Origin
Cedar Hill, TX
Late night in Cedar Hill on Tuesday
Local time
5:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cedar Hill, TX to Amarillo, 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
6h 41m
Distance
368 mi
592 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 30m
★
6 AM
6h 41m
8 AM
7h 5m
10 AM
6h 50m
12 PM
6h 47m
3 PM
6h 51m
5 PM
7h 4m
8 PM
6h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cedar Hill, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Amarillo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 368-mile drive from Cedar Hill, TX, to Amarillo, TX, is a straightforward journey across the Great Plains, easily manageable as a single-day trip. Expect to spend about 6 hours and 41 minutes on the road, with a projected fuel cost of around $56. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 75% of the drive utilizing major roadways. You'll spend most of your time on US Highway 287, which forms the backbone of this Texas traverse. This is a practical, no-frills trip ideal for getting from point A to point B 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
184 miles from Cedar Hill, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 81 | 103.4 mi | 1h 49m |
| US Highway 287 | 75.4 mi | 1h 17m |
| US Highway 287 East | 40.5 mi | 42m |
| East 11th Street | 28.7 mi | 32m |
| Boykin Drive | 26.2 mi | 28m |
| US Highway 287 West | 25.7 mi | 26m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 13.9 mi | 14m |
| I 35W TEXpress | 8.2 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 103.4 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Hill, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on Cedar Street
171 ft
·
9 sec
·
Cedar Street
2
Turn left onto South Main Street
424 ft
·
14 sec
·
South Main Street
3
Continue on North Main Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
North Main Street
4
Turn right onto Straus Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Straus Road
5
Turn left onto FM 1382
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
West FM 1382
6
Continue on FM 1382
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Belt Line Road
7
Turn left onto East Interstate 20
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
·
East Interstate 20
Use the left lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 20 West
9
Merge onto I 20
14 mi
·
14 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 442B
Toward US 287 North, I 820 : Downtown, Fort Worth
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 820; US 287
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 820; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
6.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Freeway
Exit 33A
Toward US 287 North: Downtown Fort Worth
Use the slight left lane.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward I 35W North, US 287 North, I 35W TEXpress North: Denton
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 35W Express Toll North
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
8.2 mi
·
8 min
·
I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto US 81; US 287
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 81; US 287
102 mi
·
1 hr 47 min
·
US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi
·
58 sec
·
Lloyd Ruby Overpass
20
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Northwest Freeway
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
22
Continue on US 287
40 mi
·
42 min
·
US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on US 287
26 mi
·
26 min
·
US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 287
29 mi
·
32 min
·
East 11th Street
26
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue F Northeast
27
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 287
28
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Burnett Street
29
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 287
30
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi
·
28 min
·
Boykin Drive
31
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 2nd Street
32
Continue on US 287
28 mi
·
28 min
·
US Highway 287
33
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East 1st Street
34
Continue on US 287
20 mi
·
20 min
·
US Highway 287
35
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
36
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Southeast 3rd Avenue
37
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
38
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Lakeside Drive
39
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
40
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
41
Continue on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
42
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
43
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour and 41-minute duration, starting your journey from Cedar Hill early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you need fuel. The longest stretch without a break is over 100 miles, so ensure you're comfortable before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning between US 81 and US Highway 287, as services can sometimes be spaced out on these highways.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 184 miles from Cedar Hill, TX, or about 3h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.4 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 81 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 184 miles or 3h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amarillo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cedar Hill, 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 Cedar Hill, TX
This is one driving day of about 368 miles and 6h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Cedar Hill, 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 US 81 for about 103.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
184 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 81 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 184 miles from Cedar Hill, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.4 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 21.5 and 146.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.5 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward US 287 North, I 820 : Downtown, Fort Worth
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 442B
Toward US 287 North, I 820 : Downtown, Fort Wor...
8
23.2 mi into trip
|
~29m in
|
US 287 / Martin Luther King Jr Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Martin Luther King Jr Freeway toward US 287 North: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 33A
Toward US 287 North: Downtown Fort Worth
7
29.9 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W Express Toll North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 35W Express Toll North
7
38.8 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Take the exit toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
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.
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
9
146.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
|
US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.61 one way
$111.21 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
129 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $60.86 | $121.73 |
| premium | $4.54 | $65.70 | $131.41 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $81.25 | $162.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 110.4 | 1 | $38.64 | $17.66 |
| Efficient EV | 92 | 1 | $32.20 | $14.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 147.2 | 1 | $51.52 | $23.55 |
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 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.
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Late night in Amarillo on Tuesday
Local time
5:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°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
3 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
6h 41m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is largely highway-focused, with 75% of the 368 miles on major roads like US 81 and US Highway 287. You'll experience long stretches of open road, including one uninterrupted segment of 103.4 miles on US 81. The character of the drive is consistent, offering a steady pace across the Texas landscape. While not overly technical, the dominance of highways means you'll be covering ground efficiently, with the occasional shift in road numbers signaling your progress.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.4 mi on US 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 81 and US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 368 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 21.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.2 miles (US 287 / Martin Luther King Jr Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Cedar Hill, TX to Amarillo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Worth along the way.
Fort Worth
21.5 mi in
|
~26m
About the Cities
Starting in Cedar Hill, TX
Full guide →Founded 1846
Arriving in Amarillo, TX
Full guide →Amarillo, which means "yellow" in Spanish, is the center of the Texas Panhandle at the edge of the Great Plains.
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 6h 41m. Total distance: 368 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.4 miles on US 81. 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 Amarillo, 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 21.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.2 miles (US 287 / Martin Luther King Jr Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Amarillo, TX before the return drive.
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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