Howard County Eastbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Big Spring, TX to Fort Worth, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 27m
Distance
259.9 mi
418 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 14m
★
6 AM
4h 28m
8 AM
4h 55m
10 AM
4h 37m
12 PM
4h 34m
3 PM
4h 38m
5 PM
4h 53m
8 PM
4h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Big Spring, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 259.8 miles across the Great Plains, your journey from Big Spring to Fort Worth is a manageable trek that typically takes about 3 hours and 58 minutes. Because the drive is relatively straightforward, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stop. You should budget approximately $40 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating this path involves taking I-20 East before transitioning onto the West Freeway and finally I-35W to reach your destination. It is a practical route that connects West Texas to the DFW metroplex, offering a reliable path for travelers looking to make the trip 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
129.9 miles from Big Spring, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 240.9 mi | 4h 3m |
| West Freeway | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| West 4th Street | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| US 287 Bus | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| South Freeway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| US 377 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 240.9 mi, about 4h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Spring, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
1
Start on I 20 Bus
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
West 4th Street
2
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
this road
Toward I 20 East: Abilene
3
Merge onto I 20
241 mi
·
4 hr 3 min
·
I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
15 mi
·
17 min
·
West Freeway
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit onto US 377
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
·
US 377
Exit 15A
Toward I 35W, I 35W Express Toll North, US 377 North: Waco, Denton
Use the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 35W South: Waco
7
Merge onto I 35W; US 287 Bus
0.1 mi
·
6 sec
·
South Freeway
8
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 287 Bus
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on South Freeway
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
Since this is a straightforward one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Plan for at least one stop along the 259.8-mile stretch to stretch your legs and refresh, especially as the traffic increases near Fort Worth. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge early in the trip, as prices and availability can fluctuate between the more rural stretches and the urban corridor. Given the turn-heavy nature of the final approach, using a reliable navigation app is a smart move to help you anticipate lane changes on the West Freeway. Prioritize an early start if you want to avoid peak congestion as you enter the metro area.
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 129.9 miles from Big Spring, TX, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 240.9 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 57 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.9 miles or 2h 12m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Worth, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Big Spring, 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 Big Spring, TX
This is one driving day of about 259.9 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Big Spring, 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 240.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
130 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 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 129.9 miles from Big Spring, 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 240.9 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.
Mitchell County Westbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
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
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
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
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Waterfall Overlook
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Hill Arbor
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.8 mi from route
TA
1.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Forest Park Miniature Railroad
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18179665509
Visit websiteParamount Theatre
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Abilene, Texas
+13256769620
Visit websiteAdamson-Spalding Storybook Garden
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Visit website12th Armored Division Memorial
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13256776515
Visit websiteThe Discovery Center & Truth Bookstore
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Halfway reset
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Hours: 1–5 pm
+13256735050
Visit websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 65 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 259 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 20
Merge onto I 20
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
243 mi into trip
|
~4h 7m 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
8
258.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 24m in
|
US 377
Take the exit onto US 377 toward I 35W, I 35W Express Toll North, US 377 North: Waco, Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15A
Toward I 35W, I 35W Express Toll North, US 377...
5
258.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W South: Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 35W South: Waco
8
259 mi into trip
|
~4h 25m in
|
US 287 Bus
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.27 one way
$78.54 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
91 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $42.99 | $85.97 |
| premium | $4.54 | $46.40 | $92.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $57.38 | $114.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78 | 0 | $27.29 | $12.48 |
| Efficient EV | 65 | 0 | $22.74 | $10.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 104 | 1 | $36.39 | $16.63 |
Gas CO2
91 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
Big Spring, TX
Late night in Big Spring on Tuesday
Local time
4:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Worth, TX
Late night in Fort Worth on Tuesday
Local time
4:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°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
24 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 27m 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?
Expect a drive defined by its turn-heavy local nature as you transition between major interstates. While the route relies on I-20 East and I-35W for the majority of the travel, the final approach into Fort Worth introduces more complex maneuvering on local freeways. The road demands your attention, shifting from open highway stretches to the more congested, technical transitions found near urban centers. You will find that the character of the road changes noticeably as you leave the quieter plains and approach the busier infrastructure of the destination. Stay alert, as the mix of high-speed interstate travel and local exit navigation requires a steady hand at the wheel.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 240.9 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and West Freeway. You will hit about 6 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in near I 20.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 259.9 miles you will encounter 6 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 243 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.2 miles (US 377): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Starting in Big Spring, TX
Full guide →Big Spring is a city on the Edwards Plateau in Texas.
Top landmarks
- • Settles Hotel — historic place in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
- • Hangar 25 Air Museum — air museum in Big Spring, Texas, U.S.
- • Potton-Hayden House — historic place in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
Arriving in Fort Worth, TX
Full guide →“Panther city” · Founded 1849
Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.
Top landmarks
- • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
- • St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, 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 27m. Total distance: 259.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m 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 240.9 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 35 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 243 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.2 miles (US 377): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Worth, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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