Trip from Early, TX to Lubbock, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 12m
Distance
235.6 mi
379 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
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.
Early, TX
Monstera Production
Lubbock, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on the drive from Early, TX, to Lubbock, TX, covers 235.7 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 41 minutes. This route is entirely within the Great Plains region of Texas, meaning you'll experience consistent, open landscapes. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, this trip is quite economical. It's perfectly suited as a single-day journey, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The main roads you'll navigate include Garmon Drive, Early Boulevard, and East Commerce Street, indicating a more localized, turn-heavy experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise.
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
117.8 miles from Early, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 84 | 74.5 mi | 1h 14m |
| State Highway 153 | 69 mi | 1h 14m |
| East Commerce Street | 22 mi | 25m |
| Highway 84 | 20 mi | 19m |
| State Highway 70 | 10.4 mi | 10m |
| Wallis Avenue | 7.2 mi | 8m |
| East Highway 84 | 6.8 mi | 6m |
| I 20 | 6 mi | 5m |
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Early, TX and Lubbock, TX.
Start on US 84; US 183
Merge onto US 84; US 183
Continue on US 84; US 183
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283
Turn right onto TX 153
Continue on TX 153; TX 206
Continue on TX 153
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153
Turn right onto TX 70
Continue on TX 70
Turn left onto Northwest Georgia Avenue
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 20; US 84
Take the exit onto US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
Turn right onto Loop 46
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 207
Turn straight onto TX 207
Turn left onto Spur 575
Turn right onto US 84
Continue on US 84
Continue on US 84
Continue on US 84
Continue on US 84
Continue on US 84
Turn right onto US 62; TX 114
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour and 41-minute duration and a fuel cost of around $36, this trip from Early to Lubbock is ideal for a single-day adventure. Plan to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the numerous turns this route entails. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break. Since this is a local drive with a 0% highway share, pay close attention to road signs and navigation, especially as you enter and exit towns. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services might be more spaced out between populated areas.
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.
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 52 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.8 miles or 2h 10m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lubbock, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
Open the route before leaving Early, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Early, TX
This is one driving day of about 235.6 miles and 4h 12m.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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
A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 117.8 miles from Early, 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 74.5 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.
Llano Estacado Picnic Area
Picnic Area
Service Plaza
Love's Travel Stop
TA
Service Plaza
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
Flying J Travel Center
Rest Area
Mackenzie Main City Park
Near the end, short detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+18067752673
Visit websiteAmerican Windmill Museum
Near the end, short detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18067478734
Visit websiteThe Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum
Near the start, short detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256436376
Visit websiteBrown County Museum of History
Near the start, short detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256411926
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 0 and 119.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Merge onto US 84; US 183 / Garmon Drive
Merge point - match speed before joining
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377 / Early Boulevard
Navigation decision point
Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283 / Wallis Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153 / State Highway 153
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Take the exit onto US 84 toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.60 one way
$71.20 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $38.97 | $77.93 |
| premium | $4.54 | $42.06 | $84.13 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.02 | $104.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.7 | 0 | $24.74 | $11.31 |
| Efficient EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.62 | $9.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.2 | 1 | $32.98 | $15.08 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 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
Early, TX
Late night in Early on Tuesday
Local time
5:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Destination
Lubbock, TX
Late night in Lubbock on Tuesday
Local time
5:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
85°F
Roscoe, TX
118 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
4 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
4h 12m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you won't be spending your time on high-speed interstates. With 0% highway share, expect a more engaging experience navigating city streets and local thoroughfares. The absence of a 'longest stretch' data point further suggests frequent intersections and changes in direction. You'll likely find yourself managing more turns and potentially lower average speeds as you transition through different communities on your way to Lubbock. This route offers a less monotonous journey, requiring more active navigation.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 84 and State Highway 153. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 84; US 183 / Garmon Drive.
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 235.6 miles you will encounter 17 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 84; US 183 / Garmon Drive): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 0.1 miles (US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377 / Early Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 23.8 miles (US 84; US 283 / Wallis Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
About the Cities
Starting in Early, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Lubbock, TX
Full guide →“Hub City” · Founded 1890
Lubbock is the largest city in the Panhandle of Texas and serves as the area's agricultural and economic hub. Lubbock, commonly known as the Hub City, is in the center of the South Plains, an expansive cotton-growing region.
Top landmarks
- • Buddy Holly Center — music museum and art gallery in Lubbock, Texas
- • Holden Properties Historic District — historic district in Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
- • Cactus Theater — building in Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
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 4h 12m. Total distance: 235.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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