Hideaway, TX to Montopolis, TX is 238.4 miles and takes about 4h 30m via I 35, Purple Heart Trail, and State Highway 31 East, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a straightforward trip. With over half of the route on highways, expect a good amount of steady cruising. It's a manageable distance for a single day, making it a practical choice for a quick transit between these two points.
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
119.2 miles from Hideaway, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
52.6 mi
54m
Purple Heart Trail
37.9 mi
39m
State Highway 31 East
30.9 mi
35m
West State Highway 31
18.8 mi
21m
State Highway 31
17.2 mi
17m
Corsicana Bypass
11.8 mi
13m
Northwest 2nd Street
9.3 mi
10m
Toll 49
9.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 52.6 mi, about 54m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 52 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,599 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,284
Quietest
2 AM
~572 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Hideaway, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on Hide-A-Way Lane Central
0.2 mi·39 sec·Hide-A-Way Lane Central
2
Keep slight right at fork onto Hide-A-Way Lane Central
1.5 mi·5 min·Hide-A-Way Lane Central
3
Turn left onto Interstate 20 West
0.3 mi·1 min·Interstate 20 West
4
Turn right onto FM 849
0.2 mi·29 sec·FM 849
5
Turn left onto Interstate 20 West
0.3 mi·40 sec·Interstate 20 West
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
7
Merge onto I 20
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 20
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward Loop 49 Toll
9
Turn right
0.4 mi·28 sec
10
Merge onto Loop 49 Toll
9.1 mi·9 min·Toll 49
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward TX 31: Chandler, Tyler
12
Keep slight right at fork
194 ft·5 sec
13
Merge onto TX 31
2.4 mi·2 min·State Highway 31 West
14
Continue on TX 31
2.0 mi·2 min·East Highway 31
15
Continue on TX 31
21 mi·23 min·State Highway 31 East
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
17
Merge onto US 175; TX 19; TX 31; Loop 7
6.2 mi·7 min·Jed Robinson Loop
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
19
Keep slight left at fork
445 ft·14 sec
20
Turn right onto TX 31
4.0 mi·4 min·State Highway 31 West
21
Continue on TX 31
5.4 mi·6 min·East Royall Boulevard
22
Continue on TX 31
9.9 mi·11 min·State Highway 31 East
23
Continue on TX 31
9.3 mi·10 min·Northwest 2nd Street
24
Turn left onto TX 31
12 mi·13 min·Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
25
At end of road, turn left onto TX 31
19 mi·21 min·West State Highway 31
26
Continue on TX 31
5.5 mi·5 min·Hubbard Bypass
27
Continue on TX 31
17 mi·17 min·State Highway 31
28
Continue on US 84
2.5 mi·2 min·East US Highway 84
29
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi·4 min·Bellmead Drive
30
Turn straight onto US 84
0.4 mi·1 min·East Waco Drive
31
Turn left onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
519 ft·12 sec·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
32
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 35 South, US 77 South
33
Merge onto I 35; US 77
6.1 mi·6 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi·54 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 240BToward US 183: Lockhart, LampasasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward US 183 South: LockhartUse the slight left lane.
38
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi·2 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi·5 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton AvenueUse the slight right lane.
41
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi·30 sec·Ed Bluestein Boulevard
42
Take the ramp
486 ft·11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
43
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4.5-hour drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential midday traffic, especially on the highway sections. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops; however, planning one break around the halfway point could be beneficial. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly before embarking on the longest stretch of 52.6 miles on I 35, as services can be spaced out. Your estimated fuel cost is around $34, so budget accordingly.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 119.2 miles from Hideaway, TX, or about 2h 20m 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 52 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.2 miles or 2h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 43m
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 Hideaway, 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 Hideaway, TX
This is one driving day of about 238.4 miles and 4h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Hideaway, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 73.8 and 237.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
73.8 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Turn left onto TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
176.8 mi into trip|~3h 23m 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
229.5 mi into trip|~4h 18m 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
229.7 mi into trip|~4h 19m 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
237.6 mi into trip|~4h 29m 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
$36.50 one way
$73.00 round trip
$3.89/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.29
$40.28
$80.57
premium
$4.64
$43.53
$87.06
diesel
$6.18
$58.00
$115.99
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.5
0
$25.03
$11.44
Efficient EV
59.6
0
$20.86
$9.54
EV Truck/SUV
95.4
1
$33.38
$15.26
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Hideaway, TX
Morning
in Hideaway on Sunday
Local time
7:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
N 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 6:53AM CDT until October 17 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Morning
in Montopolis on Sunday
Local time
7:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Sunny
NNE 5 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 6:53AM CDT until October 17 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
65°F
Italy, TX
119 mi in
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
2 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
4h 30m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 131.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 61% of the 238.4 miles on faster roads like I 35. You'll experience a longest stretch of 52.6 miles on I 35 before transitioning to surface roads. Expect a change from highway speeds to more local traffic patterns as you approach your destination. The initial portion is characterized by steady, high-speed travel.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Purple Heart Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 73.8 miles in near TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass.
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 29 significant decision points across 238.4 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 73.8 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 176.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 229.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
836 ft368 ft
Total Climb
730 ft
Total Descent
724 ft
Highest Point
836 ft
~221.1 mi in
Elevation Range
469 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 Hideaway, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Tyler along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 30m. Total distance: 238.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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.
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 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: at 73.8 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 176.8 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 229.5 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Montopolis, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
