Hurst, TX to Amarillo, TX is 340.9 miles and takes about 6h 9m via US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. Expect a straightforward drive focused on covering ground efficiently, making it a solid option for a single-day trip. The 77% highway share means you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. It's a practical choice if you're looking to get from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to the Texas Panhandle without much fuss.
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
170.4 miles from Hurst, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 81
103.4 mi
1h 49m
US Highway 287
75.4 mi
1h 17m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
East 11th Street
28.7 mi
32m
Boykin Drive
26.2 mi
28m
US Highway 287 West
25.7 mi
26m
Northwest Freeway
5.3 mi
5m
East Amarillo Boulevard
4.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 103.4 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hurst, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on Harrison Lane
51 ft·9 sec·Harrison Lane
2
Turn left onto West Pipeline Road
2.0 mi·4 min·West Pipeline Road
3
Turn slight right
227 ft·10 sec
4
Turn slight right onto Northeast Loop 820
386 ft·9 sec·Northeast Loop 820
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 820 WestUse the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Merge onto I 820
1.9 mi·2 min·I 820
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 820 Express WestUse the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 820 TEXpress
3.5 mi·3 min·I 820 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 35W Express: Fort Worth, Denton
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·50 sec
Toward I 35W Express North: DentonUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
2.3 mi·2 min·I 35W TEXpress
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: DecaturUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto US 81; US 287
1.7 mi·1 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 81; US 287
102 mi·1 hr 47 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
16
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
5.3 mi·5 min·Northwest Freeway
Exit 3AToward US 287 North: Vernon, AmarilloUse the slight left / straight lanes.
18
Continue on US 287
40 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on US 287
26 mi·26 min·US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 287
29 mi·32 min·East 11th Street
22
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northeast
23
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
24
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·1 min·Burnett Street
25
Continue on US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
26
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi·28 min·Boykin Drive
27
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi·1 min·East 2nd Street
28
Continue on US 287
28 mi·28 min·US Highway 287
29
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi·2 min·East 1st Street
30
Continue on US 287
20 mi·20 min·US Highway 287
31
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft·8 sec·East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
32
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi·3 min·Southeast 3rd Avenue
33
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
34
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi·1 min·North Lakeside Drive
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
36
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·East Amarillo Boulevard
37
Continue on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
38
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi·17 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
39
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Hurst, TX. This will give you ample daylight to reach Amarillo, TX comfortably and allow for flexibility with your single planned stop. The longest stretch without a major change is 103.4 miles on US 81, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps before entering this longer segment. With a fuel cost estimated around $50, it's a manageable expense for a day trip. Consider this a straightforward drive where efficient travel is the main goal.
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 170.4 miles from Hurst, TX, or about 3h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.4 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 75 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 170.4 miles or 3h 4m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amarillo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hurst, 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 Hurst, TX
This is one driving day of about 340.9 miles and 6h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Hurst, 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 US 81 for about 103.4 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 119 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.1 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 820 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 820 West
6
4.5 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the exit toward I 820 Express West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 820 Express West
7
8.5 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W Express North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35W Express North: Denton
7
11.6 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
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.
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
9
119 mi into trip|~2h 10m in|US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.69 one way
$93.39 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg119 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$52.16
$104.31
premium
$4.23
$56.70
$113.41
diesel
$4.80
$64.37
$128.74
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
102.3
1
$35.79
$16.36
Efficient EV
85.2
0
$29.83
$13.64
EV Truck/SUV
136.4
1
$47.73
$21.82
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (66% 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
Hurst, TX
Late night
in Hurst on Monday
Local time
4:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:36AM CDT until July 17 at 10:30AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 7:22AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Monday
Local time
4:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Sunny
S 10 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:36AM CDT until July 17 at 10:30AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 7:22AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS San Angelo 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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 9m 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.
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 340.9
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 340.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily on highways, with 77% of the total mileage covered by them. You'll encounter a long stretch of 103.4 miles on US 81 before potentially transitioning to US Highway 287. Expect mostly rural cruising for significant portions of the trip, punctuated by periods of dense exits as you pass through or near towns. The profile is mostly highway, indicating a consistent driving experience on faster roads for the majority of your travel.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.4 mi on US 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 81 and US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 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 16 significant decision points across 340.9 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: at 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 9m. Total distance: 340.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 9m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.4 miles on US 81. 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 Amarillo, 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 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Amarillo, TX before the return drive.
