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Trip from Gladewater, TX to Fort Worth, 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

2h 38m

Distance

150.4 mi

242 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 28m ★
6 AM
2h 38m
8 AM
2h 59m
10 AM
2h 46m
12 PM
2h 44m
3 PM
2h 47m
5 PM
2h 58m
8 PM
2h 32m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Texas, United States

Gladewater, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Fort Worth, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 150.4-mile drive from Gladewater, TX, to Fort Worth, TX, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes. You'll spend a significant portion of your journey on major highways, with 84% of the route being highway-focused. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $23, making it an economical choice for a day excursion. Given its manageable length and straightforward path, this route is ideal for a single-day adventure without the need for an overnight stop. The drive primarily traverses the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a consistent landscape throughout.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

75.2 miles from Gladewater, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 20 90.9 mi 1h 32m
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway 22 mi 23m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway 19.7 mi 21m
US Highway 271 10 mi 10m
South Freeway 3.4 mi 3m
South Tyler Street 2.7 mi 3m
North Main Street 0.3 mi <1m
East Allen Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 20 — 90.9 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gladewater, TX and Fort Worth, TX.

1

Start on US 271

0.3 mi · 24 sec · North Main Street
2

Turn slight right onto US 271

2.7 mi · 3 min · South Tyler Street
3

Continue on US 271

10.0 mi · 10 min · US Highway 271
4

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
5

Merge onto I 20

72 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight left at fork onto I 20

19 mi · 20 min · I 20
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 20

22 mi · 23 min · Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 20

20 mi · 21 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 437 Toward I 35W South, I 35W North: Waco, Denton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward I 35W North: Denton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 14 sec
Toward I 35W North: Fort Worth
12

Merge onto I 35W

3.2 mi · 3 min · South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 49A Toward Allen Avenue Use the slight right lane.
14

Turn straight onto South Freeway

0.1 mi · 18 sec · South Freeway
15

Turn left onto East Allen Avenue

210 ft · 12 sec · East Allen Avenue
16

Turn left onto South Freeway

258 ft · 5 sec · South Freeway
17

Arrive at destination

South Freeway

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 38-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Gladewater to maximize your time in Fort Worth. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. The fuel cost is estimated at $23, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before leaving Gladewater to minimize any potential detours for gas. While the route is predominantly highway, keep an eye on signage for any upcoming lane changes or potential traffic, especially as you approach the Fort Worth area. A good tip is to utilize your GPS for real-time traffic updates on I-20 as this is your longest stretch and can sometimes experience congestion.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 75.2 miles from Gladewater, TX, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 90.9 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 33 miles or 34m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 75.2 miles or 1h 17m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 8m

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 Gladewater, 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 Gladewater, TX

This is one driving day of about 150.4 miles and 2h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Gladewater, 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 I 20 for about 90.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Seagoville, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Seagoville, TX

75 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.

Popular next leg

Seagoville, TX to Fort Worth, TX

52.9 mi · 59m

Pacing Suggestions

Lindale, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kaufman, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 75.2 miles from Gladewater, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 90.9 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.

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18179665509

Visit website

Fort Worth Herd

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm

+18173364373

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 13.3 and 149.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
13.3 mi into trip | ~15m in | I 20

Merge onto I 20

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
85 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in | I 20

Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 toward I 20 West: Fort Worth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
8
145.9 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Take the exit toward I 35W South, I 35W North: Waco, Denton

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 437 Toward I 35W South, I 35W North: Waco, Denton
7
146.1 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W North: Denton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35W North: Denton
7
149.9 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in

Take the exit toward Allen Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 49A Toward Allen Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.73 one way

$45.45 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $24.88 $49.75
premium $4.54 $26.85 $53.71
diesel $5.61 $33.21 $66.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.1 0 $15.79 $7.22
Efficient EV 37.6 0 $13.16 $6.02
EV Truck/SUV 60.2 0 $21.06 $9.63

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 18, 2026

Origin

Gladewater, TX

Late night in Gladewater on Tuesday

Local time

4:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 5 to 10 mph 35% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 2:03AM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 2:01AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

Destination

Fort Worth, TX

Late night in Fort Worth on Tuesday

Local time

4:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

62°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

1 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

2h 38m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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 experience for most of this 150.4-mile journey. With 84% of the route on major roadways like I-20, Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, and Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway, this drive is characterized by efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 90.9 miles on I-20, allowing for extended periods of steady driving. While primarily interstate, this route offers a consistent pace, suitable for those who prefer covering ground efficiently rather than seeking varied terrain. The character remains largely highway-centric from start to finish.

84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 90.9 mi on I 20.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.3 miles in near I 20.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 11 significant decision points across 150.4 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 13.3 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85 miles (I 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Gladewater, TX

Full guide →

Gladewater is a city in the Central Piney Woods region of Texas. It's probably best known for being Elvis Presley's base early in his career, and Johnny Cash wrote "I Walk the Line" here.

Arriving in Fort Worth, TX

Full guide →

“Panther city” · Founded 1849

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

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 2h 38m. Total distance: 150.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 90.9 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 13.3 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85 miles (I 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Fort Worth, TX before heading back.

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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