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Trip from Arlington, TX to Del Rio, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 35m

Distance

412.4 mi

664 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$62

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
7h 25m ★
6 AM
7h 35m
8 AM
7h 55m
10 AM
7h 42m
12 PM
7h 40m
3 PM
7h 43m
5 PM
7h 54m
8 PM
7h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

suburban city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Arlington, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city and the county seat of Val Verde County, Texas, United States

Del Rio, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Arlington, TX to Del Rio, TX is 412.4 miles and takes about 7h 35m via US 277, with a fuel budget near $62 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily uses US Highway 277 South for its entire duration, making it a straightforward drive through the Great Plains region of Texas. Given its mostly highway nature and single-day recommendation, it's a solid option if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground without extensive planning. You'll find the route is set up for steady progress, with a high percentage of time spent on major roadways.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

206.2 miles from Arlington, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 277 152.8 mi 2h 50m
I 20 137.3 mi 2h 19m
US Highway 277 South 78.6 mi 1h 24m
West Freeway 15.5 mi 17m
Tom Landry Freeway 12 mi 15m
Veterans Boulevard 4.5 mi 7m
South Bryant Boulevard 3.5 mi 4m
Winters Freeway 2.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 277 — 152.8 mi, about 2h 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, TX and Del Rio, TX.

1

Start on West Abram Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · West Abram Street
2

Turn right onto FM 157

1.7 mi · 3 min · South Cooper Street
Use the right lane.
3

Turn left onto West Lamar Boulevard

0.3 mi · 41 sec · West Lamar Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4

Turn left

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 30 West Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto I 30

12 mi · 15 min · Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on I 30; US 377

15 mi · 17 min · West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 20

137 mi · 2 hr 19 min · I 20
Use the slight right lane.
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 283A Toward US 83 South, US 277 South: San Angelo, Ballinger, Anson
9

Merge onto US 83; US 277

2.5 mi · 2 min · Winters Freeway
10

Take the exit onto US 277

1.1 mi · 2 min · US 277
Toward US 277 South: San Angelo
11

Turn right onto US 277

79 mi · 1 hr 24 min · US Highway 277 South
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 277

0.4 mi · 56 sec · US 277
Toward US 67 South, US 277 South: San Angelo
13

Keep slight left at fork onto US 277

5.1 mi · 6 min · US 277
Toward US 67 South, US 277 South: San Angelo
14

Take the exit onto US 277

0.4 mi · 55 sec · US 277
Toward US 87, US 277 South
15

Turn left onto US 87; US 277; US 67 Bus

0.3 mi · 36 sec · North Bryant Boulevard
16

Continue on US 87; US 277; US 67 Bus

1.3 mi · 2 min · North Abe Street
17

Continue on US 87; US 277

3.5 mi · 4 min · South Bryant Boulevard
18

Take the exit onto US 277

60 mi · 1 hr 7 min · US 277
Toward US 277 South: Eldorado
19

Turn left onto US 277; Loop 467

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Crockett Avenue
20

Turn right onto US 277

22 mi · 24 min · US 277
21

Keep slight right at fork onto US 277

64 mi · 1 hr 9 min · US 277
22

Turn left onto US 90; US 277; US 377

4.5 mi · 7 min · Veterans Boulevard
23

Continue on Spur 297

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Spur 297
24

Turn left onto US 277 Spur

377 ft · 30 sec · East Garfield Street
25

Turn left onto Spur 297

107 ft · 2 sec · Spur 297
26

Arrive at destination

Spur 297

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7.5-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Arlington to ensure you have ample daylight for the 412.4-mile journey. With only 2 recommended stops, you can choose to make them brief rests or longer breaks depending on your preference. The estimated fuel cost of $62 is based on current averages, so be sure to check prices as you travel. Given that the longest stretch is over 150 miles, plan your fuel stops accordingly, especially as you get further into the rural sections of US 277 South.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 206.2 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 3h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152.8 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 91 miles or 1h 40m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 206.2 miles or 3h 41m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Del Rio, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Arlington, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Arlington, TX

This is one driving day of about 412.4 miles and 7h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 91 miles from Arlington, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 277 for about 152.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and county seat of Titus County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mount Pleasant, TX

206 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

Stephenville, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 91 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mount Pleasant, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 206.2 miles from Arlington, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 277 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 152.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 250.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | FM 157 / South Cooper Street

Turn right onto FM 157 / South Cooper Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
2.3 mi into trip | ~5m in

Turn left toward I 30 West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 30 West
6
167.4 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in

Take the exit toward US 83 South, US 277 South: San Angelo, Ballinger, Anson

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 283A Toward US 83 South, US 277 South: San Angelo, B...
6
250.2 mi into trip | ~4h 28m in | US 277

Keep slight right at fork onto US 277 toward US 67 South, US 277 South: San Angelo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 67 South, US 277 South: San Angelo
6
250.6 mi into trip | ~4h 29m in | US 277

Keep slight left at fork onto US 277 toward US 67 South, US 277 South: San Angelo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 67 South, US 277 South: San Angelo

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$62.31 one way

$124.63 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 144 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $68.21 $136.42
premium $4.54 $73.63 $147.26
diesel $5.61 $91.05 $182.11

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$62

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$87–$112

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 144.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 123.7 1 $43.30 $19.80
Efficient EV 103.1 1 $36.08 $16.50
EV Truck/SUV 165 2 $57.74 $26.39

Gas CO2

144 kg

EV CO2

48 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.

Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026

Origin

Arlington, TX

Late night in Arlington on Tuesday

Local time

4:37 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Del Rio, TX

Late night in Del Rio on Tuesday

Local time

4:37 AM

CDT

Current temp

91°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

30 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

7h 35m 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.

Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, a Spanish word meaning "friendship," is known for excellent water-b...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 398.2
Park Closure: Diablo East Marina Cove, Scuba Cove, and Walkway Access Are Closed
Caution: Help Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Infestation
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect almost entirely highway driving, with 97% of the route on major roads. The longest continuous stretch without needing to navigate significant turns or exits is 152.8 miles, also on US 277. This means you’ll experience extended periods of rural cruising. Once you do leave the highway, the transition is minimal given the high highway share.

97% 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: 152.8 mi on US 277.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 277 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near FM 157 / South Cooper Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 18 significant decision points across 412.4 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 0.4 miles (FM 157 / South Cooper Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 167.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

2,310 ft 603 ft

Total Climb

2,223 ft

Total Descent

1,862 ft

Highest Point

2,310 ft

~294.6 mi in

Elevation Range

1,707 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Arlington, TX and Del Rio, TX, road signs point toward Ballinger and Anson.

Ballinger

167.4 mi in | ~2h 58m

Anson

167.4 mi in | ~2h 58m

About the Cities

Starting 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 7h 35m. Total distance: 412.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 35m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 152.8 miles on US 277. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Del Rio, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (FM 157 / South Cooper Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 167.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Amistad National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Del Rio, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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