Amarillo, TX to Ennis, TX is 394.5 miles and takes about 7h 11m via US 287, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route keeps you within Texas, moving from the wide-open landscapes of the Great Plains towards the more settled areas as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Expect a straightforward drive that's primarily on the highway, making it a solid option for a single-day trip. If you're looking for a direct path with minimal fuss, this is a good choice for getting from point A to point B 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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
197.3 miles from Amarillo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 287
121.6 mi
2h 12m
Central East Freeway
99.2 mi
1h 46m
US Highway 287
81.8 mi
1h 27m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
Martin Luther King Jr Freeway
7.4 mi
9m
Northwest Freeway
5.2 mi
5m
East Amarillo Boulevard
5.1 mi
6m
US 81
4.6 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
US 287
— 121.6 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amarillo, TX and Ennis, TX.
1
Start on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
5.1 mi·6 min·East Amarillo Boulevard
2
Turn right
194 ft·5 sec
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
4
Merge onto Loop 335
1.9 mi·2 min·North Lakeside Drive
5
Turn left onto East Interstate Drive
0.1 mi·16 sec·East Interstate Drive
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
7
Merge onto I 40; US 287
2.2 mi·2 min·I 40; US 287
8
Take the exit onto US 287
77 mi·1 hr 21 min·US 287
Exit 78Toward US 287 South: Fort Worth
9
Turn slight right onto US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
10
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·58 sec·Burnett Street
11
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
12
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northwest
13
Continue on US 287
54 mi·58 min·US Highway 287
14
Continue on US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
41 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·Northwest Freeway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287
0.6 mi·42 sec·Northwest Freeway
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
18
Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287
2.5 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
1.8 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
97 mi·1 hr 43 min·Central East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on US 81; US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 35W; US 287
4.5 mi·4 min·North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.6 mi·33 sec
Toward I 35W Express Toll SouthUse the slight left lane.
26
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
3.4 mi·3 min·I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Use the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto Spur 280
7.4 mi·9 min·Martin Luther King Jr Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 34AToward I 20 East, US 287 South: Waxahachie, DallasUse the slight left lane.
30
Merge onto I 20; US 287
0.8 mi·53 sec·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287
44 mi·50 min·US 287
Exit 444Toward US 287 South: Little Road, WaxahachieUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn right onto Nesuda Road
0.2 mi·23 sec·Nesuda Road
33
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
34
Turn straight onto US 287 Bus
1.9 mi·3 min·West Ennis Avenue
35
Turn left
179 ft·13 sec
36
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour drive time, leaving Amarillo early in the morning is your best bet to ensure you arrive in Ennis with plenty of daylight. With only two recommended stops, you'll have flexibility in how you pace your journey, but it's wise to plan your first break around the halfway point or after the longest stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 121.6-mile segment on US 287, as services might be less frequent there. The fuel cost estimate of $58 should help you budget accordingly for the trip.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 197.3 miles from Amarillo, TX, or about 3h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.6 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 87 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 197.3 miles or 3h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ennis, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Amarillo, TX
This is one driving day of about 394.5 miles and 7h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Amarillo, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 287 for about 121.6 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 221.5 and 347.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
221.5 mi into trip|~3h 57m in|US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, U...
6
228.1 mi into trip|~4h 5m in|US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
333.8 mi into trip|~5h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 35W Express Toll South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35W Express Toll South
8
346.1 mi into trip|~6h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East, US 287 South: Waxahachie, Dallas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 34A
Toward I 20 East, US 287 South: Waxahachie, Dal...
9
347.5 mi into trip|~6h 16m in|US 287
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287 toward US 287 South: Little Road, Waxahachie
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 444
Toward US 287 South: Little Road, Waxahachie
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.22 one way
$118.44 round trip
$3.81/gal25.4 MPG avg138 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$65.53
$131.05
premium
$4.57
$70.90
$141.80
diesel
$6.28
$97.48
$194.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 138 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
118.4
1
$41.42
$18.94
Efficient EV
98.6
1
$34.52
$15.78
EV Truck/SUV
157.8
1
$55.23
$25.25
Gas CO2
138 kg
EV CO2
46 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Sunday
Local time
4:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
S 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Ennis, TX
Late night
in Ennis on Sunday
Local time
4:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
7h 11m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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?
This drive is almost entirely highway, with 95% of the 394.5 miles on main roads like US 287. You'll encounter a stretch of 121.6 miles on US 287 without exiting, offering a good period of consistent cruising. The route profile is mostly highway, so you can anticipate relatively smooth travel for the majority of the trip. Surface roads will likely become more prevalent only in the final miles as you approach your destination.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 121.6 mi on US 287.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 287 and Central East Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 221.5 miles in near US 287 / Northwest Freeway.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 394.5 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 221.5 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.1 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 333.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,670 ft538 ft
Total Climb
122 ft
Total Descent
3,254 ft
Highest Point
3,670 ft
Elevation Range
3,132 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 Ennis, TX, road signs point toward Dallas and Waxahachie.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 11m. Total distance: 394.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 11m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 121.6 miles on US 287. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 32 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 Ennis, 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. There are 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 221.5 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.1 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 333.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ennis, TX before the return drive.
