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0 mi from route
Trip from Ardmore, OK to Okmulgee, OK
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 1m
Distance
155.9 mi
251 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 50m
★
6 AM
3h 1m
8 AM
3h 24m
10 AM
3h 9m
12 PM
3h 7m
3 PM
3h 10m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ardmore, OK
Wikimedia Commons
Okmulgee, OK
cottonbro CG studio
Trip Overview
Ardmore, OK to Okmulgee, OK is 155.9 miles and takes about 3h 1m via Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway, J. A. Richardson Loop, and World War I Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This primarily surface roads route crosses the Great Plains in Oklahoma, offering a straightforward drive between these two points. You'll spend a good portion of the trip on local roads, so don't expect continuous high-speed travel. It's a manageable drive for a single day, perfect if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground without extensive planning.
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
78 miles from Ardmore, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway | 40.1 mi | 40m |
| J. A. Richardson Loop | 32 mi | 37m |
| World War I Veterans Memorial Highway | 19.1 mi | 19m |
| Chickasaw Turnpike | 17.3 mi | 20m |
| Colonel John L. Hillman Parkway | 10.2 mi | 12m |
| OK 1 | 9.9 mi | 12m |
| Veterans Memorial Highway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| West Main Street | 6.6 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
— 40.1 mi, about 40m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,082 veh/hr typical · worst 1,803
Quietest
2 AM
~165 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
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 Ardmore, OK and Okmulgee, 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 City
Use 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 51
Toward US 77: Turner Falls Area
Use 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, McAlester
Use 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
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 40 East: Fort Smith
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 40
40 mi
·
40 min
·
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit onto US 62; US 75
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
US 62; US 75
Exit 240B
Toward US 62 East, US 75 North, I 40 Business West: Henryetta, Okmulgee
Use the sharp right lane.
22
Merge onto US 62; US 75
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Indian Nation Turnpike
Toward Henryetta, Okmulgee
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 62; US 75
10 mi
·
12 min
·
Colonel John L. Hillman Parkway
Toward US 62 East, US 75 North: Okmulgee, Tulsa
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 62; US 75
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
South Wood Drive
Toward US 62 East, US 75 North: Okmulgee, Tulsa
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn left onto OK 56
83 ft
·
4 sec
·
East 6th Street
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
OK 56
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, leaving Ardmore in the morning is ideal, allowing you to reach Okmulgee with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $28, this is an easy day trip. Pay attention to the transition from Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway to surface roads; this is where your speed will likely decrease. Since it's a relatively short drive, you have flexibility to depart later if needed or to take brief breaks along the way without significantly impacting your arrival time.
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 78 miles from Ardmore, OK, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.1 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 34 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78 miles or 1h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Okmulgee, 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 155.9 miles and 3h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 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 Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway for about 40.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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
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.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 20.8 and 142.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
20.8 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Take the exit toward US 77: Turner Falls Area
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 77: Turner Falls Area
7
21 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
58.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
OK 1
Take the exit onto OK 1 toward OK 1 East, OK 3 West: Oklahoma City, Seminole, McAlester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward OK 1 East, OK 3 West: Oklahoma City, Sem...
7
101.8 mi into trip
|
~2h in
Take the exit toward I 40 East: Fort Smith
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Fort Smith
8
142.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
|
US 62; US 75
Take the exit onto US 62; US 75 toward US 62 East, US 75 North, I 40 Business West: Henryetta, Okmulgee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the sharp right lane.
Exit 240B
Toward US 62 East, US 75 North, I 40 Business W...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.92 one way
$51.84 round trip
$4.22/gal
25.4 MPG avg
55 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $28.23 | $56.47 |
| premium | $5.18 | $31.81 | $63.62 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $32.84 | $65.67 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.35
Chickasaw Turnpike
(10.7 mi)
$0.75
Chickasaw Turnpike
(6.6 mi)
$0.46
Indian Nation Turnpike
(2 mi)
$0.14
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
$26
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.8 | 0 | $16.37 | $7.48 |
| Efficient EV | 39 | 0 | $13.64 | $6.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.4 | 0 | $21.83 | $9.98 |
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Ardmore, OK
Afternoon in Ardmore on Wednesday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 0 to 8 mph
23% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 9:09AM CDT by NWS Tulsa OK
Destination
Okmulgee, OK
Afternoon in Okmulgee on Wednesday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NE 5 to 10 mph
32% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 9:09AM CDT by NWS Tulsa OK
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
3h 1m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 32.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly surface roads, with just 28% of the drive on highways. You'll experience a 40.1-mile stretch on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway before transitioning to surface roads. Expect to navigate through more local traffic and potentially frequent intersections as you move away from the highway segments. The overall feel will be one of cruising through towns and rural landscapes rather than high-speed interstate travel.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40.1 mi on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 155.9 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 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 21 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.2 miles (OK 1): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,218 ft
679 ft
Total Climb
475 ft
Total Descent
668 ft
Highest Point
1,218 ft
~44.6 mi in
Elevation Range
539 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Okmulgee, OK, road signs point toward Seminole, Mcalester, Henryetta and Tulsa.
Seminole
58.2 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via OK 1
Mcalester
58.2 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via OK 1
Henryetta
142.3 mi in
|
~2h 42m
|
via US 62; US 75
Tulsa
144.3 mi in
|
~2h 45m
|
via US 62; US 75
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Domino's
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Ardmore, OK
Cuisine: pizza
Hours: Mo-Th 10:30-24:00; Fr-Sa 10:30-01:00; Su...
Visit websiteNew China King
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Ardmore, OK
Cuisine: chinese
Panda Buffet
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Ardmore, OK
Cuisine: chinese
Pizza Hut
Restaurant
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Cuisine: pizza
Daylight Donuts
Fast_food
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Cuisine: donut
Sakura
Restaurant
Near the start, short detour
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Ardmore, OK
Cuisine: japanese
Walker Stadium
Park
Near the start, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Hawthorn Park
Park
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Bison Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
Bromide Hill Overlook
Viewpoint
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
3.4 mi from route
~8 min detour
Chickasaw National Recreational Area
Park
Early in the drive, ~9 min detour
Early stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Woody Guthrie home
Artwork
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Hampton Inn & Suites
Hotel
Near the start, short detour
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Ardmore, OK
Visit websiteColonial Park Motel
Motel
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
Days Inn by Wyndham Okemah
Hotel
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
The Bluebird Cottage
Guest_house
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.8 mi from route
~7 min detour
Davis, OK
Visit websitePoints of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in Ardmore, OK
Full guide →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.
Top landmarks
- • Ardmore Historic Commercial District — United States historic place
- • Ardmore Carnegie Library — United States historic place
Arriving in Okmulgee, OK
Full guide →Founded 1868
Okmulgee is in the Green Country region of Oklahoma.
Top landmarks
- • Creek National Capitol — United States historic place
- • Okmulgee Downtown Historic District — original downtown area of Okmulgee, Oklahoma
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 3h 1m. Total distance: 155.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 40.1 miles on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.35 in tolls one way, starting with Chickasaw 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 6 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 Okmulgee, 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. There are 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 21 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.2 miles (OK 1): 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 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Okmulgee, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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