Amarillo to Luling is 537.4 miles and takes about 9h 44m via Marshall Formby Memorial Highway and US Highway 84, with a fuel budget near $77 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route is recommended for 2 days of travel. You'll traverse the Great Plains region for both your departure and arrival points. Considering this is a long-haul drive, it's best tackled over two days to avoid fatigue. The majority of the route is on highways, making it a straightforward trip.
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
268.7 miles from Amarillo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 40m 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
62 mi
1h 9m
South US Highway 183
35.3 mi
38m
US Highway 84 East
29.2 mi
33m
East Highway 84
26.9 mi
26m
US 67
21.5 mi
24m
Longest stretch:
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
— 103.7 mi, about 1h 43m
Traffic on I-27
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~611 veh/hr typical
· worst 764
Quietest
2 AM
~50 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amarillo, TX and Luling, 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
2.3 mi·4 min·North Key Avenue
40
Continue on US 183
35 mi·38 min·South US Highway 183
41
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·29 sec·this road
42
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi·14 min·183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on US 183
15 mi·17 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Continue on 183 Toll
6.3 mi·6 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Continue on US 183
12 mi·15 min·Bastrop Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
46
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll South: Lockhart, San Antonio
47
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
9.8 mi·8 min·Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 470Toward US 183 South: LockhartUse the straight / slight right lanes.
49
Continue on US 183
0.5 mi·35 sec·United States Highway 183
50
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi·8 min·North Colorado Street
51
Continue on US 183
10 mi·11 min·US 183
52
Continue on US 183
1.2 mi·2 min·North Magnolia Avenue
53
Turn left onto US 90; US 183
19 ft·0 sec·East Pierce Street
54
Arrive at destination
US 90; US 183
Trip Plan
For this 9-hour drive, consider starting early to make good progress. Given the total duration, splitting this into two days is advisable for a more relaxed pace. Plan for around 2 stops, which should align with typical fuel and rest needs. The longest highway stretch is over 100 miles, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment. The $77 fuel cost is an estimate, so be prepared for slight variations.
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 268.7 miles from Amarillo, TX, or about 4h 40m 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 118 miles or 2h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 268.7 miles or 4h 40m 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 268.7 miles or 4h 40m
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 8h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Luling, 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 269 miles and 4.9 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Luling, TX
Aim for roughly 269 miles and 4.9 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 118 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 127.8 and 520.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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,...
6
463.1 mi into trip|~8h 18m 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
520.3 mi into trip|~9h 20m in
Take the exit toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 470
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$80.67 one way
$161.35 round trip
$3.81/gal25.4 MPG avg188 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$89.26
$178.53
premium
$4.57
$96.58
$193.17
diesel
$6.28
$132.78
$265.57
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
$81
Tolls
$1
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$212–$322
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 188 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $56 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
161.2
1
$56.43
$25.80
Efficient EV
134.4
1
$47.02
$21.50
EV Truck/SUV
215
2
$75.24
$34.39
Gas CO2
188 kg
EV CO2
63 kg (66% 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 22, 2026
Origin
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Friday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 5 to 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Luling, TX
Late night
in Luling on Friday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Sunny
NE 5 mph1% 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.
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
8 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
9h 44m 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?
You'll spend about 70% of your driving time on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 103.7 miles on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway. After the highway segments, you'll transition to surface roads. Expect periods of rural cruising with fewer exits.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
54 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?
10/10
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 127.8 miles in.
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 25 significant decision points across 537.4 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 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; at 244.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,670 ft411 ft
Total Climb
0 ft
Total Descent
3,259 ft
Highest Point
3,670 ft
Elevation Range
3,259 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 Luling, TX, road signs point toward Loop 289, Sh 70 South, Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo and San Antonio.
Luling is a city in the Post Oak Savannah region of Texas. It is a popular pitstop for motorists traveling between east and west Texasː non-Texans usually only stop at Buc-ees while real Texans get off the highway a couple miles because they know Luling has some of the best BBQ in Central Texas. Luling is very agricultural with cattle ranches and chicken farms.
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 269 miles on day one.
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 19 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 Luling, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 244.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 9.7 hours each way, a round trip means 19.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Luling, TX before the return drive.
