Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Arlington, TX to San Angelo, 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
4h 37m
Distance
256.1 mi
412 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 24m
★
6 AM
4h 37m
8 AM
5h 4m
10 AM
4h 47m
12 PM
4h 44m
3 PM
4h 48m
5 PM
5h 3m
8 PM
4h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
San Angelo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Arlington, TX to San Angelo, TX is 256.1 miles and takes about 4h 37m via I 20 and US Highway 277 South, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a mostly highway experience. You'll spend most of your time on interstates and major highways, making it a straightforward drive. With only one recommended stop and a transit time under five hours, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion when you want to get where you're going 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
128 miles from Arlington, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| US 277 | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| Winters Freeway | 2.5 mi | 2m |
| South Cooper Street | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| North Main Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 137.3 mi, about 2h 19m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,819 veh/hr typical · worst 2,291
Quietest
2 AM
~200 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.1×
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 Arlington, TX and San Angelo, 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
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
US 277
Toward US 67 South, US 277 South: San Angelo
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward US 67 Business, Main Street
15
Turn straight onto East 7th Street
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
East 7th Street
16
Turn left onto US 67 Bus
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
17
Turn right onto East Harris Avenue
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
East Harris Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
East Harris Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 37m drive time, leaving Arlington in the morning will allow you to reach San Angelo with plenty of daylight to spare. The route is primarily highway, so you can comfortably cover long distances between potential stops. Plan for one stop along the way, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs or grab a quick bite. Since the fuel cost is estimated at $41, ensure your tank is full before departing Arlington, as you'll encounter fewer services during the longest stretch on I 20.
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 128 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137.3 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 56 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128 miles or 2h 18m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Angelo, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arlington, TX
This is one driving day of about 256.1 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Arlington, 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 I 20 for about 137.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
128 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 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 128 miles from Arlington, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 137.3 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
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service 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
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Think In A Box - Escape Room
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+13256501755
Visit websitePop Art Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13256552345
Visit websiteSan Angelo City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm
+13256574450
Visit websiteSan Angelo Convention & Visitors Bureau
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm
+13256554136
Visit websiteThe Bosque along the Concho River
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
+13255000035
Visit websiteRiver Walk
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13254812727
Visit websiteFort Concho National Historic Landmark
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+13254812646
Visit websiteHistoric Downtown San Angelo
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+13256552345
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 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
$35.08 one way
$70.16 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $39.18 | $78.36 |
| premium | $4.23 | $42.60 | $85.20 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $48.36 | $96.71 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.8 | 0 | $26.89 | $12.29 |
| Efficient EV | 64 | 0 | $22.41 | $10.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102.4 | 1 | $35.85 | $16.39 |
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Arlington, TX
Late night in Arlington on Monday
Local time
2:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
98°F
Sunny
S 5 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 5:55PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 5:54PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Destination
San Angelo, TX
Late night in San Angelo on Monday
Local time
2:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SSE 0 to 5 mph
17% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 5:55PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 19 at 5:54PM CDT by NWS Lubbock 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
26 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
4h 37m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 98% highway, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for the vast majority of your drive. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 137.3 miles on I 20. You'll transition from I 20 to US Highway 277 South, and then briefly onto West Freeway. Expect a consistent cruising experience for most of the trip, with minimal time spent on slower surface streets.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 137.3 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US Highway 277 South. 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
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 256.1 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
2,185 ft
604 ft
Total Climb
2,036 ft
Total Descent
796 ft
Highest Point
2,185 ft
~182.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,581 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 Arlington, TX and San Angelo, 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
Arriving in San Angelo, TX
Full guide →San Angelo (pronounced "Snangelo" by locals) is a city in the Northern Edwards Plateau of Texas, on the Concho River. It is the home of Goodfellow Air Force Base, Angelo State University, and the Producer's Livestock Auction, the country's largest sheep and lamb market.
Top landmarks
- • Fort Concho — important US Army installation during the late American Indian Wars
- • Freeze Building — building in San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas
- • Tom Green County Courthouse — building in San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas
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 4h 37m. Total distance: 256.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 137.3 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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 San Angelo, 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at San Angelo, TX, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From San Angelo, TX
More trips to San Angelo, TX
Explore more options from Arlington, TX or browse trips ending in San Angelo, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.