This 405.4-mile drive from Arlington, TX, to Gruver, TX, is a substantial trek that can be completed in about 7 hours and 47 minutes. It's primarily a highway-focused experience, with 74% of the journey on major roads like US 81 and US Highway 287. While it's possible to do this in a single day, consider the 103.4-mile longest stretch on US 81; you might want to plan for one carefully timed stop. With an estimated fuel cost of $61, it's a budget-friendly trip, and you'll be traveling through the Great Plains region for the entire duration, so expect consistent scenery. This route is best suited for those who don't mind a straightforward highway journey.
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
202.7 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 81
103.4 mi
1h 49m
US Highway 287
55.8 mi
57m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
TX 136
32.7 mi
45m
East 11th Street
28.7 mi
32m
Boykin Drive
26.2 mi
28m
US Highway 287 West
25.7 mi
26m
Elsie Avenue
24.3 mi
36m
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 103.4 mi, about 1h 49m
Traffic on I-30
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 2 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~4,470 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~418 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 50 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 Arlington, TX and Gruver, 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 WestUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 30
4.9 mi·6 min·Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 21BToward I 820 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 820
4.2 mi·5 min·I 820
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820
2.3 mi·2 min·I 820
Toward I 820 WestUse the slight left lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 820 Express WestUse the left lane.
10
Merge onto I 820 TEXpress
3.5 mi·3 min·I 820 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 35W Express: Fort Worth, Denton
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·50 sec
Toward I 35W Express North: DentonUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
2.3 mi·2 min·I 35W TEXpress
14
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: DecaturUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto US 81; US 287
1.7 mi·1 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 81; US 287
102 mi·1 hr 47 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
18
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
5.3 mi·5 min·Northwest Freeway
Exit 3AToward US 287 North: Vernon, AmarilloUse the slight left / straight lanes.
20
Continue on US 287
40 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on US 287
26 mi·26 min·US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 287
29 mi·32 min·East 11th Street
24
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northeast
25
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
26
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·1 min·Burnett Street
27
Continue on US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
28
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi·28 min·Boykin Drive
29
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi·1 min·East 2nd Street
30
Continue on US 287
28 mi·28 min·US Highway 287
31
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi·2 min·East 1st Street
32
Turn right onto TX 207
0.5 mi·46 sec·North Hurley Avenue
33
Continue on TX 207
6.1 mi·9 min·State Highway 207
34
Turn left onto TX 207; US 66 Hist
1.0 mi·1 min·Original U.S. Route 66
35
Turn straight onto TX 207
9.2 mi·13 min·State Highway 207
36
Continue on TX 207; FM 293
0.3 mi·37 sec·Franklin Avenue
37
Turn left onto TX 207; FM 293
24 mi·36 min·Elsie Avenue
38
Enter roundabout onto TX 136; TX 152; TX 207
0.2 mi·15 sec·North Main Street
39
Continue on TX 136; TX 152; TX 207
9.5 mi·10 min·North Main Street
40
Turn straight onto TX 136; TX 207
7.0 mi·10 min·TX 136; TX 207
41
Turn slight left onto TX 136
26 mi·34 min·TX 136
42
Turn right onto Loop 84
45 ft·1 sec·East 4th Street
43
Arrive at destination
Loop 84
Trip Plan
For this 7-hour, 47-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Arlington to maximize your daylight hours. With only two recommended stops for a 405.4-mile journey, plan them strategically to break up the longest stretch of 103.4 miles on US 81. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during those longer segments, and budget around $61 for gas. Since it's a highway-focused route, you'll find rest areas and services generally available, but it's always wise to be prepared. This drive is manageable in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, splitting it with an overnight stay around the halfway point could be a good option.
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 202.7 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 3h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.4 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 89 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 202.7 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gruver, 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 405.4 miles and 7h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 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 81 for about 103.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 202.7 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 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.4 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.
Best meal stop · home stretch
Gruver Cafe
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Gruver, Texas
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch · 0min to go
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
$10 to $20
Hours: 5 am–8 pm
+18063381345
Gruver Cafe
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
$10 to $20
Gruver, Texas
Hours: 5 am–8 pm
+18063381345
Love's Travel Stop
0 mi from route
Donley County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Texas Travel Information Center at Wichita Falls
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Donley County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Wise County Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Wichita County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Wichita County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Northbound
0.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 129.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
7
7.5 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward I 820 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21B
Toward I 820 North
7
12.5 mi into trip|~19m in|I 820
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 toward I 820 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 820 West
7
18.7 mi into trip|~26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W Express North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35W Express North: Denton
9
129.2 mi into trip|~2h 24m in|US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.53 one way
$111.05 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg142 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$62.02
$124.05
premium
$4.23
$67.43
$134.87
diesel
$4.80
$76.55
$153.09
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 141.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
121.6
1
$42.57
$19.46
Efficient EV
101.4
1
$35.47
$16.22
EV Truck/SUV
162.2
2
$56.76
$25.95
Gas CO2
142 kg
EV CO2
47 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Arlington, TX
Late night
in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
2:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
S 5 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Gruver, TX
Late night
in Gruver on Sunday
Local time
2:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Clear
S 10 to 15 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 1:00AM 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 47m 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.
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 349.5
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 363.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 405.4-mile trip, with 74% of your time spent on major arteries. You'll navigate primarily via US 81 and US Highway 287, encountering stretches that are designed for steady progress. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll experience is 103.4 miles on US 81, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While not overly complex, the road demands attention as you cover significant ground. The character remains consistent, emphasizing efficiency over winding exploration.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.4 mi on US 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 81 and US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 405.4 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 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.5 miles (I 820): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,364 ft604 ft
Total Climb
2,793 ft
Total Descent
219 ft
Highest Point
3,364 ft
~318.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,760 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Arlington, TX to Gruver, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Amarillo along the way.
Amarillo
129.2 mi in|~2h 24m|via US 287
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 47m. Total distance: 405.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 47m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.4 miles on US 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 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 Gruver, 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. There are 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.5 miles (I 820): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gruver, TX before the return drive.
