Llano Estacado Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Irving, TX to Lubbock, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 53m
Distance
340.5 mi
548 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 40m
★
6 AM
5h 53m
8 AM
6h 20m
10 AM
6h 3m
12 PM
6h 0m
3 PM
6h 4m
5 PM
6h 18m
8 PM
5h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Irving, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Lubbock, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Irving, TX to Lubbock, TX is 340.5 miles and takes about 5h 53m via I 20 and US 84, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily sticks to the Great Plains, moving from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area toward West Texas. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained highways, making it a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. Given the relatively short duration, it's well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to arrive in Lubbock with time to spare.
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
170.2 miles from Irving, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 58m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 182.3 mi | 3h 4m |
| US 84 | 74.5 mi | 1h 14m |
| Highway 84 | 20 mi | 19m |
| Jim Wright Freeway | 12.8 mi | 14m |
| I 820 TEXpress | 6.9 mi | 6m |
| East Highway 84 | 6.8 mi | 6m |
| Airport Freeway | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| West Freeway | 6 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 182.3 mi, about 3h 4m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,680 veh/hr typical · worst 2,135
Quietest
2 AM
~202 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Lubbock, TX.
1
Start on North Ohio Street
58 ft
·
4 sec
·
North Ohio Street
2
Turn right onto West Irving Boulevard
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
West Irving Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 183: Fort Worth
4
Merge onto TX 183
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit onto Airport Freeway TEXpress
0.3 mi
·
16 sec
·
Airport Freeway TEXpress
Toward TX 121 Express South, TX 183 Express West: Airport Freeway TEXpress West
Use the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto TX 183 TEXpress
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
8
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
0.7 mi
·
42 sec
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
10
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express West Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 820
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
·
Northeast Loop
12
Continue on I 820
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
1 min
Exit 3A
Toward I 30 West: Weatherford
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 30
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 20
182 mi
·
3 hr 4 min
·
I 20
Use the slight right lane.
16
Take the exit onto US 84
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 84
Exit 238A
Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
74 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
US 84
18
Turn right onto Loop 46
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Avenue F
19
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 207
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
North Avenue F
20
Turn straight onto TX 207
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
·
Ralls Road
21
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East 15th Street
22
Turn right onto US 84
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North US Highway 84
23
Continue on US 84
20 mi
·
19 min
·
Highway 84
24
Continue on US 84
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
25
Continue on US 84
6.8 mi
·
6 min
·
East Highway 84
26
Continue on US 84
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Slaton Road
27
Continue on US 84
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue Q South Drive
28
Turn right onto US 62; TX 114
33 ft
·
0 sec
·
19th Street
29
Arrive at destination
US 62; TX 114
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 53-minute drive, leaving Irving, TX in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight. Since the total distance is 340.5 miles and the estimated fuel cost is $51, you likely won't need many stops, but plan for at least one break to stay refreshed. The longest stretch without significant turn-offs is 182.3 miles on I 20, so ensure you have fuel before embarking on that segment. Given it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility in your departure time, but an early start will make for a more relaxed arrival in Lubbock.
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 170.2 miles from Irving, TX, or about 2h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 182.3 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 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 170.2 miles or 2h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lubbock, 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 340.5 miles and 5h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Irving, 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 20 for about 182.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
170 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 75 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 170.2 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 182.3 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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.3 mi from route
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
2.4 mi from route
Place 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 224.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Irving Boulevard
Turn right onto West Irving Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
3.4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
TX 183 / Airport Freeway
Merge onto TX 183 / Airport Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
9.9 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
Airport Freeway TEXpress
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
Use the slight left lane.
Toward TX 121 Express South, TX 183 Express Wes...
7
35.6 mi into trip
|
~41m 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
6
224.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 53m in
|
US 84
Take the exit onto US 84 toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 238A
Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.64 one way
$93.28 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
119 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $52.09 | $104.19 |
| premium | $4.23 | $56.64 | $113.28 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $64.29 | $128.59 |
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: 119.1 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 | 102.2 | 1 | $35.75 | $16.34 |
| Efficient EV | 85.1 | 0 | $29.79 | $13.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 136.2 | 1 | $47.67 | $21.79 |
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.
Origin
Irving, TX
Late night in Irving on Monday
Local time
4:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
9% chance
Live 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
Lubbock, TX
Late night in Lubbock on Monday
Local time
4:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 to 15 mph
34% chance
Live 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
7 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
5h 53m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is overwhelmingly highway driving, with 95% of the trip on major roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 182.3 miles on I 20. You'll transition from I 20 to US 84, which also functions as Highway 84, for the remainder of your travel. Expect consistent cruising with minimal time spent on slower, surface roads.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 182.3 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US 84. 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.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 340.5 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
Gently rolling terrain
3,203 ft
484 ft
Total Climb
2,903 ft
Total Descent
185 ft
Highest Point
3,203 ft
~340.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,719 ft
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 Lubbock, TX
Full guide →“Hub City” · Founded 1890
Lubbock is the largest city in the Panhandle of Texas and serves as the area's agricultural and economic hub. Lubbock, commonly known as the Hub City, is in the center of the South Plains, an expansive cotton-growing region.
Top landmarks
- • Buddy Holly Center — music museum and art gallery in Lubbock, Texas
- • Holden Properties Historic District — historic district in Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
- • Cactus Theater — building in Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
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 5h 53m. Total distance: 340.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 182.3 miles on I 20. 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 Lubbock, 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: 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lubbock, TX before the return drive.
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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