Carnegie, OK to Copeland, OK is 274.6 miles and takes about 5h 12m via I 44 and Harry E. Bailey Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Oklahoma, traversing the familiar terrain of the Great Plains for its entirety. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making for a straightforward and efficient drive. Given the relatively short duration and highway-focused nature, this route is best suited for a single-day excursion.
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
137.3 miles from Carnegie, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 44
153 mi
2h 34m
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
24 mi
22m
Will Rogers Expressway
23.6 mi
28m
4th Street
21.6 mi
36m
Skelly Bypass
14.3 mi
17m
OK 9
14 mi
20m
West Central Boulevard
9.3 mi
11m
US 59
8.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 44
— 153 mi, about 2h 34m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,203 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,626
Quietest
2 AM
~179 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.3×
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 Carnegie, OK and Copeland, OK.
1
Start on West 2nd Street
104 ft·6 sec·West 2nd Street
2
Turn right onto OK 58
0.1 mi·20 sec·Carnegie Avenue
3
Turn left onto OK 9
22 mi·36 min·4th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on OK 9; US 62; US 281
3.1 mi·4 min·OK 9; US 62; US 281
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Turn left onto OK 9; US 62; US 281
1.0 mi·1 min·South Mission Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Turn right onto OK 9; US 62; US 281
9.3 mi·11 min·West Central Boulevard
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on OK 9; US 62
367 ft·6 sec·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
8
Continue on OK 9; US 62
0.2 mi·16 sec·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
9
Continue on OK 9; US 62
2.1 mi·3 min·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left lanes.
10
Continue on OK 9; US 62
1.0 mi·1 min·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
11
Continue on OK 9; US 62
1.1 mi·1 min·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
12
Continue on OK 9; US 62
1.4 mi·2 min·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
13
Continue on OK 9; US 62
1.2 mi·1 min·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
14
Continue on OK 9; US 62
3.8 mi·5 min·OK 9; US 62
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
15
Turn left
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 44 East: Oklahoma CityUse the left lane.
16
Merge onto I 44
24 mi·22 min·Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on I 44; US 62
16 mi·18 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44
7.7 mi·9 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: TulsaUse the right lane.
19
Merge onto I 35; I 44; OK 66
4.2 mi·4 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the exit onto I 44
88 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 44
Exit 138AToward I 44 East: TulsaUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; OK 66
14 mi·17 min·Skelly Bypass
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: JoplinUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 44; US 412; OK 66
4.3 mi·5 min·I 44; US 412; OK 66
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44
61 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 44
Toward I 44 East: Joplin, ClaremoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 302Toward US 59, US 60: Fairland, Grove, AftonUse the right lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward Cash OnlyUse the straight lane.
26
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·20 sec·this road
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward US 59 South, US 60 West, US 69 South: Afton, GroveUse the slight right lane.
28
Turn straight onto US 59; US 60; US 69; US Historic 66
0.6 mi·56 sec·US 59; US 60; US 69; US Historic 66
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
29
Turn left onto US 59
7.8 mi·10 min·US 59
Toward US 69 South: Grove
30
Turn sharp right onto East 250 Road
303 ft·5 sec·East 250 Road
31
Arrive at destination
East 250 Road
Trip Plan
Starting your drive from Carnegie, OK, ideally in the morning, will give you ample daylight to reach Copeland, OK. With a total travel time of just over 5 hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Plan for one significant stop, perhaps around the halfway mark, to refuel and stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 153-mile stretch on I 44, as services can be spaced out on longer highway segments. This route's directness means you have flexibility in your stop timing.
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 137.3 miles from Carnegie, OK, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153 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 60 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.3 miles or 2h 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Copeland, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Carnegie, 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 Carnegie, OK
This is one driving day of about 274.6 miles and 5h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Carnegie, 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 I 44 for about 153 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 86.2 and 265.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
86.2 mi into trip|~1h 52m in|I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Tulsa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Tulsa
8
185.8 mi into trip|~3h 34m in|I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Joplin
8
204.3 mi into trip|~3h 57m in|I 44
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 toward I 44 East: Joplin, Claremore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 44 East: Joplin, Claremore
8
265.4 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 59, US 60: Fairland, Grove, Afton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 302
Toward US 59, US 60: Fairland, Grove, Afton
9
265.8 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 59 South, US 60 West, US 69 South: Afton, Grove
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 59 South, US 60 West, US 69 South: Af...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.55 one way
$81.10 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$44.77
$89.54
premium
$4.72
$50.98
$101.97
diesel
$4.80
$51.85
$103.70
Estimated Tolls: $1.68
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
(24 mi)$1.68
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
$41
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.4
1
$28.83
$13.18
Efficient EV
68.7
0
$24.03
$10.98
EV Truck/SUV
109.8
1
$38.44
$17.57
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Carnegie, OK
Evening
in Carnegie on Saturday
Local time
8:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Partly Cloudy
S 9 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Copeland, OK
Evening
in Copeland on Saturday
Local time
8:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
S 5 mph11% chanceLive 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
3 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
5h 12m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Oklahoma City National Memorial
National Memorial
The outdoor symbolic memorial is a place of quiet reflection, honoring victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995. It encompasses the now sacred soil where the Al...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 81% of the 274.6 miles on major roads like I 44 and the Will Rogers Expressway. You'll encounter a continuous stretch of 153 miles on I 44, offering a consistent cruising experience. Expect to transition from highway to surface roads at some point after this long highway segment. The high percentage of highway driving suggests a generally fast-paced trip with fewer, more spread-out exits.
81% 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: 153 mi on I 44.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 44 and Harry E. Bailey Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 86.2 miles in near I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway.
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 18 significant decision points across 274.6 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 86.2 miles (I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 204.3 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,354 ft603 ft
Total Climb
429 ft
Total Descent
947 ft
Highest Point
1,354 ft
~58.8 mi in
Elevation Range
751 ft
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 Carnegie, OK to Copeland, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Claremore along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 12m. Total distance: 274.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 153 miles on I 44. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.68 in tolls one way, starting with Harry E. Bailey 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.
Yes — we found about 13 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 Copeland, 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. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 86.2 miles (I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 204.3 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Oklahoma City National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Copeland, OK before the return drive.
