Trip from Center, TX to El Paso, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
14h 6m
Distance
822 mi
1,323 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
2-day trip
Fuel Cost
$113
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Center, TX
Wikimedia Commons
El Paso, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a journey from Center, TX, to El Paso, TX, covers 822 miles and will take approximately 14 hours and 6 minutes of driving time. This long-distance drive is best split over two days, especially considering the vast expanse of Texas you'll traverse. You'll primarily be on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway and I-20, with a significant portion on I-10. With an estimated fuel cost of $124 and four planned stops, it's a substantial trip across the Great Plains. This route is a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning to manage the time and distance effectively.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
4 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
411 miles from Center, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 7h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 457.7 mi | 7h 39m |
| I 10 | 166.7 mi | 2h 43m |
| I 20 | 111.2 mi | 1h 52m |
| TX 149 | 25.8 mi | 38m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 22 mi | 23m |
| Hurst Street | 20.5 mi | 23m |
| US 59 | 5.9 mi | 7m |
| FM 349 | 4.8 mi | 6m |
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 70 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~1,701 veh/hr typical · worst 2,082
Quietest
2 AM
~237 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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 Center, TX and El Paso, TX.
Start on Porter Street
Turn left onto Jackson
Turn right onto TX 87
Turn slight right onto US 96
Continue on US 59
Turn slight left onto US 59 Business; US 79 Business
Turn right onto US 59 Business
Turn left onto Cottage Road
Continue on TX 149
Turn left onto FM 349
Turn right onto FM 2011
Turn right onto FM 2087
Turn sharp left onto IH 20 Service Road
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 20; US 259
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
Merge onto I 20
Continue on I 20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
Merge onto I 10
Take the exit
Turn straight onto East Missouri Avenue
Turn left onto TX 20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 822-mile drive, splitting it into two days is highly recommended. Aim to depart early to maximize daylight for your first leg. With a 14-hour total duration, plan for at least one overnight stop to break up the journey comfortably. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the longest 457.7-mile stretch on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway, as services can be spread out in some areas. Four stops are factored in, so use them strategically for fuel, food, and rest.
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.
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 181 miles or 3h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 411 miles or 7h 18m 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 411 miles or 7h 18m
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 13h 6m
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 Center, 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 Center, TX
Aim for roughly 411 miles and 7.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into El Paso, TX
Aim for roughly 411 miles and 7.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
First major stop
Coffee and fuel
271 mi into the route
Best for: Coffee, fuel, and an easy first stretch
This is a natural early stop once the first hours of the drive are behind you.
Second major stop
Overnight candidate
543 mi into the route
Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start
This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.
Find hotels in Stanton, TXOvernight Options
Night 1
411 mi · about 7.1h in
A practical overnight split lands near Mount Pleasant, TX after about 411 miles or 7.1 hours of driving.
Find hotelsPacing Suggestions
A short stop after about 181 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 411 miles from Center, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 457.7 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 411 miles or 7.1 hours on the road.
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.
Rest Area
Rest Area
Van Zandt County Eastbound Rest Area
Scenic Overlook & Rest Area
El Paso County Westbound Rest Area
Teepee Rest Stop
Mitchell County Westbound Rest Area
Picnic Area
Picnic Area
Picnic Area
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
Service Plaza
Main Street Market
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
Flying J Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Service Plaza
Howard County Eastbound Rest Area
Road Ranger
Winona Westbound Picnic Area
Winona Eastbound Picnic Area
Texas Best Smokehouse Travel Plaza
Love's Travel Stop
Service Plaza
TA Express
Service Plaza
Culberson County Westbound Rest Area
Culberson County Eastbound Rest Area
El Paso County Eastbound Rest Area
Picnic Area
Ward County Eastbound Rest Area
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
Picnic Area
QuikTrip
Rest Area
Love's Travel Stop
Pilot Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Pilot Travel Center
Road Ranger
Flying J Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Flying J Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
TA
TA Express
Buc-ee's
Love's Travel Stop
Service Plaza
Service Plaza
QuikTrip
QuikTrip
Flying J Travel Center
Petro Stopping Centers
Petro Stopping Centers
TA
TA
Flying J Travel Center
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
Flying J Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Service Plaza
Ward County Westbound Rest Area
Picnic Area
Pilot Travel Center
TA
Pilot Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
Service Plaza
Road Ranger
Service Plaza
QuikTrip
Picnic Area
Picnic Area
Flying J Travel Center
Culberson County Safety Rest Area Eastbound
Pilot Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Culberson County Safety Rest Area Westbound
Pilot Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Service Plaza
El Paso Museum of History
Near the end, right off the route
El Paso, Texas
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+19152123150
Visit websiteMagoffin Home State Historic Site
Near the end, right off the route
El Paso, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19155335147
Visit websiteTom Lea Upper Park
Near the end, short detour
El Paso, Texas
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+19152120092
Visit websiteInternational Museum of Art
Near the end, right off the route
El Paso, Texas
Hours: 1–5 pm
+19155436747
Visit websiteEl Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Near the end, short detour
El Paso, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+19152120966
Visit websiteChris Kyle Memorial
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Odessa, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+14323329111
Visit websiteOdessa Mountain Bike Park
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Odessa, Texas
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+14326991718
Visit websiteClark Hotel Museum
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Van Horn, Texas
Hours: 2–6 pm
+14322838028
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 63.3 and 821.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn sharp left onto IH 20 Service Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 West: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$112.59 one way
$225.18 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $125.76 | $251.52 |
| premium | $4.23 | $136.73 | $273.46 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $155.21 | $310.42 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$113
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$243–$353
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 287.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $86 in charging · 3 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 246.6 | 3 | $86.31 | $39.46 |
| Efficient EV | 205.5 | 2 | $71.93 | $32.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 328.8 | 4 | $115.08 | $52.61 |
Gas CO2
288 kg
EV CO2
96 kg (67% less)
Plan for 3 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
Center, TX
Evening in Center on Saturday
Local time
8:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:04PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 3:03PM CDT until July 16 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
El Paso, TX
Evening in El Paso on Saturday
Local time
7:22 PM
MDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:04PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 3:03PM CDT until July 16 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
101°F
Stanton, TX
543 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.
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
2 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
14h 6m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly an interstate experience, with 41% of the journey on highways. Expect long stretches of consistent driving, including a notable 457.7-mile segment on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway. While the majority of the route is characterized by efficient highway travel, the sheer distance means you'll experience extended periods of the same road type. It's a practical, no-frills path designed for covering ground efficiently across the state.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
At 14h 6m, this is a long-haul route where pacing matters more than any single turn. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 63.3 miles in near IH 20 Service Road.
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 822 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 63.3 miles (IH 20 Service Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 155.5 miles (I 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 221.8 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
Total Climb
4,412 ft
Total Descent
1,065 ft
Highest Point
4,273 ft
~704.6 mi in
Elevation Range
3,987 ft
Notable High Points
About the Cities
Starting in Center, TX
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Shelby County Courthouse Square — historic place in Center, Shelby County, Texas
Arriving in El Paso, TX
Full guide →“The Sun City” · Founded 1680
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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Solo Traveler
14h 6m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Long-haul drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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