles (US 281 Business; TX 107 / North 10th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.2 miles (US 281 Business; TX 107 / West McIntyre Street): Navigation decision point; at 276.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Montopolis, TX before the return drive.
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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