If you are planning to travel from Broken Arrow to Cherokee, expect a straightforward 181.1-mile journey across the Oklahoma Great Plains. You can comfortably complete this 3-hour and 28-minute drive in a single day, making it an efficient choice for those looking to reach their destination without an overnight stay. Budgeting around $28 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. The trip relies heavily on major corridors like the Cimarron Turnpike, US 64, and the Norma A. Lamb Highway. Because the route stays within the Great Plains region, you will experience consistent landscape characteristics from start to finish. It is a pragmatic route for travelers who value predictable driving conditions over winding backroads.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
90.6 miles from Broken Arrow, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Cimarron Turnpike
58.9 mi
56m
US 64
26.9 mi
36m
Norma A. Lamb Highway
24.5 mi
26m
US 60
15 mi
17m
Sand Springs Expressway
14.5 mi
16m
Broken Arrow Expressway
11.7 mi
14m
Keystone Expressway
8.7 mi
9m
OK 8
6.1 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Cimarron Turnpike
— 58.9 mi, about 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Broken Arrow, OK and Cherokee, OK.
1
Start on North Main Street
63 ft·6 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn right onto West Broadway Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·West Broadway Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
At end of road, turn right onto North Elm Place
1.3 mi·2 min·North Elm Place
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward OK 51 WestUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto OK 51
0.9 mi·1 min·Disabled American Veterans Highway
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on OK 51
380 ft·5 sec·Representative David Brumbaugh Memorial Bridge
7
Continue on OK 51
12 mi·14 min·Broken Arrow Expressway
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64; OK 51
0.3 mi·27 sec·Inner Dispersal Loop
Toward OK 51 West, US 64 West, I 244 East: Sand Springs, JoplinUse the straight lane.
9
Merge onto I 244; US 64; OK 51
0.5 mi·41 sec·Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
10
Take the exit onto US 64; OK 51
0.3 mi·43 sec·42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division Memorial Highway
Exit 5BToward US 64 West, US 412 West, OK 51 West: Sand SpringsUse the left lane.
11
Merge onto US 64; US 412; OK 51
14 mi·16 min·Sand Springs Expressway
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 64; US 412
3.6 mi·3 min·Keystone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 64; US 412
1.2 mi·1 min·Jerald Warden Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 64; US 412
5.1 mi·5 min·Keystone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 412
31 mi·29 min·Cimarron Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 412
28 mi·27 min·Cimarron Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 64; US 412
24 mi·26 min·Norma A. Lamb Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 64; US 412
2.0 mi·2 min·East Owen K. Garriott Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Turn right onto North 54th Street
2.5 mi·4 min·North 54th Street
Use the right lane.
20
Turn left onto Breckenridge Road
2.0 mi·2 min·Breckenridge Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
21
Continue on Breckinridge Road
1.5 mi·2 min·Breckinridge Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
22
Turn right onto Crestwood
1.0 mi·1 min·Crestwood
23
Turn left onto East Phillips Avenue
0.5 mi·54 sec·East Phillips Avenue
24
Turn right onto US 60; US 64; US 81
15 mi·17 min·US 60; US 64; US 81
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn left onto US 64
8.2 mi·9 min·US 64
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Continue on US 64; OK 132
13 mi·18 min·US 64; OK 132
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 64; OK 58
5.3 mi·7 min·US 64; OK 58
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64; OK 58
450 ft·16 sec·US 64; OK 58
29
Turn straight onto OK 8; OK 58; US 64
6.1 mi·7 min·OK 8; OK 58; US 64
30
Turn right onto East 4th Street
99 ft·1 sec·East 4th Street
31
Arrive at destination
East 4th Street
Trip Plan
To keep your 3 hour and 28 minute drive manageable, plan to utilize your one recommended stop strategically to break up the monotony of the highway sections. Since the route is manageable in a single day, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best, though mid-morning starts often avoid peak commuter traffic. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 58.9-mile turnpike stretch to ensure you don't run low between service points. Because this route is relatively short, you can easily maintain a steady pace without needing to rush. Prioritize checking local road conditions on the Norma A. Lamb Highway before you head out to ensure your travel remains as smooth as possible.
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 90.6 miles from Broken Arrow, OK, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.9 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 40 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 90.6 miles or 1h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cherokee, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Broken Arrow, OK 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 Broken Arrow, OK
This is one driving day of about 181.1 miles and 3h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Broken Arrow, OK.
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 Cimarron Turnpike for about 58.9 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 71.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|North Elm Place
At end of road, turn right onto North Elm Place
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
1.7 mi into trip|~4m in
Turn left toward OK 51 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward OK 51 West
8
14.7 mi into trip|~20m in|US 64; OK 51 / Inner Dispersal Loop
Keep slight right at fork onto US 64; OK 51 / Inner Dispersal Loop toward OK 51 West, US 64 West, I 244 East: Sand Springs, Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward OK 51 West, US 64 West, I 244 East: Sand...
8
15.5 mi into trip|~21m in|US 64; OK 51 / 42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division Memorial Highway
Take the exit onto US 64; OK 51 / 42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division Memorial Highway toward US 64 West, US 412 West, OK 51 West: Sand Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 5B
Toward US 64 West, US 412 West, OK 51 West: San...
6
71.2 mi into trip|~1h 18m in|US 412 / Cimarron Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto US 412 / Cimarron Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.31 one way
$56.63 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg63 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$31.09
$62.17
premium
$4.89
$34.85
$69.70
diesel
$5.61
$39.98
$79.97
Estimated Tolls: $2.95
Cimarron Turnpike
(58.9 mi)$2.95
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
54.3
0
$19.02
$8.69
Efficient EV
45.3
0
$15.85
$7.24
EV Truck/SUV
72.4
0
$25.35
$11.59
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 15, 2026
Origin
Broken Arrow, OK
Late night
in Broken Arrow on Sunday
Local time
1:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cherokee, OK
Late night
in Cherokee on Sunday
Local time
1:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Pawnee, OK
91 mi in
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
27 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
3h 28m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 drive is heavily focused on highways, which account for 79% of your total travel time. You will spend the bulk of your effort on established turnpikes and state routes, including a significant 58.9-mile stretch on the Cimarron Turnpike. This segment provides the longest uninterrupted period behind the wheel, allowing you to settle into a steady cruising pace. As you transition between the Cimarron Turnpike, US 64, and the Norma A. Lamb Highway, the character remains consistent with high-speed, efficient transit. Expect a functional, no-nonsense experience that prioritizes speed and directness over technical maneuvers or frequent turns.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.9 mi on Cimarron Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Cimarron Turnpike and US 64. 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 North Elm Place.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 181.1 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 (North Elm Place): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.7 miles (US 64; OK 51 / Inner Dispersal Loop): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Broken Arrow, OK to Cherokee, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Joplin along the way.
Broken Arrow is a city in the Green Country region of Oklahoma about 15 miles (35 km) southeast of Tulsa. It is the largest suburb of Tulsa County at a population of 110,000 (2018). Its nickname is "Tree City"
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 28m. Total distance: 181.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 58.9 miles on Cimarron Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.95 in tolls one way, starting with Cimarron Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Cherokee, OK 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 0.4 miles (North Elm Place): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.7 miles (US 64; OK 51 / Inner Dispersal Loop): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Cherokee, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
