Trip from Irving, TX to Kermit, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 58m
Distance
392.4 mi
631 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Irving, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Kermit, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 392.4 miles across the Texas Great Plains, this drive from Irving to Kermit typically takes about 6 hours and 58 minutes. Because the route is straightforward and heavily highway-focused, you can comfortably complete the journey in a single day. Budgeting approximately $60 for fuel should cover your primary travel costs for the trip. Since both your starting point and destination remain within the Great Plains region, you will experience consistent terrain throughout your transit. While it is a long stretch for a single sitting, it serves as a reliable connection between the Dallas-Fort Worth area and West Texas.
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
196.2 miles from Irving, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 299.7 mi | 5h 4m |
| State Highway 302 | 40.4 mi | 51m |
| Jim Wright Freeway | 12.8 mi | 14m |
| I 820 TEXpress | 6.9 mi | 6m |
| Airport Freeway | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| West Freeway | 6 mi | 6m |
| East 42nd Street | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| West Irving Boulevard | 2.9 mi | 5m |
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~1,418 veh/hr typical · worst 1,763
Quietest
2 AM
~199 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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 Irving, TX and Kermit, TX.
Start on North Ohio Street
Turn right onto West Irving Boulevard
Take the ramp
Merge onto TX 183
Take the exit onto Airport Freeway TEXpress
Merge onto TX 183 TEXpress
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
Merge onto I 820
Continue on I 820
Take the exit
Merge onto I 30
Merge onto I 20
Take the exit
Turn left onto East Interstate 20
Turn right onto Loop 338
Continue on Loop 338
Turn left onto State Highway 191 East
Continue on TX 191
At end of road, turn right onto Spur 450
Continue on TX 302
Continue on TX 302
Turn right onto TX 18
Turn right onto TX 115
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To manage the nearly seven-hour duration effectively, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the longest uninterrupted segment covers nearly 300 miles, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that stretch to avoid running low between service exits. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and ensure you reach Kermit before nightfall. Given the high highway percentage, prioritize vehicle maintenance checks before departure to ensure your tires and fluids are ready for extended high-speed travel. Use your single planned stop as a midpoint reset to maintain focus during the final push into 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 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 86 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 196.2 miles or 3h 25m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kermit, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
Open the route before leaving Irving, 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 Irving, TX
This is one driving day of about 392.4 miles and 6h 58m.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
196 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
A short stop after about 86 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 196.2 miles from Irving, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 299.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area
Mitchell County Westbound Rest Area
Picnic Area
Picnic Area
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
Service Plaza
Service Plaza
Pilot Travel Center
Howard County Eastbound Rest Area
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
QuikTrip
Rest Area
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
Flying J Travel Center
Road Ranger
Pilot Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Flying J Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Love's Travel Stop
TA
Love's Travel Stop
Service Plaza
Service Plaza
QuikTrip
Petro Stopping Centers
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
Flying J Travel Center
Picnic Area
TA
Pilot Travel Center
Flying J Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Flying J Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
Fort Worth Herd
Near the start, ~10 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websiteChris Kyle Memorial
Near the end, ~10 min detour
Odessa, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+14323329111
Visit websiteRipley's Believe It or Not!
Near the start, ~12 min detour
Grand Prairie, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19722632391
Visit websiteOdessa Mountain Bike Park
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Odessa, Texas
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+14326991718
Visit websiteLouis Tussaud's Palace of Wax
Near the start, ~12 min detour
Grand Prairie, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19722632391
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 350.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn right onto West Irving Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto TX 183 / Airport Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit onto Airport Freeway TEXpress toward TX 121 Express South, TX 183 Express West: Airport Freeway TEXpress West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward I 30 West: Weatherford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
At end of road, turn right onto Spur 450 / Kermit Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.75 one way
$107.49 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $60.03 | $120.07 |
| premium | $4.23 | $65.27 | $130.54 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $74.09 | $148.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 137.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 117.7 | 1 | $41.20 | $18.84 |
| Efficient EV | 98.1 | 1 | $34.34 | $15.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 157 | 1 | $54.94 | $25.11 |
Gas CO2
137 kg
EV CO2
46 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.
Origin
Irving, TX
Afternoon in Irving on Sunday
Local time
12:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 11:12PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 10:46PM CDT until July 17 at 3:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Kermit, TX
Afternoon in Kermit on Sunday
Local time
12:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 11:12PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 10:46PM CDT until July 17 at 3:45AM 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
8 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 58m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 96% of this route consists of highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-20, which accounts for a significant 299.7-mile stretch of the journey. The drive begins with urban navigation via the Jim Wright Freeway before transitioning into the long, open-road rhythm of the interstate. Toward the end of the trip, you will shift onto State Highway 302 to complete your approach into Kermit. Prepare for a focused, consistent driving pace that requires stamina for long hours behind the wheel.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and State Highway 302. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Irving Boulevard.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 392.4 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: near the start (West Irving Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.4 miles (TX 183 / Airport Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles (Airport Freeway TEXpress): 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
Total Climb
3,165 ft
Total Descent
788 ft
Highest Point
3,169 ft
~364.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,685 ft
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.
On the drive from Irving, TX to Kermit, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 338: Odessa along the way.
Loop 338: Odessa
About the Cities
Starting in Irving, TX
Full guide →Founded 1903
Irving is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Irving has experienced exponential growth over the past fifty years, and is home to a multitude of attractions of all types, from modern art to major sporting events. Founded in 1902 out of the remnants of the small community of Kit, Irving is now a bustling city of approximately 197,000 residents. Rather like Dallas, it is divided into a highly affluent northern half and less affluent but highly diverse southern half. It is bounded to the east by the northern fork (Elm Fork) of the Trinity River and to the northwest by the sprawling D/FW International Airport.
Top landmarks
- • Ruth Paine Home — house in Irving, Texas, United States
Arriving in Kermit, TX
Full guide →Founded 1938
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 58m. Total distance: 392.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 58m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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