Barton Creek, TX to El Paso, TX is 570.7 miles and takes about 9h 39m via I 10, West US Highway 290, and South US Highway 281, with a fuel budget near $83 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though an overnight stop is recommended. This long-haul drive primarily traverses the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a straightforward path across the state. Given its length, splitting the drive over two days is a sensible approach for a more relaxed pace. You'll be on major highways for most of the trip, so expect a consistent driving experience.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
285.4 miles from Barton Creek, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
457.8 mi
7h 16m
West US Highway 290
93.7 mi
1h 47m
South US Highway 281
5.4 mi
6m
East Main Street
4.6 mi
9m
Circle Drive
2.4 mi
4m
Barton Creek Boulevard
2.1 mi
4m
Thomas Springs Road
1.6 mi
3m
Old Bee Caves Road
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 457.8 mi, about 7h 16m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,531 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,915
Quietest
2 AM
~171 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Barton Creek, TX and El Paso, TX.
1
Start on Mendocino Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·Mendocino Drive
2
At end of road, turn left onto Barton Creek Boulevard
2.1 mi·4 min·Barton Creek Boulevard
3
Continue on Travis Cook Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Travis Cook Road
4
At end of road, turn right onto Old Bee Caves Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Old Bee Caves Road
5
Continue on Thomas Springs Road
1.6 mi·3 min·Thomas Springs Road
6
Turn right onto Circle Drive
2.4 mi·4 min·Circle Drive
7
Turn right onto US 290
27 mi·33 min·West US Highway 290
Use the right lane.
8
Merge onto US 281; US 290
5.4 mi·6 min·South US Highway 281
9
Turn left onto US 290
1.1 mi·1 min·East Main Street
Toward Fredericksburg
10
Continue on US 290
27 mi·30 min·West US Highway 290
11
Continue on US 290
3.5 mi·7 min·East Main Street
12
Continue on US 290
39 mi·42 min·West US Highway 290
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 West: Fort Stockton
14
Merge onto I 10
458 mi·7 hr 16 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 19BToward Missouri Avenue, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto East Missouri Avenue
0.3 mi·49 sec·East Missouri Avenue
17
Turn left onto TX 20
0.3 mi·27 sec·North Mesa Street
18
Arrive at destination
North Mesa Street
Trip Plan
For this 9h 39m drive, consider departing early in the morning to maximize daylight, especially if you plan to tackle it over two days. With 570.7 miles, breaking it into two roughly equal driving days is ideal, allowing for a comfortable stop roughly halfway. The estimated fuel cost of $83 should be factored into your budget. Watch for service areas along I 10, as they can be spaced out, particularly during the longest stretch of 457.8 miles. Planning your overnight stop in advance will make the transition from highway to rest smoother.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 285.4 miles from Barton Creek, TX, or about 5h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 457.8 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 126 miles or 2h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 285.4 miles or 5h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 285.4 miles or 5h 6m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near El Paso, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Barton Creek, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Barton Creek, TX
Aim for roughly 285 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into El Paso, TX
Aim for roughly 285 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 126 miles from Barton Creek, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 457.8 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 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 570 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|Barton Creek Boulevard
At end of road, turn left onto Barton Creek Boulevard
Navigation decision point
4
2.9 mi into trip|~7m in|Old Bee Caves Road
At end of road, turn right onto Old Bee Caves Road
Navigation decision point
5
8.1 mi into trip|~17m in|US 290 / West US Highway 290
Turn right onto US 290 / West US Highway 290
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
112.2 mi into trip|~2h 21m in|I 10
Merge onto I 10
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
570 mi into trip|~9h 37m in
Take the exit toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 19B
Toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$78.17 one way
$156.34 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg200 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$87.31
$174.63
premium
$4.23
$94.93
$189.86
diesel
$4.80
$107.76
$215.52
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$78
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$208–$318
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 199.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $60 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
171.2
2
$59.92
$27.39
Efficient EV
142.7
1
$49.94
$22.83
EV Truck/SUV
228.3
2
$79.90
$36.52
Gas CO2
200 kg
EV CO2
67 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Barton Creek, TX
Evening
in Barton Creek on Monday
Local time
7:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph45% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 4:06PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 4:03PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
El Paso, TX
Evening
in El Paso on Monday
Local time
6:28 PM
MDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 7 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 4:06PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 4:03PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
5 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
9h 39m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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.
Chamizal National Memorial
National Memorial
Chamizal is more than just an urban park to recreate or enjoy a quiet afternoon. These grounds are a reminder of the harmonious settlement of a 100-year boundary dispute between the United States and...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 570.7
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a 98% highway share, meaning you'll spend nearly all your time on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 457.8 miles on I 10, which is a significant portion of the total distance. When you exit the main highways, you'll transition to surface roads, though this will be a small part of your overall travel time. Expect a lot of straight driving with limited curves for extended periods.
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: 457.8 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and West US Highway 290. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near Barton Creek Boulevard.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The route itself is not hard, but at 9h 39m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 10 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (Barton Creek Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 2.9 miles (Old Bee Caves Road): Navigation decision point; at 8.1 miles (US 290 / West US Highway 290): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,646 ft820 ft
Total Climb
4,022 ft
Total Descent
1,128 ft
Highest Point
4,646 ft
~489.2 mi in
Elevation Range
3,826 ft
Notable High Points
4,089 ft at ~407.7 miles+88 ft prominence
4,646 ft at ~489.2 miles+645 ft prominence
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 Barton Creek, TX to El Paso, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fredericksburg along the way.
El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas, with 679,000 residents (2020). It is on the United States-Mexico border. The city on the other side of the border is Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. El Paso is often called the Sun City. Collectively, the city of El Paso and other nearby cities, such as Juarez and Las Cruces, New Mexico are referred to as The Borderland.
Top landmarks
•El Paso Museum of Art — art museum in El Paso, Texas
•Union Depot — historic place in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
•Plaza Theatre — building in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
The longest stretch is about 457.8 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 285 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 41 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at El Paso, 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 41 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (Barton Creek Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 2.9 miles (Old Bee Caves Road): Navigation decision point; at 8.1 miles (US 290 / West US Highway 290): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Chamizal National Memorial and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.7 hours each way, a round trip means 19.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at El Paso, TX before the return drive.
