Copeland, OK to Central High, OK is 271.8 miles and takes about 5h via Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike and US 81, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Oklahoma. With 91% of the route on highways, you'll experience mostly efficient travel. Plan for a single day to cover this distance, as it's well within a reasonable driving timeframe. This route is ideal if you're looking for a direct transit between these two points without extensive detours.
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
135.9 miles from Copeland, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
86.6 mi
1h 25m
Will Rogers Turnpike
60.2 mi
1h
US 81
30.9 mi
39m
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
26.6 mi
25m
Will Rogers Expressway
23.5 mi
28m
Skelly Bypass
15 mi
18m
US 59
8.6 mi
11m
OK 7
6.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
— 86.6 mi, about 1h 25m
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 Copeland, OK and Central High, 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 left at fork onto I 44; OK 66
14 mi·17 min·Skelly Bypass
Toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Sapulpa, Oklahoma CityUse the slight left lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 44; OK 66
1.1 mi·1 min·Skelly Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 44
87 mi·1 hr 25 min·Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
Toward I 44 West: Oklahoma CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto I 44
0.5 mi·58 sec·I 44
Toward I 35 South, I 44 West, OK 66 West: Dallas, LawtonUse the straight / slight left lanes.
14
Merge onto I 35; I 44; OK 66
4.2 mi·4 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; OK 66
16 mi·19 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Exit 133Toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Lawton, AmarilloUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44
7.9 mi·8 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Toward I 44 West, US 62 West: LawtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 44
27 mi·25 min·Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
Toward I 44 West: Chickasha, LawtonUse the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Exit 80Toward US 81, US 277: Duncan, ChickashaUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn left onto US 81; US 277
12 mi·14 min·US 81; US 277
Toward US 81 South, US 277 South: DuncanUse the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 81
19 mi·24 min·US 81
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
21
Turn right
0.8 mi·1 min
22
Continue on OK 7
6.2 mi·7 min·OK 7
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn right onto Central High Road
2.0 mi·7 min·Central High Road
24
Turn left onto Blackburn Road
141 ft·6 sec·Blackburn Road
25
Arrive at destination
Blackburn Road
Trip Plan
Starting your 5-hour drive from Copeland, OK in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and reach Central High, OK comfortably. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but consider a mid-drive stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on the longer highway stretches; the estimated fuel cost is $48. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 86 miles, so plan your refueling accordingly before you hit that segment. You'll be on major roads for the vast majority of this trip, so enjoy the efficient travel.
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 135.9 miles from Copeland, OK, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.6 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 60 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.9 miles or 2h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Central High, 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 271.8 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike for about 86.6 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 70.2 and 231.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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...
8
75.3 mi into trip|~1h 21m in|I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass
Keep slight left at fork onto I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Sapulpa, Oklahoma City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Sapulpa, Oklahoma...
9
181.5 mi into trip|~3h 11m in|I 44; OK 66 / Will Rogers Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; OK 66 / Will Rogers Expressway toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Lawton, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 133
Toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Lawton, Amarillo
8
197.1 mi into trip|~3h 30m in|I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway toward I 44 West, US 62 West: Lawton
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 West, US 62 West: Lawton
8
231.6 mi into trip|~4h 4m in
Take the exit toward US 81, US 277: Duncan, Chickasha
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 80
Toward US 81, US 277: Duncan, Chickasha
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.19 one way
$90.38 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$49.22
$98.45
premium
$5.18
$55.46
$110.92
diesel
$5.35
$57.25
$114.50
Estimated Tolls: $9.20
Turner Turnpike
(86.6 mi)$4.33
Will Rogers Turnpike
(60.2 mi)$3.01
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
(26.6 mi)$1.86
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
$45
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.5
1
$28.54
$13.05
Efficient EV
68
0
$23.78
$10.87
EV Truck/SUV
108.7
1
$38.05
$17.40
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Copeland, OK
Afternoon
in Copeland on Wednesday
Local time
2:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Central High, OK
Afternoon
in Central High on Wednesday
Local time
2:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy
S 6 mph4% 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 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?
You'll spend most of your time on highways, with 91% of the 271.8 miles covered on them. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 86.6 miles on the Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike. Expect a significant portion of your drive to be on high-speed roads before transitioning to surface streets. This means you'll likely encounter more rural cruising and fewer urban merging scenarios.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.6 mi on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike and Will Rogers Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 70.2 miles in near I 44.
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 19 significant decision points across 271.8 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 70.2 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.3 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.5 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Will Rogers Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,312 ft596 ft
Total Climb
926 ft
Total Descent
539 ft
Highest Point
1,312 ft
~252.4 mi in
Elevation Range
716 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 Central High, OK, road signs point toward Oklahoma City, Lawton, Amarillo and Chickasha.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 271.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.6 miles on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $9.20 in tolls one way, starting with Turner 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 Central High, 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 70.2 miles (I 44): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.3 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.5 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Will Rogers Expressway): 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 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Central High, OK before the return drive.
