Spanning 321.7 miles across the Great Plains, this drive from Copeland to Buffalo is a straightforward journey through Oklahoma. You should plan for about 6 hours and 1 minute of time behind the wheel, making it a manageable single-day trip if you get an early start. With a fuel budget of approximately $49, the route relies heavily on the Will Rogers Turnpike, the Cimarron Turnpike, and OK 8. Because the entire trip stays within the state of Oklahoma, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. While it is certainly feasible to complete this in one day, having a clear plan for your single recommended stop will help keep the experience comfortable rather than exhausting.
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
160.9 miles from Copeland, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Will Rogers Turnpike
60.2 mi
1h
Cimarron Turnpike
58.9 mi
56m
OK 8
42.5 mi
48m
Trooper Chris Van Krevelen Memorial Highway
25.4 mi
29m
Norma A. Lamb Highway
24.5 mi
26m
US 183
20.4 mi
25m
Sand Springs Expressway
14.8 mi
16m
Southwest 6th Street
12.5 mi
17m
Longest stretch:
Will Rogers Turnpike
— 60.2 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Copeland, OK and Buffalo, OK.
1
Start on East 250 Road
303 ft·13 sec·East 250 Road
2
Turn sharp left onto US 59
8.4 mi·11 min·US 59
Use the straight / left lanes.
3
Continue on US 59; US 69; US Historic 66
0.2 mi·19 sec·US 59; US 69; US Historic 66
Toward US 59 North, US 69 North: MiamiUse the straight lane.
4
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·44 sec
Toward I 44: Tulsa, JoplinUse the sharp right lane.
5
Turn straight onto US 60
512 ft·8 sec·US 60
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 44: Tulsa, JoplinUse the straight / sharp right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward PIKEPASS OnlyUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 44
60 mi·1 hr·Will Rogers Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44
5.1 mi·6 min·I 44
Exit 34Toward I 44 West, US 412 West, OK 66 West: TulsaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 244; US 412
10 mi·12 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
Exit 236BToward I 244 West, US 412 West: Sand Springs, Enid, Downtown Tulsa, Tulsa International AirportUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 412
15 mi·16 min·Sand Springs Expressway
Exit 5BToward US 64 West, US 412 West, OK 51 West: Sand SpringsUse the slight left 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
12 mi·18 min·East Owen K. Garriott Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 60; US 412; CR E0430
6.0 mi·6 min·Trooper Chris Van Krevelen Memorial Highway
20
Continue on US 60; US 412; CR E0430
0.3 mi·40 sec·Lahoma Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 60; US 412; CR E0430
19 mi·22 min·Trooper Chris Van Krevelen Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 60; US 412; OK 8
2.7 mi·3 min·US 60; US 412; OK 8
23
Continue on OK 8; US 60; US 412
43 mi·48 min·OK 8; US 60; US 412
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on US 412; OK 50
13 mi·17 min·Southwest 6th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Take the exit onto US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
167 ft·4 sec·US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Merge onto US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
12 mi·13 min·Northwest Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
1.6 mi·2 min·US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
Use the straight lane.
28
Take the exit onto US 183
11 mi·13 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on US 183
3.4 mi·3 min·US 183
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
30
Continue on US 183
3.9 mi·5 min·US 183
Use the straight / left lanes.
31
Arrive at destination
US 64; US 183
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the peak heat and traffic patterns of the Oklahoma turnpikes. Since you have only one recommended stop, use it strategically to refuel and stretch your legs before tackling the final leg of the journey. Keep your $49 fuel estimate in mind, but consider topping off your tank before hitting the longest 60.2-mile stretch to ensure you have plenty of buffer. Because the drive is relatively long for a single day, maintain a consistent pace rather than pushing too hard early on. Pay close attention to the transition onto OK 8, as road conditions and speed limits will change compared to the turnpike segments.
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 160.9 miles from Copeland, OK, or about 2h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.2 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 71 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.9 miles or 2h 50m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buffalo, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Copeland, 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 Copeland, OK
This is one driving day of about 321.7 miles and 6h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Copeland, 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 Will Rogers Turnpike for about 60.2 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 85.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|US 59
Turn sharp left onto US 59
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
9.3 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PIKEPASS Only
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PIKEPASS Only
9
70.2 mi into trip|~1h 15m in|I 44
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 toward I 44 West, US 412 West, OK 66 West: Tulsa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 34
Toward I 44 West, US 412 West, OK 66 West: Tuls...
9
75.3 mi into trip|~1h 21m in|I 244; US 412 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 244; US 412 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway toward I 244 West, US 412 West: Sand Springs, Enid, Downtown Tulsa, Tulsa International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 236B
Toward I 244 West, US 412 West: Sand Springs, E...
9
85.6 mi into trip|~1h 33m in|US 412 / Sand Springs Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 412 / Sand Springs Expressway toward US 64 West, US 412 West, OK 51 West: Sand Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 5B
Toward US 64 West, US 412 West, OK 51 West: San...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.29 one way
$100.59 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg113 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$55.22
$110.44
premium
$4.89
$61.91
$123.82
diesel
$5.61
$71.03
$142.05
Estimated Tolls: $5.96
Will Rogers Turnpike
(60.2 mi)$3.01
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
$50
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
96.5
1
$33.78
$15.44
Efficient EV
80.4
0
$28.15
$12.87
EV Truck/SUV
128.7
1
$45.04
$20.59
Gas CO2
113 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Copeland, OK
Evening
in Copeland on Saturday
Local time
8:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Buffalo, OK
Evening
in Buffalo on Saturday
Local time
8:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°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
19 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 1m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 72% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will face a significant stretch of 60.2 miles on the Will Rogers Turnpike, which allows for steady progress but requires sustained focus. As you transition between the turnpikes and OK 8, the road dynamics shift from high-speed interstate travel to the more localized pace of state highway driving. Expect a mix of fast-paced, efficient travel and the varied rhythm of regional roads. The personality of this drive is functional and direct, prioritizing speed and connectivity as you traverse the expansive Great Plains landscape.
72% 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: 60.2 mi on Will Rogers Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Will Rogers Turnpike and Cimarron Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 59.
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 13 significant decision points across 321.7 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 0.1 miles (US 59): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 70.2 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,048 ft622 ft
Total Climb
1,541 ft
Total Descent
517 ft
Highest Point
2,048 ft
~298.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,426 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Copeland, OK and Buffalo, OK, road signs point toward Enid, Tulsa and Tulsa International Airport.
Enid
75.3 mi in|~1h 21m|via I 244; US 412
Tulsa
75.3 mi in|~1h 21m|via I 244; US 412
Tulsa International Airport
75.3 mi in|~1h 21m|via I 244; US 412
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 1m. Total distance: 321.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 1m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60.2 miles on Will Rogers Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.96 in tolls one way, starting with Will Rogers 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 Buffalo, 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 0.1 miles (US 59): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 70.2 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Buffalo, OK before the return drive.
