Gunter, TX to El Paso, TX is 674.7 miles and takes about 11 hours 26 minutes via I 20 and I 10, with a fuel budget near $102 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This long-distance drive traverses the vast expanse of Texas, starting in the Great Plains region and ending in a similar landscape. Given its duration, it's best suited for a two-day trip, allowing for a more relaxed pace. You'll spend most of your time on major interstate highways, making it a straightforward journey across the state.
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
337.3 miles from Gunter, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 20
421 mi
7h
I 10
166.7 mi
2h 43m
TX 121
15.2 mi
16m
South 8th Street
13.1 mi
16m
Jim Wright Freeway
12.8 mi
14m
Sam Rayburn Tollway
11.6 mi
12m
Dallas North Tollway
8.6 mi
9m
I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 421 mi, about 7h
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 96 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~1,511 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,850
Quietest
2 AM
~212 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gunter, TX and El Paso, TX.
1
Start on North 4th Street
65 ft·8 sec·North 4th Street
2
Turn left onto FM 121
0.3 mi·33 sec·West Main Street
3
Turn right onto TX 289
13 mi·16 min·South 8th Street
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on TX 289
3.0 mi·4 min·North Preston Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Turn slight right
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward US 380
6
Keep slight right at fork
233 ft·11 sec
7
Turn right onto West University Drive
0.2 mi·19 sec·West University Drive
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·30 sec
9
Merge onto US 380
0.2 mi·14 sec·West University Drive
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward Dallas North TollwayUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on West University Drive
0.3 mi·42 sec·West University Drive
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn left onto Dallas Parkway
0.5 mi·42 sec·Dallas Parkway
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward DNT Toll South
14
Merge onto DNT
8.6 mi·9 min·Dallas North Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward SRT: Sam Rayburn TollwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto SRT
8.1 mi·8 min·Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on TX 121
1.4 mi·1 min·TX 121
19
Continue on SRT
3.4 mi·3 min·Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on TX 121
6.9 mi·7 min·TX 121
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121
6.9 mi·7 min·TX 121
Toward TX 121 South: Forth Worth, Arlington, Grand PraireUse the left / right lanes.
22
Take the exit onto TX 121 Express
0.7 mi·42 sec·TX 121 Express
Toward TX 121 Express South Toll, TX 183 Express West TollUse the left lane.
23
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
3.4 mi·3 min·SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
0.1 mi·7 sec·SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
0.7 mi·42 sec·SH 121/183 TEXpress
26
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi·6 min·I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express West TollUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 820
0.4 mi·24 sec·Northeast Loop
28
Continue on I 820
13 mi·14 min·Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 3AToward I 30 West: WeatherfordUse the slight right lane.
30
Merge onto I 30
6.0 mi·6 min·West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Merge onto I 20
421 mi·7 hr·I 20
Use the slight right lane.
32
Merge onto I 10
167 mi·2 hr 43 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 19BToward Missouri Avenue, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Turn straight onto East Missouri Avenue
0.3 mi·49 sec·East Missouri Avenue
35
Turn left onto TX 20
0.3 mi·27 sec·North Mesa Street
36
Arrive at destination
North Mesa Street
Trip Plan
Since this trip spans over 11 hours, splitting it into two days is highly recommended for safety and comfort. Aim to depart early in the morning on your first day to maximize daylight. Plan for approximately three stops along the way, focusing on rest areas or towns with available services. Given the 674.7-mile distance, consider breaking the journey roughly in half. Watch your fuel levels, especially on the longest stretch of 421 miles on I 20, as services can sometimes be spaced out in West Texas.
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 337.3 miles from Gunter, TX, or about 5h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 421 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 148 miles or 2h 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 337.3 miles or 5h 52m 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 337.3 miles or 5h 52m
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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near El Paso, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gunter, 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 Gunter, TX
Aim for roughly 337 miles and 5.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into El Paso, TX
Aim for roughly 337 miles and 5.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 148 miles from Gunter, 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 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.2 and 673.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
17.2 mi into trip|~24m in
Take the exit toward Dallas North Tollway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Dallas North Tollway
8
48 mi into trip|~59m in|TX 121
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121 toward TX 121 South: Forth Worth, Arlington, Grand Praire
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward TX 121 South: Forth Worth, Arlington, Gr...
7
54.9 mi into trip|~1h 7m in|TX 121 Express
Take the exit onto TX 121 Express toward TX 121 Express South Toll, TX 183 Express West Toll
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward TX 121 Express South Toll, TX 183 Expres...
7
79.9 mi into trip|~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 30 West: Weatherford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3A
Toward I 30 West: Weatherford
8
673.9 mi into trip|~11h 25m in
Take the exit toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown
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 19B
Toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$92.41 one way
$184.83 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg236 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$103.22
$206.45
premium
$4.23
$112.23
$224.46
diesel
$4.80
$127.40
$254.79
Estimated Tolls: $1.62
Sam Rayburn Tollway
(11.6 mi)$0.93
Dallas North Tollway
(8.6 mi)$0.69
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
$92
Tolls
$2
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$224–$334
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 236.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $71 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
202.4
2
$70.84
$32.39
Efficient EV
168.7
1
$59.04
$26.99
EV Truck/SUV
269.9
3
$94.46
$43.18
Gas CO2
236 kg
EV CO2
79 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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Gunter, TX
Evening
in Gunter on Monday
Local time
6:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph38% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:19PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:10PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
Destination
El Paso, TX
Evening
in El Paso on Monday
Local time
5:47 PM
MDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 7 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:19PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:10PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
4 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
11h 26m 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 674.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly an interstate experience, with 94% of the drive on major highways like I 20 and I 10. Expect long, straight stretches conducive to maintaining steady speeds. The longest uninterrupted segment covers 421 miles on I 20, meaning you'll have ample opportunity to settle in for extended periods. While the landscape is likely to be consistent across the Great Plains, the sheer scale of this drive emphasizes efficiency and endurance over winding roads or frequent changes in scenery.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 421 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 17.2 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 23 significant decision points across 674.7 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 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 48 miles (TX 121): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.9 miles (TX 121 Express): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,381 ft635 ft
Total Climb
4,010 ft
Total Descent
1,001 ft
Highest Point
4,381 ft
~530.1 mi in
Elevation Range
3,746 ft
Notable High Points
4,381 ft at ~530.1 miles+20 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Gunter, TX and El Paso, TX, road signs point toward Arlington and Grand Praire.
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.
Top landmarks
•El Paso Museum of Art — art museum in El Paso, Texas
•Union Depot — historic place in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
•Plaza Theatre — building in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
The longest stretch is about 421 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 337 miles on day one.
Expect about $1.62 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.
Yes — we found about 73 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 El Paso, 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. There are 73 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 48 miles (TX 121): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.9 miles (TX 121 Express): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 11.4 hours each way, a round trip means 22.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at El Paso, TX before the return drive.
