Spanning 445.8 miles across the Texas Great Plains, this drive typically takes about 8 hours and 1 minute to complete. While technically possible to finish in a single day, I recommend splitting this journey over two days to avoid driver fatigue. You will rely primarily on the Marshall Formby Memorial Highway, US Highway 84, and State Highway 153 to navigate toward Copperas Cove. Budget approximately $68 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Since you are staying within the Great Plains region throughout the trip, you can expect a consistent landscape, making this a straightforward highway-focused trek across the state.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
222.9 miles from Amarillo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
103.7 mi
1h 43m
US Highway 84
73.9 mi
1h 14m
State Highway 153
69 mi
1h 14m
US 183
37 mi
40m
US Highway 84 East
29.2 mi
33m
East Highway 84
26.9 mi
26m
US 67
21.5 mi
24m
US 84
15.9 mi
17m
Longest stretch:
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
— 103.7 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amarillo, TX and Copperas Cove, TX.
1
Start on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
286 ft·8 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
2
Turn right onto US 60; US 87; US 66 Access
0.4 mi·57 sec·North Pierce Street
3
Continue on US 60; US 87; US 66 Access
1.0 mi·2 min·North Pierce Street
4
Continue on US 60; US 87
14 mi·16 min·Canyon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 27
104 mi·1 hr 43 min·Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 536BToward Loop 289
7
Turn straight onto North Interstate 27
0.5 mi·1 min·North Interstate 27
8
Turn left onto North Loop 289
0.2 mi·24 sec·North Loop 289
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
10
Merge onto Loop 289
7.5 mi·8 min·Loop 289
11
Take the exit
421 ft·10 sec
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
12
Keep slight right at fork
233 ft·5 sec
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
13
Turn straight onto Southeast Loop 289
0.1 mi·16 sec·Southeast Loop 289
14
Turn right onto Spur 331
1.9 mi·2 min·Southeast Drive
15
Merge onto US 84
0.2 mi·13 sec·Slaton Road
16
Continue on US 84
6.9 mi·6 min·East Highway 84
17
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi·4 min·Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
18
Continue on US 84
20 mi·20 min·East Highway 84
19
Continue on US 84
1.0 mi·1 min·North US Highway 84
20
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi·16 sec·East 15th Street
21
Turn right onto TX 207
0.4 mi·37 sec·Ralls Road
22
Turn straight onto TX 207
1.1 mi·2 min·North Avenue F
23
At end of road, turn left onto US 84
74 mi·1 hr 14 min·US Highway 84
24
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
6.5 mi·6 min·US 84
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
25
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 244Toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo
26
Turn slight left onto Southwest Georgia Avenue
0.1 mi·16 sec·Southwest Georgia Avenue
27
Turn right onto TX 70
0.7 mi·1 min·Lamar Street
28
Continue on TX 70
10 mi·10 min·State Highway 70
29
Turn left onto TX 153
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·State Highway 153
30
Continue on TX 153
1.0 mi·1 min·West Walnut Street
31
Continue on TX 153
0.9 mi·1 min·East Walnut Street
32
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 283
9.4 mi·10 min·US 84; US 283
33
Continue on US 67; US 84
21 mi·24 min·US 67; US 84
34
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi·1 min·Garmon Drive
35
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi·33 min·US Highway 84 East
36
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi·25 min·US 183; TX 16
37
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi·15 min·US 183; US 190
38
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft·4 sec·North US Highway 281
39
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
0.4 mi·38 sec·North Key Avenue
40
Turn left onto FM 580
1.1 mi·1 min·East Avenue J
41
Continue on FM 580
2.6 mi·2 min·East FM 580
42
Turn right onto FM 1715
6.4 mi·8 min·FM 1715
43
At end of road, turn left onto US 190
7.6 mi·8 min·Central Texas Expressway
44
Turn left onto US 190 Bus
1.8 mi·2 min·West Highway 190
45
Turn left onto FM 116
52 ft·2 sec·South Main Street;Highway Avenue
46
Continue on FM 116
0.5 mi·57 sec·South Main Street
47
At end of road, turn left onto FM 116
148 ft·5 sec·East Avenue F
48
Turn right onto South Main Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·South Main Street
49
Turn left onto FM 1113
195 ft·3 sec·West Avenue D
50
Arrive at destination
FM 1113
Trip Plan
To make this 8-hour journey manageable, plan for at least two designated stops to stretch your legs and refresh. Since you are navigating long stretches of highway, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 103.7-mile segment on the Marshall Formby Memorial Highway to ensure you don't run low between stations. Departing early in the morning is the smartest way to tackle the bulk of the mileage before traffic picks up. If you decide to split the trip into two days, look for lodging options near the midpoint to keep your daily driving time balanced. This approach ensures you arrive in Copperas Cove feeling energized rather than exhausted.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 222.9 miles from Amarillo, TX, or about 3h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.7 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 98 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 222.9 miles or 3h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 222.9 miles or 3h 52m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Copperas Cove, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Amarillo, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Amarillo, TX
Aim for roughly 223 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Copperas Cove, TX
Aim for roughly 223 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 98 miles from Amarillo, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway for about 103.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 119.1 and 445.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
119.1 mi into trip|~2h 3m in
Take the exit toward Loop 289
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 536B
Toward Loop 289
6
127.8 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
6
238 mi into trip|~4h 8m in|US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84 toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
6
244.5 mi into trip|~4h 14m in
Take the exit toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 244
Toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater,...
5
445.6 mi into trip|~8h 1m in|South Main Street
Turn right onto South Main Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$67.36 one way
$134.72 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg156 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$73.73
$147.47
premium
$4.54
$79.59
$159.19
diesel
$5.61
$98.43
$196.85
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$67
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$197–$307
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 156 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $47 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
133.7
1
$46.81
$21.40
Efficient EV
111.5
1
$39.01
$17.83
EV Truck/SUV
178.3
2
$62.41
$28.53
Gas CO2
156 kg
EV CO2
52 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.
Forecast as of Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Sunday
Local time
2:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Mostly Clear
SW 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued April 13 at 1:44AM CDT until April 13 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
High Wind Watch
High Wind Watch issued April 12 at 11:58PM MDT until April 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Copperas Cove, TX
Late night
in Copperas Cove on Sunday
Local time
2:52 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
59°F
Roscoe, TX
223 mi in
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
14 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
8h 1m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive that prioritizes efficiency, with 71% of your journey spent on highways. The route features a significant 103.7-mile stretch on the Marshall Formby Memorial Highway, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your trip. Behind the wheel, you will experience a mix of fast-paced highway driving transitioning into segments that require more focused attention on local routes. Because it is a highway-focused drive, the pace remains steady, allowing you to cover ground effectively while moving from Amarillo to Copperas Cove. Prepare for a consistent, functional driving experience that favors practicality over complex navigation.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.7 mi on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway and US Highway 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 119.1 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 445.8 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 119.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 127.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 238 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,670 ft1,088 ft
Total Climb
107 ft
Total Descent
2,689 ft
Highest Point
3,670 ft
Elevation Range
2,582 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Amarillo, TX and Copperas Cove, TX, road signs point toward Loop 289, Sh 70 South, Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater and San Angelo.
The longest stretch is about 103.7 miles on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 223 miles on day one.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Copperas Cove, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 119.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 127.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 238 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Copperas Cove, TX before the return drive.
