Origin
Groesbeck, TX
Night in Groesbeck on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Groesbeck, TX to Montopolis, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 42m
Distance
138.9 mi
224 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 32m
★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 50m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 51m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Groesbeck, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 138.9-mile drive from Groesbeck, TX to Montopolis, TX, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via I-35 and State Highway 164, with a portion of the Purple Heart Trail also included. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, this trip offers a budget-friendly option for a quick excursion. The route traverses the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a consistent landscape throughout. This drive is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
69.4 miles from Groesbeck, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 52.6 mi | 54m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 36.1 mi | 37m |
| State Highway 164 | 16.4 mi | 24m |
| East Texas Avenue | 8.7 mi | 13m |
| East State Highway 6 | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| East Loop 340 | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 4.8 mi | 5m |
| US 183 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 52.6 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Groesbeck, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on West Trinity Street
95 ft
·
9 sec
·
West Trinity Street
2
Turn left onto TX 14
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
North Ellis Street
3
Turn right onto TX 164
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
West Yeagua Street
4
Continue on TX 164
16 mi
·
24 min
·
State Highway 164
5
Continue on TX 164
8.7 mi
·
13 min
·
East Texas Avenue
6
Merge onto TX 6
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
East State Highway 6
7
Take the exit onto TX 6
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
TX 6
8
Turn left onto TX 6; Loop 340
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
East Loop 340
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 35: Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin
10
Turn straight onto South Loop 340
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
South Loop 340
Toward I 35: Dallas, Ft Worth, Austin
11
Continue on South Loop 340
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Loop 340
Toward I 35: Dallas, Ft Worth, Austin
12
Turn slight right
0.2 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 35 South: Austin
13
Turn straight onto South Interstate 35
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Interstate 35
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 35 South
15
Merge onto I 35
36 mi
·
37 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi
·
54 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Use the slight left lane.
19
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
22
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
23
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
24
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 2-hour, 42-minute duration for this 138.9-mile trip, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that suits you best. With only one recommended stop, you can easily plan your break within the longest stretch of 52.6 miles on I-35. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading out, as the estimated fuel cost is $21. For a more relaxed experience, consider leaving in the morning to take advantage of daylight for the entire drive. A good tip is to check local traffic conditions on I-35 before you depart, as this is the primary highway for a significant portion of your journey.
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 69.4 miles from Groesbeck, TX, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.6 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 31 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.4 miles or 1h 28m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montopolis, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Groesbeck, 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 Groesbeck, TX
This is one driving day of about 138.9 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Groesbeck, 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 35 for about 52.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.4 miles from Groesbeck, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 138.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
TX 14 / North Ellis Street
Turn left onto TX 14 / North Ellis Street
Navigation decision point
6
77.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
|
I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
130 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
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 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
7
130.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
7
138.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward Montopolis Drive, Patton 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.
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.99 one way
$41.98 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $22.97 | $45.95 |
| premium | $4.54 | $24.80 | $49.60 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.67 | $61.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.7 | 0 | $14.58 | $6.67 |
| Efficient EV | 34.7 | 0 | $12.15 | $5.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.6 | 0 | $19.45 | $8.89 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Night in Montopolis on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
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
3 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 42m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 33.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 60% of the journey taking place on highways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 52.6 miles on I-35, suggesting a significant portion of the drive will be on this main interstate. The character of the road will likely shift as you transition between the faster interstate speeds and the more local feel of State Highway 164 and the Purple Heart Trail. This blend means you'll experience both efficient travel and potentially more varied driving conditions as you progress toward Montopolis.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.6 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near TX 14 / North Ellis Street.
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 16 significant decision points across 138.9 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: near the start (TX 14 / North Ellis Street): Navigation decision point; at 77.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Groesbeck, TX and Montopolis, TX, road signs point toward Austin, Ft Worth and Lampasas.
Austin
38.5 mi in
|
~53m
Ft Worth
38.6 mi in
|
~53m
|
via South Loop 340
Lampasas
130 mi in
|
~2h 31m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 138.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (60%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 52.6 miles on I 35. 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 Montopolis, 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: near the start (TX 14 / North Ellis Street): Navigation decision point; at 77.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Montopolis, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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