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Trip from Early, TX to Lubbock, TX

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Compiled 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

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 59m ★
6 AM
4h 12m
8 AM
4h 38m
10 AM
4h 21m
12 PM
4h 19m
3 PM
4h 23m
5 PM
4h 37m
8 PM
4h 4m

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

Downtown Early, TX, TX

Early, TX

Monstera Production

county seat of Lubbock County, Texas, United States

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
Longest stretch: US 84 — 74.5 mi, about 1h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Early, TX and Lubbock, TX.

1

Start on US 84; US 183

149 ft · 4 sec · US 84; US 183
2

Merge onto US 84; US 183

146 ft · 29 sec · Garmon Drive
3

Continue on US 84; US 183

286 ft · 11 sec · Garmon Drive
4

Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377

1.7 mi · 2 min · Early Boulevard
5

Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377

22 mi · 25 min · East Commerce Street
6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283

7.2 mi · 8 min · Wallis Avenue
7

Turn right onto TX 153

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Walnut Street
8

Continue on TX 153; TX 206

1.0 mi · 1 min · West Walnut Street
9

Continue on TX 153

69 mi · 1 hr 14 min · State Highway 153
10

Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153

19 ft · 0 sec · State Highway 153
11

Turn right onto TX 70

10 mi · 10 min · State Highway 70
12

Continue on TX 70

0.8 mi · 1 min · Lamar Street
13

Turn left onto Northwest Georgia Avenue

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Northwest Georgia Avenue
14

Take the ramp

340 ft · 8 sec
Toward I 20 West: Midland
15

Merge onto I 20; US 84

6.0 mi · 5 min · I 20; US 84
16

Take the exit onto US 84

0.3 mi · 19 sec · US 84
Exit 238A Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
17

Keep slight left at fork onto US 84

74 mi · 1 hr 14 min · US 84
18

Turn right onto Loop 46

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Avenue F
19

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 207

0.1 mi · 10 sec · North Avenue F
20

Turn straight onto TX 207

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Ralls Road
21

Turn left onto Spur 575

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East 15th Street
22

Turn right onto US 84

1.0 mi · 1 min · North US Highway 84
23

Continue on US 84

20 mi · 19 min · Highway 84
24

Continue on US 84

4.6 mi · 4 min · Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
25

Continue on US 84

6.8 mi · 6 min · East Highway 84
26

Continue on US 84

4.9 mi · 6 min · Slaton Road
27

Continue on US 84

2.9 mi · 3 min · Avenue Q South Drive
28

Turn right onto US 62; TX 114

33 ft · 0 sec · 19th Street
29

Arrive at destination

US 62; TX 114

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 117.8 miles from Early, TX, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.5 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 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.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Early, TX.
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 US 84 for about 74.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Nolan County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Roscoe, TX

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

Ballinger, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Roscoe, TX

Meal break

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 check

Top 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.

Rest Area US-84 US-283

0 mi from route

Llano Estacado Picnic Area

0 mi from route

Picnic Area

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

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

Eagles Landing Travel Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

1.3 mi from route

Rest Area

2.2 mi from route

Mackenzie Main City Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Lubbock, Texas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18067752673

Visit website

American Windmill Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Lubbock, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18067478734

Visit website

The Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Brownwood, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13256436376

Visit website

Brown County Museum of History

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Brownwood, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13256411926

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 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.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 84; US 183 / Garmon Drive

Merge onto US 84; US 183 / Garmon Drive

Merge point - match speed before joining

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377 / Early Boulevard

Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377 / Early Boulevard

Navigation decision point

4
23.8 mi into trip | ~28m in | US 84; US 283 / Wallis Avenue

Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283 / Wallis Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
102 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in | TX 153 / State Highway 153

Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153 / State Highway 153

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
119.3 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in | US 84

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

Exit 238A Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.60 one way

$71.20 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 82 kg CO2
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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Early, TX

Late night in Early on Tuesday

Local time

5:40 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lubbock, TX

Late night in Lubbock on Tuesday

Local time

5:40 AM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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.

80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.5 mi on US 84.

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.

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 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

The longest stretch is about 74.5 miles on US 84. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 10 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 Lubbock, 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Lubbock, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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