Llano Estacado Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Dimmitt, TX to Arlington, 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
7h 10m
Distance
409.2 mi
659 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 0m
★
6 AM
7h 10m
8 AM
7h 32m
10 AM
7h 18m
12 PM
7h 16m
3 PM
7h 19m
5 PM
7h 31m
8 PM
7h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dimmitt, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Dimmitt, TX to Arlington, TX is 409.2 miles and takes about 7h 10m via US 84 and US 385, with a fuel budget near $62 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive will take you across the heart of Texas, transitioning from the open landscapes of the Great Plains to the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Given the 7-hour estimated drive time, it's a manageable one-day trip, but be prepared for a predominantly highway experience. Plan your departure to maximize daylight hours for this straightforward journey.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
204.6 miles from Dimmitt, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 84 | 216.6 mi | 3h 40m |
| US Highway 84 | 73.9 mi | 1h 14m |
| US 385 | 42.4 mi | 44m |
| East Highway 84 | 26.9 mi | 26m |
| West Freeway | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Tom Landry Freeway | 12.3 mi | 15m |
| Slaton Road | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway | 4.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US 84
— 216.6 mi, about 3h 40m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,680 veh/hr typical · worst 2,135
Quietest
2 AM
~202 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Dimmitt, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on TX 86
172 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Bedford Street
2
Turn left onto US 385
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Broadway
3
Turn right onto US 385
21 mi
·
22 min
·
US 385
4
Turn straight onto North Main Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
North Main Street
5
Continue on US 385
5.8 mi
·
5 min
·
US 385
6
Turn straight onto US 385
16 mi
·
16 min
·
US 385
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 385; Loop 430
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
East Delano Avenue
Use the left lane.
8
Turn left onto US 84
34 mi
·
35 min
·
US 84
9
Merge onto US 84
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Avenue Q
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 84
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Slaton Road
11
Continue on US 84
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
East Highway 84
12
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
13
Continue on US 84
20 mi
·
20 min
·
East Highway 84
14
Continue on US 84
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North US Highway 84
15
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East 15th Street
16
Turn right onto TX 207
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Ralls Road
17
Turn straight onto TX 207
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Avenue F
18
At end of road, turn left onto US 84
74 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
US Highway 84
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
183 mi
·
3 hr 5 min
·
US 84
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
15 mi
·
17 min
·
West Freeway
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 30
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 27A
Toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto North Cooper Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Cooper Street
24
Turn left onto West Randol Mill Road
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
West Randol Mill Road
Use the left lane.
25
Turn right onto North Center Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Center Street
Use the right lane.
26
Turn right onto West Abram Street
297 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Abram Street
27
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
With a driving time of just over 7 hours, it's entirely feasible to complete this trip in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Dimmitt, TX, to ensure you have ample daylight and can make your recommended 2 stops comfortably. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 216.6-mile stretch on US 84, as services might be less frequent. The $62 fuel estimate provides a good baseline for budgeting, but always factor in potential price fluctuations.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 204.6 miles from Dimmitt, TX, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 216.6 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 90 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 204.6 miles or 3h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dimmitt, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Dimmitt, TX
This is one driving day of about 409.2 miles and 7h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from Dimmitt, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 84 for about 216.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
205 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 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 204.6 miles from Dimmitt, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 84 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 216.6 miles.
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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area Westbound US 84
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area Eastbound US 84
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Waterfall Overlook
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Hill Arbor
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.8 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.1 mi from route
American Windmill Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~12 min detour
Early stretch
4.9 mi from route
~12 min detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18067478734
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 43.7 and 407.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
43.7 mi into trip
|
~46m in
|
US 385; Loop 430 / East Delano Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 385; Loop 430 / East Delano Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
196.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
|
US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84 toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
8
379.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 32m in
|
I 30 / West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
8
406.8 mi into trip
|
~7h 5m in
Take the exit toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street
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.
Exit 27A
Toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street
6
407.8 mi into trip
|
~7h 7m in
|
West Randol Mill Road
Turn left onto West Randol Mill Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.05 one way
$112.10 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
143 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $62.60 | $125.21 |
| premium | $4.23 | $68.07 | $136.13 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $77.26 | $154.53 |
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: 143.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 122.8 | 1 | $42.97 | $19.64 |
| Efficient EV | 102.3 | 1 | $35.81 | $16.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 163.7 | 2 | $57.29 | $26.19 |
Gas CO2
143 kg
EV CO2
48 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.
Origin
Dimmitt, TX
Late night in Dimmitt on Sunday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 to 15 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Arlington, TX
Late night in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
4:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph
33% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
102°F
Roscoe, TX
205 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.
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
11 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
7h 10m 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?
Expect a highway-focused drive for 95% of this 409.2-mile route. Your journey will largely unfold on US 84 and US 385, offering a consistent pace for most of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 216.6 miles on US 84, so settle in for some sustained driving. While the scenery remains consistent with the Great Plains region for much of the drive, the approach to Arlington signals a clear shift as you near the urban environment.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 216.6 mi on US 84.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 84 and US Highway 84. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 43.7 miles in near US 385; Loop 430 / East Delano Avenue.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 409.2 miles you will encounter 14 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: at 43.7 miles (US 385; Loop 430 / East Delano Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 196.3 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 379.3 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,874 ft
604 ft
Total Climb
349 ft
Total Descent
3,618 ft
Highest Point
3,874 ft
Elevation Range
3,270 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Dimmitt, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Arlington, TX
Full guide →Founded 1876
Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.
Top landmarks
- • Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
- • Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
- • Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States
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 7h 10m. Total distance: 409.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 10m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 216.6 miles on US 84. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 39 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 Arlington, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 39 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 43.7 miles (US 385; Loop 430 / East Delano Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 196.3 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 379.3 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Arlington, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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