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Trip from Comanche, OK to Norman, OK

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 44m

Distance

86.2 mi

139 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 37m ★
6 AM
1h 44m
8 AM
2h 0m
10 AM
1h 50m
12 PM
1h 48m
3 PM
1h 50m
5 PM
1h 59m
8 PM
1h 40m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Comanche, OK, OK

Comanche, OK

Ever Rayan

Downtown Norman, OK, OK

Norman, OK

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Comanche, OK to Norman, OK is 86.2 miles and takes about 1h 44m via US 81 and Harry E. Bailey Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive between two Oklahoma towns. With a highway share of 77%, you'll experience a predominantly fast-paced journey. This route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Consider this drive if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these locations without extensive planning.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.1 miles from Comanche, OK

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 81 30.6 mi 38m
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike 18 mi 16m
OK 7 Spur 10.2 mi 12m
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike Spur 7.8 mi 7m
North Rodeo Drive 6.7 mi 8m
Southeast 44th Street 5.6 mi 7m
West Main Street 2.6 mi 6m
World War I Veterans Memorial Highway 1.8 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 81 — 30.6 mi, about 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Comanche, OK and Norman, OK.

1

Start on OK 53

81 ft · 5 sec · Oak Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 81

6.7 mi · 8 min · North Rodeo Drive
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
3

Keep slight right at fork onto OK 7 Spur

10 mi · 12 min · OK 7 Spur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Turn right

0.8 mi · 1 min
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Turn left onto US 81

17 mi · 22 min · US 81
Use the left / straight lanes.
6

Continue on US 81

13 mi · 16 min · US 81
Use the straight / right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 44 East: Oklahoma City Use the right lane.
8

Merge onto I 44

18 mi · 16 min · Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 51 sec
Toward OK 4 Toll, H. E. Bailey Spur: Blanchard, Norman Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto OK 4 Toll

7.8 mi · 7 min · Harry E. Bailey Turnpike Spur
Use the straight lane.
11

Continue on OK 9

5.5 mi · 7 min · Southeast 44th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Turn slight right onto West Adkins Hill Road

0.2 mi · 10 sec · West Adkins Hill Road
13

Continue on OK 9

470 ft · 9 sec · Southeast 44th Street
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec
15

Merge onto OK 9; I 35

1.8 mi · 2 min · World War I Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
16

Continue on I 35

0.5 mi · 35 sec · Doctor James E. and Representative Mina M. Hibdon Memorial Highway
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 15 sec
Exit 109 Toward Main Street Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork

407 ft · 7 sec
Use the right lane.
19

Turn straight onto West Main Street

2.6 mi · 6 min · West Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Arrive at destination

East Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of about 1 hour and 44 minutes, this is a perfect same-day trip, and you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. The fuel cost is estimated at $13, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you leave Comanche, OK, as stops are not factored into this route. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 30.6 miles on US 81, so plan any brief stops before or after this segment if needed. Keep an eye on signage for the transition onto the Harry E. Bailey Turnpike and OK 7 Spur as you get closer to Norman.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.1 miles from Comanche, OK, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.6 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 19 miles or 23m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 43.1 miles or 54m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norman, OK than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Comanche, OK so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Comanche, OK

This is one driving day of about 86.2 miles and 1h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Comanche, OK.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 81 for about 30.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Grady County, Oklahoma, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ninnekah, OK

43 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

Marlow, OK

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ninnekah, OK

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.1 miles from Comanche, OK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 83.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 81 / North Rodeo Drive

Turn right onto US 81 / North Rodeo Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left / right lanes.
6
6.7 mi into trip | ~8m in | OK 7 Spur

Keep slight right at fork onto OK 7 Spur

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
66.7 mi into trip | ~1h 18m in

Take the exit toward OK 4 Toll, H. E. Bailey Spur: Blanchard, Norman

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward OK 4 Toll, H. E. Bailey Spur: Blanchard,...
7
83.4 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Take the exit toward Main Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 109 Toward Main Street
7
83.5 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.48 one way

$26.95 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.80 $29.59
premium $4.89 $16.59 $33.18
diesel $5.61 $19.03 $38.06

Estimated Tolls: $1.81

Harry E. Bailey Turnpike (18 mi) $1.26
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike Spur (7.8 mi) $0.55

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

$13

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.9 0 $9.05 $4.14
Efficient EV 21.6 0 $7.54 $3.45
EV Truck/SUV 34.5 0 $12.07 $5.52

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Comanche, OK

Late night in Comanche on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Norman, OK

Late night in Norman on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°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

14 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

1h 44m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

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...

18 mi from route ~45 min detour $18 near mile 86.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is primarily highway-focused, with 77% of the route utilizing major roads like US 81 and the Harry E. Bailey Turnpike. Expect a smooth and relatively quick experience, punctuated by a longest stretch of 30.6 miles on US 81. While the overall profile is highway-centric, there's a slight chance of encountering local road segments as you approach your destination. The journey generally maintains a consistent pace, making it predictable for drivers. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained routes designed for steady travel.

77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.6 mi on US 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 81 and Harry E. Bailey Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 81 / North Rodeo Drive.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.2 miles you will encounter 13 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: near the start (US 81 / North Rodeo Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.7 miles (OK 7 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Comanche, OK to Norman, OK, road signs begin pointing toward H. E. Bailey Spur: Blanchard along the way.

H. E. Bailey Spur: Blanchard

66.7 mi in | ~1h 18m

About the Cities

Arriving in Norman, OK

Full guide →

Norman is a city in the Frontier Country region of Oklahoma and in Cleveland County. With a population of 128,000 (2020), it is the third largest city in the state and is home to the University of Oklahoma (popularly known as OU), the state's largest and flagship university.

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 1h 44m. Total distance: 86.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 30.6 miles on US 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.81 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.

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 Norman, OK before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 81 / North Rodeo Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.7 miles (OK 7 Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Norman, OK before heading back.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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