Traveling from Ardmore to Claremore covers 204 miles across the Great Plains, typically taking about 3 hours and 55 minutes behind the wheel. Because the duration is under four hours, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $31 for fuel, though keep in mind that actual costs fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency. Navigating this path involves utilizing the Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike, the J. A. Richardson Loop, and the Veterans Memorial Highway. It is a straightforward, mixed-drive experience that connects two distinct points within Oklahoma. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, this drive offers a reliable pace that allows for a comfortable arrival at your destination by the end of the day.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
102 miles from Ardmore, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
42 mi
40m
J. A. Richardson Loop
32 mi
37m
Veterans Memorial Highway
27.2 mi
30m
World War I Veterans Memorial Highway
19.1 mi
19m
Chickasaw Turnpike
17.3 mi
20m
Skelly Bypass
15.5 mi
18m
I 44
11.3 mi
12m
OK 1
9.9 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
— 42 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ardmore, OK and Claremore, OK.
1
Start on this road
51 ft·4 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto West Broadway Street
58 ft·1 sec·West Broadway Street
3
Continue on West Broadway Street
1.2 mi·2 min·West Broadway Street
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward I 35: Oklahoma CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 35
19 mi·19 min·World War I Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 51Toward US 77: Turner Falls AreaUse the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
210 ft·5 sec
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Turn straight onto US 77
1.6 mi·2 min·US 77
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on US 77
1.9 mi·2 min·US 77
Use the straight / left lanes.
10
Turn right
136 ft·5 sec
Use the right lane.
11
Merge onto OK 7; US 77
6.6 mi·9 min·West Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Turn left onto OK 7 Spur
6.6 mi·7 min·Chickasaw Turnpike
13
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 301
11 mi·12 min·Chickasaw Turnpike
14
At end of road, turn left onto OK 1
9.8 mi·12 min·OK 1
Use the left / right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto OK 1
0.2 mi·37 sec·OK 1
Toward OK 1 East, OK 3 West: Oklahoma City, Seminole, McAlesterUse the straight / right lanes.
16
Merge onto OK 1; OK 3
32 mi·37 min·J. A. Richardson Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 377; OK 3E; OK 99
2.9 mi·3 min·South Milt Phillips Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on OK 99; US 377
14 mi·16 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on OK 99; US 377
3.3 mi·3 min·Jim Thorpe Boulevard
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
20
Continue on OK 99; US 377
13 mi·14 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
21
Continue on OK 99; US 377
4.4 mi·5 min·South 8th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the exit
314 ft·7 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
23
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·23 sec·this road
24
Turn slight right
510 ft·13 sec
Toward I 44 East: Tulsa
25
Merge onto I 44
42 mi·40 min·Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on I 44; OK 66
1.2 mi·1 min·Skelly Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; OK 66
14 mi·17 min·Skelly Bypass
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: JoplinUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 44; US 412; OK 66
4.3 mi·5 min·I 44; US 412; OK 66
Use the straight lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44
7.1 mi·7 min·I 44
Toward I 44 East: Joplin, ClaremoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 248Toward OK 266 West: Claremore, Port of CatoosaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward PIKEPASS OnlyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on OK 266
0.3 mi·30 sec·OK 266
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward OK 66: Claremore, CatoosaUse the slight right lane.
34
Turn right
162 ft·4 sec
Toward OK 66 East: ClaremoreUse the straight / right lanes.
35
Turn straight onto OK 66; US Historic 66
5.5 mi·8 min·South Lynn Riggs Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
36
Turn left onto OK 88
23 ft·0 sec·West Will Rogers Boulevard
Use the left lane.
37
Arrive at destination
OK 88
Trip Plan
Since this is a roughly four-hour trek, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, but leaving in the morning will ensure you reach Claremore with daylight to spare. Plan for at least one dedicated stop along the way to stretch your legs and refresh, as the 204-mile distance can feel repetitive if you push through without a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the longer highway sections, especially since you will need about $31 for the full trip. Because the route relies heavily on the Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike, be prepared for toll-related logistics as you navigate the longest 42-mile stretch. Giving yourself the freedom to pull over once will make the nearly four-hour drive feel much shorter and more comfortable.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 102 miles from Ardmore, OK, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42 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 45 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Claremore, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ardmore, OK 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 Ardmore, OK
This is one driving day of about 204 miles and 3h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Ardmore, OK.
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 Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike for about 42 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 171.8 and 198.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
171.8 mi into trip|~3h 14m in|I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Joplin
8
190.3 mi into trip|~3h 37m in|I 44
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 toward I 44 East: Joplin, Claremore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 44 East: Joplin, Claremore
8
197.4 mi into trip|~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward OK 266 West: Claremore, Port of Catoosa
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 248
Toward OK 266 West: Claremore, Port of Catoosa
8
197.6 mi into trip|~3h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PIKEPASS Only
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PIKEPASS Only
8
198.2 mi into trip|~3h 46m in
Take the exit toward OK 66: Claremore, Catoosa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward OK 66: Claremore, Catoosa
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.89 one way
$63.79 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$35.02
$70.03
premium
$4.89
$39.26
$78.52
diesel
$5.61
$45.04
$90.08
Estimated Tolls: $3.31
Turner Turnpike
(42 mi)$2.10
Chickasaw Turnpike
(10.7 mi)$0.75
Chickasaw Turnpike
(6.6 mi)$0.46
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
$32
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.2
0
$21.42
$9.79
Efficient EV
51
0
$17.85
$8.16
EV Truck/SUV
81.6
1
$28.56
$13.06
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 15, 2026
Origin
Ardmore, OK
Late night
in Ardmore on Sunday
Local time
2:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Claremore, OK
Late night
in Claremore on Sunday
Local time
2:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live 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
2 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
3h 55m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Springs, streams, lakes - whatever its form, water is the attraction at Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 28.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied experience on this journey, as the route is comprised of 41% highway travel. You will encounter a mix of driving conditions, shifting from open stretches to the more structured environment of the turnpike and local loops. The longest uninterrupted segment you will navigate is a 42-mile stretch along the Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike, which provides a consistent rhythm before the road transitions. This mixed-drive profile means you will need to stay alert as you move between high-speed corridors and the more localized segments of the Veterans Memorial Highway. It is not an endless interstate grind, nor is it purely a technical backroad, making it a balanced drive for those who prefer changing scenery and road types.
41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42 mi on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 171.8 miles in near I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass.
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 24 significant decision points across 204 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 171.8 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.3 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 197.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ardmore, OK and Claremore, OK, road signs point toward Seminole and Mcalester.
Ardmore is in the Chickasaw Country region of Oklahoma. It is a regional center for the area and offers lodging and restaurants, as well as performing arts centers. Ardmore can serve as a base for exploring the nearby region and the Arbuckle Mountains.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 55m. Total distance: 204 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42 miles on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.31 in tolls one way, starting with Turner 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.
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 Claremore, OK 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 171.8 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.3 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 197.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chickasaw National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Claremore, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
