Hereford, TX to Fort Worth, TX is 384.6 miles and takes about 6h 55m via US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward path across Texas. You'll find it's a largely highway-focused trip, making it a solid option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. Consider this route if you want a predictable drive with minimal complexity, especially if you're aiming to get to Fort Worth within a single day.
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
192.3 miles from Hereford, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Central East Freeway
99.2 mi
1h 46m
US Highway 287
81.8 mi
1h 27m
US 287
77.2 mi
1h 21m
West 1st Street
46 mi
50m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
I 40
7.6 mi
9m
Northwest Freeway
5.2 mi
5m
US 81
4.6 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Central East Freeway
— 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hereford, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
1
Start on this road
242 ft·23 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto US 60
46 mi·50 min·West 1st Street
3
Take the exit
0.1 mi·11 sec
Exit 123BToward I 40, US 287 South: Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Fort WorthUse the straight / right lanes.
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Exit 123BToward I 40 East, US 287 South: Oklahoma City, Fort WorthUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto I 40; US 287
7.6 mi·9 min·I 40; US 287
6
Take the exit onto US 287
77 mi·1 hr 21 min·US 287
Exit 78Toward US 287 South: Fort Worth
7
Turn slight right onto US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
8
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·58 sec·Burnett Street
9
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
10
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northwest
11
Continue on US 287
54 mi·58 min·US Highway 287
12
Continue on US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
41 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·Northwest Freeway
15
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
16
Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287
2.5 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
1.8 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
20
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.
21
Continue on US 81; US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 35W; US 287
4.5 mi·4 min·North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.6 mi·33 sec
Toward I 35W Express Toll SouthUse the slight left lane.
24
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
4.0 mi·3 min·I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 35W
1.1 mi·1 min·North South Freeway
26
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.
27
Continue on South Freeway
0.4 mi·46 sec·South Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
28
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 55m duration, starting your drive in Hereford, TX shortly after sunrise is ideal to ensure you arrive in Fort Worth with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a $56 fuel estimate, you have flexibility in pacing. The longest stretch without major changes is 99.2 miles on US Highway 287, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before hitting those longer segments. Since this is a single-day trip, you can afford to be spontaneous with your stops if you see a good place to stretch your legs.
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 192.3 miles from Hereford, TX, or about 3h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 85 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 192.3 miles or 3h 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 5h 50m
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 Hereford, 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 Hereford, TX
This is one driving day of about 384.6 miles and 6h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Hereford, 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 Central East Freeway for about 99.2 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 46 and 383.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
46 mi into trip|~51m in
Take the exit toward I 40, US 287 South: Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 123B
Toward I 40, US 287 South: Albuquerque, Oklahom...
10
46.2 mi into trip|~51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, US 287 South: Oklahoma City, Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 123B
Toward I 40 East, US 287 South: Oklahoma City,...
6
265.7 mi into trip|~4h 46m 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
272.3 mi into trip|~4h 54m 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.
8
383.7 mi into trip|~6h 53m 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
$52.68 one way
$105.36 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg135 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$58.84
$117.68
premium
$4.23
$63.97
$127.95
diesel
$4.80
$72.62
$145.24
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 134.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
115.4
1
$40.38
$18.46
Efficient EV
96.2
1
$33.65
$15.38
EV Truck/SUV
153.8
1
$53.84
$24.61
Gas CO2
135 kg
EV CO2
45 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Hereford, TX
Late night
in Hereford on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 16 at 11:58PM CDT until July 17 at 12:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 11:42PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Fort Worth, TX
Late night
in Fort Worth on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 5 to 10 mph33% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 16 at 11:58PM CDT until July 17 at 12:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 11:42PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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.
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
11 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 55m 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.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 86% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on US Highway 287. The longest continuous stretch on this highway is 99.2 miles, meaning you'll experience extended periods of uninterrupted cruising. You'll transition from highway to surface roads as you approach your destination, so be prepared for more frequent exits and potentially slower speeds in the final miles. Expect a consistent, rural-to-suburban feel for much of the drive.
86% 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: 99.2 mi on Central East Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 46 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 14 significant decision points across 384.6 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 46 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 265.7 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,817 ft652 ft
Total Climb
117 ft
Total Descent
3,282 ft
Highest Point
3,817 ft
Elevation Range
3,165 ft
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 Hereford, TX to Fort Worth, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Oklahoma City 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 55m. Total distance: 384.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 55m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 32 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 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. There are 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 46 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 265.7 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.9 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.
