Llano Estacado Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Anton, TX to Arlington, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 11m
Distance
353.7 mi
569 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$48
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 59m
★
6 AM
6h 12m
8 AM
6h 37m
10 AM
6h 20m
12 PM
6h 18m
3 PM
6h 22m
5 PM
6h 36m
8 PM
6h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Anton, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Anton, TX to Arlington, TX is 353.7 miles and takes about 6h 11m via US 84, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across the vast landscapes of the Great Plains within Texas, offering a straightforward journey primarily on one major highway. With a highway share of 93%, expect a consistent driving experience for most of the 6-hour trip. This route is well-suited for a single day of driving, making it a convenient option for those looking to cover ground 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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
176.8 miles from Anton, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 4m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 84 | 183 mi | 3h 5m |
| US Highway 84 | 80 mi | 1h 20m |
| East Highway 84 | 26.9 mi | 26m |
| West Freeway | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Tom Landry Freeway | 12.3 mi | 15m |
| Highway 84 | 11.4 mi | 12m |
| Clovis Road | 6 mi | 7m |
| Slaton Road | 4.8 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
US 84
— 183 mi, about 3h 5m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,680 veh/hr typical · worst 2,135
Quietest
2 AM
~202 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Anton, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on Main Street
95 ft
·
4 sec
·
Main Street
2
Continue on West 4th Street
227 ft
·
11 sec
·
West 4th Street
3
Turn left onto Lawrence Avenue
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Lawrence Avenue
4
At end of road, turn right onto FM 597
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
West 1st Street
5
Turn sharp left onto US 84; FM 168
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
US Highway 84
6
Continue on US 84
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Highway 84
7
Continue on US 84
6.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Clovis Road
8
Merge onto US 84
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Avenue Q
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on US 84
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Slaton Road
10
Continue on US 84
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
East Highway 84
11
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
12
Continue on US 84
20 mi
·
20 min
·
East Highway 84
13
Continue on US 84
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North US Highway 84
14
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East 15th Street
15
Turn right onto TX 207
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Ralls Road
16
Turn straight onto TX 207
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Avenue F
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 84
74 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
US Highway 84
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
183 mi
·
3 hr 5 min
·
US 84
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
15 mi
·
17 min
·
West Freeway
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 30
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 27A
Toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn right onto North Cooper Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Cooper Street
23
Turn left onto West Randol Mill Road
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
West Randol Mill Road
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto North Center Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Center Street
Use the right lane.
25
Turn right onto West Abram Street
297 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Abram Street
26
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
For this roughly 6-hour drive, starting your trip in the morning will give you ample daylight to reach Arlington. Given the efficient highway nature of this route, you'll only need about one planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 183 miles on US 84, as services can sometimes be spaced out on these highways. This is a manageable single-day trip, so you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best.
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 176.8 miles from Anton, TX, or about 3h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 183 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 78 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 176.8 miles or 3h 4m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anton, 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 Anton, TX
This is one driving day of about 353.7 miles and 6h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Anton, 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 84 for about 183 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
177 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 78 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 176.8 miles from Anton, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 84 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 183 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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area Westbound US 84
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area Eastbound US 84
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Waterfall Overlook
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Hill Arbor
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.8 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
American Windmill Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18067478734
Visit websiteMackenzie Main City Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+18067752673
Visit websiteWhite Settlement Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
White Settlement, Texas
Hours: 10 am–3 pm
+18172469719
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 140.8 and 352.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
140.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
|
US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84 toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
8
323.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 33m in
|
I 30 / West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
8
351.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 6m in
Take the exit toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street
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.
Exit 27A
Toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street
6
352.2 mi into trip
|
~6h 8m in
|
West Randol Mill Road
Turn left onto West Randol Mill Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
352.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 9m in
|
North Center Street
Turn right onto North Center Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.45 one way
$96.89 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
124 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $54.11 | $108.23 |
| premium | $4.23 | $58.83 | $117.67 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $66.79 | $133.57 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 123.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 106.1 | 1 | $37.14 | $16.98 |
| Efficient EV | 88.4 | 1 | $30.95 | $14.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 141.5 | 1 | $49.52 | $22.64 |
Gas CO2
124 kg
EV CO2
41 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
Anton, TX
Late night in Anton on Monday
Local time
12:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Partly Cloudy
SSE 5 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:03AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:02AM CDT until July 17 at 6:45AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Arlington, TX
Late night in Arlington on Monday
Local time
12:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:03AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:02AM CDT until July 17 at 6:45AM CDT by NWS San Angelo 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
12 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 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 93% of the route utilizing major roads like US 84. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including one segment of 183 miles solely on US 84. Expect a consistent pace as you navigate across Texas, with minimal deviations from this primary artery. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, emphasizing efficient travel over varied terrain.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 183 mi on US 84.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 84 and US Highway 84. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 140.8 miles in near US 84.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 353.7 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 140.8 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 323.8 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 351.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,389 ft
604 ft
Total Climb
269 ft
Total Descent
3,054 ft
Highest Point
3,389 ft
Elevation Range
2,785 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Anton, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Arlington, TX
Full guide →Founded 1876
Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.
Top landmarks
- • Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
- • Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
- • Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States
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 6h 11m. Total distance: 353.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 11m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 183 miles on US 84. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 38 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 Arlington, 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 38 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 140.8 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 323.8 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 351.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Arlington, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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