Amarillo to Rowlett is 374.8 miles and takes about 6 hours 46 minutes via US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Texas, transitioning from the Great Plains to another area within the same region. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on highways, making it a good option if you're looking for a direct path. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, with a high highway percentage, so plan for efficient travel. This trip is well within the scope of a single day's driving.
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
187.4 miles from Amarillo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 287
81.8 mi
1h 27m
US 287
77.2 mi
1h 21m
Central East Freeway
72.5 mi
1h 16m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
President George Bush Turnpike
26.4 mi
28m
West US Highway 380
21.8 mi
25m
South Stemmons Freeway
10.5 mi
11m
I 35E
9.8 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 287
— 81.8 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amarillo, TX and Rowlett, 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
70 mi·1 hr 13 min·Central East Freeway
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
24
Keep slight left at fork
147 ft·4 sec
25
Turn left onto US 380
22 mi·25 min·West US Highway 380
26
Continue on US 380
3.3 mi·4 min·West University Drive
27
Take the exit
288 ft·7 sec
28
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.1 mi·11 sec·North Interstate 35
29
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 35 SouthUse the straight / left lanes.
30
Merge onto I 35; US 77
1.0 mi·1 min·I 35; US 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on I 35E; US 77
9.8 mi·10 min·I 35E; US 77
Toward I 35E South: DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
10 mi·11 min·South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
33
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 445Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight right at fork
1.2 mi·1 min
Toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto PGBT
26 mi·28 min·President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward TX 66: Main Street, Lakeview ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn straight onto TX 190
0.2 mi·18 sec·President George Bush Highway
Use the right lane.
38
Turn right onto TX 66
0.4 mi·48 sec·Lakeview Parkway
Use the right lane.
39
Turn left onto Martin Drive
0.3 mi·55 sec·Martin Drive
Use the left lane.
40
At end of road, turn left onto Main Street
172 ft·6 sec·Main Street
41
Turn right onto Rowlett Street
31 ft·1 sec·Rowlett Street
42
Arrive at destination
Rowlett Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6 hour 46 minute drive time, starting your trip from Amarillo in the morning will allow you to reach Rowlett with plenty of daylight to spare. The $56 fuel cost is an estimate, so checking current prices before you depart is always wise. With 94% of the route on highways, you can expect fewer stops for traffic lights, but it's still a good idea to plan for at least one break during the 374.8-mile drive. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 81.8 miles on US Highway 287; consider taking a short break before or after this segment to stay refreshed.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 187.4 miles from Amarillo, TX, or about 3h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.8 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 82 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 187.4 miles or 3h 21m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rowlett, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Amarillo, TX
This is one driving day of about 374.8 miles and 6h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Amarillo, 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 Highway 287 for about 81.8 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 221.5 and 373.5 — 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
323.3 mi into trip|~5h 49m in
Take the ramp toward I 35 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 35 South
7
344.7 mi into trip|~6h 12m in
Take the exit toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 445
Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpik...
7
345.9 mi into trip|~6h 13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PGBT Toll East: President George Bush Tu...
7
373.5 mi into trip|~6h 43m in
Take the exit toward TX 66: Main Street, Lakeview Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 66: Main Street, Lakeview Parkway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.34 one way
$102.67 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg131 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$57.34
$114.68
premium
$4.23
$62.34
$124.69
diesel
$4.80
$70.77
$141.54
Estimated Tolls: $2.11
President George Bush Turnpike
(26.4 mi)$2.11
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
$51
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
112.4
1
$39.35
$17.99
Efficient EV
93.7
1
$32.80
$14.99
EV Truck/SUV
149.9
1
$52.47
$23.99
Gas CO2
131 kg
EV CO2
44 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Amarillo, TX
Afternoon
in Amarillo on Sunday
Local time
12:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Clear
S 10 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 17 at 1:35AM CDT until July 17 at 2:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:00AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Rowlett, TX
Afternoon
in Rowlett on Sunday
Local time
12:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 17 at 1:35AM CDT until July 17 at 2:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:00AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM 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
10 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
6h 46m 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 predominantly highway cruising, with 94% of the 374.8 miles on major roads like US Highway 287 and the Central East Freeway. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 81.8 miles on US Highway 287, indicating significant segments of uninterrupted travel. Expect the transition from highway to surface roads to occur towards the end of your drive as you approach Rowlett. The high highway percentage suggests a driving experience with fewer interruptions from local traffic and more consistent speeds.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 81.8 mi on US Highway 287.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 287 and US 287. 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 27 significant decision points across 374.8 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 221.5 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 323.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 344.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,670 ft480 ft
Total Climb
217 ft
Total Descent
3,387 ft
Highest Point
3,670 ft
Elevation Range
3,190 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 Rowlett, TX, road signs point toward Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike and Pgbt Toll East: President George Bush Turnpike.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 46m. Total distance: 374.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 46m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 81.8 miles on US Highway 287. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.11 in tolls one way, starting with President George Bush Turnpike. 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 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 Rowlett, 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 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 323.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 344.7 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 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rowlett, TX before the return drive.
