Traveling from Ballinger to Dallas covers 234 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 14 minutes. Because this route is highly efficient, it is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to budget approximately $36 for fuel, making this a relatively affordable trek across the Great Plains. You will primarily utilize US 83, I-20, and the Tom Landry Freeway to complete the journey. Since the drive is almost entirely highway-focused, you should anticipate a consistent pace throughout the trip. It is a straightforward transit route that prioritizes speed and reliability over winding backroads.
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
117 miles from Ballinger, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 20
128.2 mi
2h 10m
US 83
49.2 mi
54m
Tom Landry Freeway
30 mi
35m
West Freeway
15.2 mi
17m
Jake Roberts Freeway
5 mi
5m
East Highway 80
2.7 mi
3m
Hutchings Avenue
0.9 mi
1m
Continental Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 128.2 mi, about 2h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ballinger, TX and Dallas, TX.
1
Start on US 67; US 83
0.9 mi·1 min·Hutchings Avenue
2
Turn straight onto US 83
49 mi·54 min·US 83
Toward US 83 North
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward US 83 Business North, Loop 322 East: Treadaway Boulevard, Abilene Airport
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward Loop 322 East: Abilene Airport
5
Merge onto Loop 322
5.0 mi·5 min·Jake Roberts Freeway
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 20 Business
7
Turn right onto I 20 Bus
2.7 mi·3 min·East Highway 80
8
Take the ramp
363 ft·8 sec
Toward I 20 East: Fort Worth
9
Merge onto I 20
128 mi·2 hr 10 min·I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
15 mi·17 min·West Freeway
Exit 421Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort WorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 30
30 mi·35 min·Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 45AToward I 35E North: DentonUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 35E North: DentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 35E
0.2 mi·19 sec·North Stemmons Freeway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 429AToward Continental AvenueUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn right onto Continental Avenue
0.2 mi·31 sec·Continental Avenue
Use the right lane.
18
Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street
433 ft·10 sec·North Lamar Street
19
Arrive at destination
North Lamar Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour and 14-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route is manageable in a single day, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, though leaving early can help you avoid potential traffic as you approach Dallas. Keep an eye on your fuel levels before hitting the major highway stretches, as the long 128.2-mile segment on I-20 offers less frequent exit options than local roads. If you find the highway pace tiring, use the Tom Landry Freeway portion of your arrival as a marker that you are nearing the end of your trip. Prioritizing a single, well-timed break will help you maintain focus during the longer interstate portions of the journey.
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 117 miles from Ballinger, TX, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.2 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 51 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117 miles or 2h 7m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ballinger, 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 Ballinger, TX
This is one driving day of about 234 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Ballinger, 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 128.2 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 187.1 and 233.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
187.1 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|I 30 / West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
7
232.4 mi into trip|~4h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North: Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 45A
Toward I 35E North: Denton
9
232.6 mi into trip|~4h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce Street
7
232.7 mi into trip|~4h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North: Denton
8
233.4 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Take the exit toward Continental Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 429A
Toward Continental Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.36 one way
$70.72 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$38.70
$77.40
premium
$4.54
$41.78
$83.56
diesel
$5.61
$51.66
$103.33
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: 81.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.2
0
$24.57
$11.23
Efficient EV
58.5
0
$20.47
$9.36
EV Truck/SUV
93.6
1
$32.76
$14.98
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Forecast as of Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Ballinger, TX
Late night
in Ballinger on Tuesday
Local time
5:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Partly Cloudy
SSE 5 to 10 mph4% chanceLive forecast
High Wind Watch
High Wind Watch issued April 12 at 11:58PM MDT until April 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 12:42AM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
Destination
Dallas, TX
Late night
in Dallas on Tuesday
Local time
5:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 to 15 mph51% chanceLive forecast
High Wind Watch
High Wind Watch issued April 12 at 11:58PM MDT until April 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 12:42AM CDT by NWS Fort Worth 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
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
4h 14m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 234-mile journey is defined by its high-speed efficiency, with 99% of the route consisting of highway driving. You will settle into a rhythmic pace as you navigate the longest uninterrupted stretch, which spans 128.2 miles on I-20. The road character is consistent and focused, avoiding the technical challenges of local roads in favor of major thoroughfares. As you transition from the Great Plains landscape of Ballinger toward the metropolitan environment of Dallas, the road remains steady and predictable. Expect a utilitarian driving experience that favors high-speed transit over varied terrain, ensuring you reach your destination with minimal distractions.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.2 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US 83. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 187.1 miles in near I 30 / West Freeway.
Driving Effort9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 234 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 187.1 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,046 ft428 ft
Total Climb
907 ft
Total Descent
2,104 ft
Highest Point
2,046 ft
~33.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,618 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ballinger, TX and Dallas, TX, road signs point toward Abilene Airport and Loop 322 East: Abilene Airport.
Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city.
As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
Top landmarks
•Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
•Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
•George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 14m. Total distance: 234 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128.2 miles on I 20. 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 Dallas, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 187.1 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Dallas, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
