Traveling from El Paso to Anthony, Texas, covers a significant 702.8-mile journey across the Great Plains. You should anticipate approximately 12 hours and 1 minute of time behind the wheel, making this a substantial undertaking that is best split over two days. By utilizing a mix of I-20, I-10, and the Sam Rayburn Tollway, you will navigate a route heavily reliant on major interstate infrastructure. With an estimated fuel budget of $107, keeping an eye on your tank is a necessary part of your financial planning. While the trip stays within the Great Plains region and the state of Texas, the sheer distance suggests that planning for an overnight stay is the most realistic approach for a safe and comfortable drive.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
351.4 miles from El Paso, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 20
421.1 mi
6h 59m
I 10
166.8 mi
2h 43m
Sam Rayburn Tollway
23 mi
24m
Sam Rayburn Highway
13.7 mi
15m
Jim Wright Freeway
12.6 mi
14m
TX 121 Express
8.9 mi
10m
State Highway 160
8.4 mi
12m
US 69
7.8 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 421.1 mi, about 6h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between El Paso, TX and Anthony, TX.
1
Start on North Mesa Street
0.2 mi·24 sec·North Mesa Street
2
Turn right onto East Franklin Avenue
0.2 mi·26 sec·East Franklin Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 10 East
4
Merge onto I 10; US 180
167 mi·2 hr 43 min·I 10; US 180
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
421 mi·6 hr 59 min·I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
5.6 mi·5 min·West Freeway
Exit 421Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort WorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 5BToward I 820 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 820
13 mi·14 min·Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 820
0.3 mi·18 sec·Northeast Loop
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi·6 min·I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas EntranceUse the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
4.4 mi·4 min·SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto TX 121 Express
8.9 mi·10 min·TX 121 Express
Toward TX 121 North: DFW Airport North EntryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121
5.5 mi·6 min·TX 121
Toward TX 121 North, I 635 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on SRT
3.6 mi·3 min·Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on TX 121
1.3 mi·1 min·TX 121
16
Continue on SRT
19 mi·20 min·Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward US 75 North, TX 121 North, US 75 South: Sherman, DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward US 75 North, TX 121 North: ShermanUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 75 North, TX 121 North: ShermanUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto US 75
7.1 mi·7 min·Central Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 44Toward TX 121 North: BonhamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on TX 121
14 mi·15 min·Sam Rayburn Highway
Toward TX 121 North: Bonham
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward TX 160: Whitewright, Blue Ridge
24
Turn left onto TX 160
8.4 mi·12 min·State Highway 160
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on US 69
7.8 mi·11 min·US 69
26
Turn right onto FM 1897
4.4 mi·6 min·Ole Ambrose Road
27
Turn right onto FM 1753
1.0 mi·1 min·FM 1753
28
Arrive at destination
FM 1753
Trip Plan
To manage the 12-hour duration effectively, plan for at least three designated stops to keep yourself alert and refreshed. Since the route involves such a long stretch on I-20, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns near major hubs. Factor the $107 fuel cost into your budget beforehand so you aren't caught off guard at the pump. Given the recommended two-day itinerary, consider splitting the journey near the midpoint to avoid driver fatigue. My best tip for this specific route is to monitor your fuel levels closely before entering the longest 421.1-mile segment, as consistent highway driving can impact your consumption rates differently than city commutes.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 351.4 miles from El Paso, TX, or about 5h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 421.1 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 155 miles or 2h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 351.4 miles or 5h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 351.4 miles or 5h 48m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 10h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anthony, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving El Paso, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from El Paso, TX
Aim for roughly 351 miles and 6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Anthony, TX
Aim for roughly 351 miles and 6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 155 miles from El Paso, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 20 for about 421.1 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 588.6 and 659.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
588.6 mi into trip|~9h 44m 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
7
594.2 mi into trip|~9h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 820 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5B
Toward I 820 North
8
628.2 mi into trip|~10h 28m in|TX 121
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121 toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
8
658.2 mi into trip|~11h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 75 North, TX 121 North: Sherman
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 75 North, TX 121 North: Sherman
8
659.2 mi into trip|~11h 3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 75 North, TX 121 North: Sherman
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 75 North, TX 121 North: Sherman
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$106.19 one way
$212.39 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg246 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$116.24
$232.48
premium
$4.54
$125.48
$250.96
diesel
$5.61
$155.17
$310.34
Estimated Tolls: $2.42
Sam Rayburn Tollway
(23 mi)$1.85
Central Expressway
(7.1 mi)$0.57
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
$106
Tolls
$2
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$239–$349
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 245.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $74 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
210.8
2
$73.79
$33.73
Efficient EV
175.7
2
$61.49
$28.11
EV Truck/SUV
281.1
3
$98.39
$44.98
Gas CO2
246 kg
EV CO2
82 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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 15, 2026
Origin
El Paso, TX
Late night
in El Paso on Sunday
Local time
4:28 AM
MDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Anthony, TX
Late night
in Anthony on Sunday
Local time
5:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 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
12h 1m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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.
Chamizal National Memorial
National Memorial
Chamizal is more than just an urban park to recreate or enjoy a quiet afternoon. These grounds are a reminder of the harmonious settlement of a 100-year boundary dispute between the United States and...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a serious interstate grind, as 94% of this 702.8-mile trip takes place on major highways. You will settle into a long-haul rhythm, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 421.1 miles spent on I-20. The character of the road is defined by fast-paced travel rather than technical, winding local bypasses. Because you are spending the vast majority of your time on high-speed thoroughfares, the drive remains consistent from start to finish. Staying focused during these extended highway segments is essential for maintaining a steady pace toward your destination in Anthony.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 421.1 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 588.6 miles in near I 30 / West Freeway.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 702.8 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 588.6 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 594.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 628.2 miles (TX 121): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from El Paso, TX to Anthony, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas along the way.
El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas, with 679,000 residents (2020). It is on the United States-Mexico border. The city on the other side of the border is Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. El Paso is often called the Sun City. Collectively, the city of El Paso and other nearby cities, such as Juarez and Las Cruces, New Mexico are referred to as The Borderland.
The longest stretch is about 421.1 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 351 miles on day one.
Expect about $2.42 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Rayburn Tollway. 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 Anthony, 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 3 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 588.6 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 594.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 628.2 miles (TX 121): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chamizal National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 12.0 hours each way, a round trip means 24.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Anthony, TX before the return drive.
