This 361.4-mile drive from Fritch, Texas, to Fort Worth, Texas, will take you about 6 hours and 44 minutes. Primarily following US Highway 287 East, this route is an excellent candidate for a single-day trip, especially since only one stop is recommended. You can expect a fuel cost of around $55 for this journey. The scenery transitions from the open landscapes of the Great Plains to the more developed areas as you approach Fort Worth. This highway-focused drive covers 83% on major roadways, making it a straightforward trip.
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
180.7 miles from Fritch, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 287
121.1 mi
2h 7m
Central East Freeway
99.2 mi
1h 46m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
West 2nd Street
27.8 mi
30m
West Broadway Street
20.6 mi
30m
FM 683
6.2 mi
10m
Northwest Freeway
5.2 mi
5m
US 81
4.6 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 287
— 121.1 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fritch, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
1
Start on TX 136
21 mi·30 min·West Broadway Street
2
Turn left onto FM 293
1.4 mi·2 min·FM 293
3
Turn right onto FM 683
6.2 mi·10 min·FM 683
4
Turn right onto US 60
1.6 mi·1 min·US Highway 60
5
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66
1.3 mi·1 min·East US Highway 66
6
Continue on I 40 Business; US Historic 66
3.2 mi·3 min·East Business 40
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 40 East: Oklahoma City
8
Merge onto I 40
1.4 mi·1 min·I 40
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward FM 2373
10
Turn left
241 ft·8 sec
11
Turn right onto FM 2373
3.5 mi·6 min·FM 2373
12
Turn left onto US 287
11 mi·11 min·US Highway 287
13
Continue on US 287
1.1 mi·2 min·West 1st Street
14
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
28 mi·28 min·US Highway 287
15
Continue on US 287; TX 70
28 mi·30 min·West 2nd Street
16
Turn slight right onto US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
17
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·58 sec·Burnett Street
18
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
19
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northwest
20
Continue on US 287
54 mi·58 min·US Highway 287
21
Continue on US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
41 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·Northwest Freeway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287
0.6 mi·42 sec·Northwest Freeway
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
25
Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287
2.5 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
1.8 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
97 mi·1 hr 43 min·Central East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on US 81; US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Merge onto I 35W; US 287
4.5 mi·4 min·North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.6 mi·33 sec
Toward I 35W Express Toll SouthUse the slight left lane.
33
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
4.0 mi·3 min·I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Merge onto I 35W
1.1 mi·1 min·North South Freeway
35
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus
0.5 mi·1 min·US 287 Bus
Exit 49BToward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen AvenueUse the slight right lane.
36
Continue on South Freeway
0.4 mi·46 sec·South Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
37
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour, 44-minute duration, an early morning departure from Fritch is ideal to reach Fort Worth by afternoon. With only one recommended stop and a long stretch of 121.1 miles on US Highway 287, ensure you have enough fuel before you embark. The estimated fuel cost is approximately $55. This route is well-suited for a single-day journey, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you approach the larger metropolitan area of Fort Worth.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 180.7 miles from Fritch, TX, or about 3h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.1 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 180.7 miles or 3h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Worth, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fritch, 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 Fritch, TX
This is one driving day of about 361.4 miles and 6h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fritch, 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 Highway 287 for about 121.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 34.3 and 360.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
34.3 mi into trip|~50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 East: Oklahoma City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 40 East: Oklahoma City
6
242.6 mi into trip|~4h 35m in|US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, U...
6
249.2 mi into trip|~4h 43m in|US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
354.9 mi into trip|~6h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 35W Express Toll South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35W Express Toll South
8
360.6 mi into trip|~6h 42m in|US 287 Bus
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
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 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.61 one way
$109.22 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg126 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$59.77
$119.55
premium
$4.54
$64.53
$129.05
diesel
$5.61
$79.79
$159.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 126.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
108.4
1
$37.95
$17.35
Efficient EV
90.4
1
$31.62
$14.46
EV Truck/SUV
144.6
1
$50.60
$23.13
Gas CO2
126 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Fritch, TX
Late night
in Fritch on Sunday
Local time
1:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Worth, TX
Late night
in Fort Worth on Sunday
Local time
1:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°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.
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
19 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
6h 44m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Get ready for a highway-focused experience, as 83% of this drive utilizes major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 121.1 miles along US Highway 287, so plan your breaks accordingly. While primarily on high-speed highways, the route offers a consistent pace, allowing for efficient travel. You'll be spending most of your time on US Highway 287 East and portions of the Central East Freeway, so expect a driving environment geared towards covering distance.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 121.1 mi on US Highway 287.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 287 and Central East Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 34.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 18 significant decision points across 361.4 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 34.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 242.6 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249.2 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Fritch, TX to Fort Worth, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fm 2373 along the way.
Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.
Top landmarks
•Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
•Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
•St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, Texas
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 44m. Total distance: 361.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 44m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 121.1 miles on US Highway 287. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Fort Worth, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 34.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 242.6 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249.2 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Worth, TX before the return drive.
