This 476.6-mile drive from Jacksonville, TX, to Amarillo, TX, will take approximately 8 hours and 38 minutes of pure driving time. Given the duration, it's best planned as a two-day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of $72. You'll spend most of your time on US Highway 287 and US 81, traversing the Great Plains region of Texas. This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, making it efficient for covering distance. With two recommended stops, you'll have opportunities to break up the journey and manage your time effectively.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
238.3 miles from Jacksonville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 81
103.4 mi
1h 49m
US Highway 175 West
78.4 mi
1h 25m
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
US Highway 175
20.8 mi
22m
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 103.4 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jacksonville, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on US 69
0.7 mi·1 min·South Jackson Street
2
Turn left onto US 175
0.2 mi·19 sec·Alexander Boulevard
3
Continue on US 175
0.6 mi·56 sec·Frankston Highway
4
Continue on US 175
9.6 mi·10 min·US Highway 175 West
5
Turn slight right
3.8 mi·4 min
6
Merge onto US 175
1.9 mi·2 min·East Pine Street
7
Continue on US 175
21 mi·22 min·US Highway 175
8
Continue on US 175 Bus
2.5 mi·4 min·East Corsicana Street
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 175 Bus
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·US Highway 175 West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 45
3.1 mi·3 min·Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 286AToward Waco, DentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on Spur 366
0.9 mi·1 min·Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 35E North: DentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 35E
4.1 mi·5 min·North Stemmons Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 183
0.8 mi·48 sec·John W Carpenter Freeway
Exit 433AToward TX 183: Irving, DFW AirportUse the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 183 TEXpress
1.5 mi·1 min·SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 183 TEXpress
15 mi·14 min·SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
2.0 mi·2 min·SH 121/183 TEXpress
19
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
0.1 mi·7 sec·SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
0.7 mi·42 sec·SH 121/183 TEXpress
21
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
6.2 mi·6 min·I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express West TollUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 35W Express: Fort Worth, Denton
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·50 sec
Toward I 35W Express North: DentonUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
2.3 mi·2 min·I 35W TEXpress
25
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: DecaturUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto US 81; US 287
1.7 mi·1 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on US 81; US 287
102 mi·1 hr 47 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
29
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
30
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.
31
Continue on US 287
40 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
32
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.
33
Continue on US 287
26 mi·26 min·US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
34
Continue on US 287
29 mi·32 min·East 11th Street
35
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northeast
36
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
37
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·1 min·Burnett Street
38
Continue on US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
39
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi·28 min·Boykin Drive
40
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi·1 min·East 2nd Street
41
Continue on US 287
28 mi·28 min·US Highway 287
42
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi·2 min·East 1st Street
43
Continue on US 287
20 mi·20 min·US Highway 287
44
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft·8 sec·East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
45
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi·3 min·Southeast 3rd Avenue
46
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
47
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi·1 min·North Lakeside Drive
48
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
49
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·East Amarillo Boulevard
50
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
51
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi·17 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
52
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 8-hour and 38-minute drive, consider splitting it over two days. Departing early in the morning will allow you to reach your overnight stop with ample daylight. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 103.4-mile stretch on US 81, and plan your refueling stops accordingly. With two planned stops, aim for roughly four hours of driving each day to maintain a comfortable pace. This route offers a straightforward path, so focus on enjoying the consistent drive and arriving at your destination refreshed.
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 drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 238.3 miles from Jacksonville, TX, or about 4h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.4 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 105 miles or 1h 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 238.3 miles or 4h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 238.3 miles or 4h 21m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 32m
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 Jacksonville, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jacksonville, TX
Aim for roughly 238 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Amarillo, TX
Aim for roughly 238 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 105 miles from Jacksonville, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 111.9 and 254.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
111.9 mi into trip|~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward Waco, Denton
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 286A
Toward Waco, Denton
9
117.8 mi into trip|~2h 14m in|TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway toward TX 183: Irving, DFW Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 433A
Toward TX 183: Irving, DFW Airport
7
144.3 mi into trip|~2h 41m 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
147.4 mi into trip|~2h 44m 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
254.7 mi into trip|~4h 39m 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
$72.02 one way
$144.03 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg167 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$78.83
$157.65
premium
$4.54
$85.09
$170.19
diesel
$5.61
$105.23
$210.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$72
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$202–$312
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 166.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $50 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
143
1
$50.04
$22.88
Efficient EV
119.2
1
$41.70
$19.06
EV Truck/SUV
190.6
2
$66.72
$30.50
Gas CO2
167 kg
EV CO2
56 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 Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Jacksonville, TX
Late night
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
2:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph4% chanceLive forecast
High Wind Warning
High Wind Warning issued April 16 at 9:52AM MDT until April 17 at 7:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued April 16 at 4:14AM CDT until April 18 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Sunday
Local time
2:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
SW 10 to 20 mph0% chanceLive forecast
High Wind Warning
High Wind Warning issued April 16 at 9:52AM MDT until April 17 at 7:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued April 16 at 4:14AM CDT until April 18 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Amarillo 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
1 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
8h 38m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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 476.6
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 476.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 476.6-mile journey, with 82% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 103.4 miles on US 81, offering a consistent pace. While US Highway 175 West provides a transition, the overall character is one of covering ground on well-maintained highways. This drive prioritizes efficiency over varied scenery, so prepare for a steady, predictable path across the landscape.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
52 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 175 West. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 111.9 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 22 significant decision points across 476.6 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 111.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.8 miles (TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jacksonville, TX and Amarillo, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dfw Airport.
The longest stretch is about 103.4 miles on US 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 238 miles on day one.
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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 111.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.8 miles (TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.3 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 8.6 hours each way, a round trip means 17.3 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.
