Jefferson, TX to El Paso, TX is 802.4 miles and takes about 13h 31m via I 20 and I 10, with a fuel budget near $121 and a recommended 2 days to drive. This long-haul drive crosses the vast Great Plains region of Texas, taking you from the eastern part of the state all the way to its western border. Given the distance and duration, this is best tackled over two days, allowing for a more relaxed pace. You'll spend most of your time on major interstate highways, making it a straightforward, if lengthy, traverse across Texas.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
401.2 miles from Jefferson, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 6h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
457.7 mi
7h 39m
I 10
166.7 mi
2h 43m
I 20
130.3 mi
2h 12m
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
22 mi
23m
South Walcott Street
14.7 mi
16m
East Grand Avenue
5.7 mi
6m
FM 968
2.7 mi
3m
FM 3251
0.7 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
— 457.7 mi, about 7h 39m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 76 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~1,655 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,037
Quietest
2 AM
~236 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Jefferson, TX and El Paso, TX.
1
Start on West Lafayette Street
296 ft·15 sec·West Lafayette Street
2
Turn right onto North Vale Street
374 ft·21 sec·North Vale Street
3
Turn left onto West Henderson Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·West Henderson Street
4
Continue on East Jefferson Street
0.4 mi·59 sec·East Jefferson Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 59
15 mi·16 min·South Walcott Street
6
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
7
Merge onto US 80
5.7 mi·6 min·East Grand Avenue
8
Turn left onto FM 968
2.7 mi·3 min·FM 968
9
Turn left onto FM 3251
0.7 mi·58 sec·FM 3251
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
11
Merge onto I 20
111 mi·1 hr 51 min·I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
19 mi·20 min·I 20
Toward I 20 West: Fort WorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 20
22 mi·23 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 20
25 mi·26 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
4.0 mi·4 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 WestUse the straight lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
429 mi·7 hr 8 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 West: AbileneUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 10
167 mi·2 hr 43 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 19BToward Missouri Avenue, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto East Missouri Avenue
0.3 mi·49 sec·East Missouri Avenue
20
Turn left onto TX 20
0.3 mi·27 sec·North Mesa Street
21
Arrive at destination
North Mesa Street
Trip Plan
For this 802.4-mile drive, planning to split it over two days is highly recommended, with an estimated fuel cost of $121. Aim to depart early on your first day to cover around 400 miles, allowing ample time for stops. The longest stretch without frequent services could be the 457.7 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering these longer segments. Consider utilizing the 3 planned stops to break up the drive into manageable portions. Staying overnight somewhere around the halfway point will make the second day of driving much more enjoyable.
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 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 401.2 miles from Jefferson, TX, or about 6h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 457.7 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 177 miles or 3h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 401.2 miles or 6h 53m 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 401.2 miles or 6h 53m
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 12h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near El Paso, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, TX
Aim for roughly 401 miles and 6.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into El Paso, TX
Aim for roughly 401 miles and 6.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 177 miles from Jefferson, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway for about 457.7 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 801.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|North Vale Street
Turn right onto North Vale Street
Navigation decision point
7
135.9 mi into trip|~2h 22m in|I 20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 West: Fort Worth
7
202.1 mi into trip|~3h 33m in|I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 20 West
7
206.2 mi into trip|~3h 38m in|I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 West: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 West: Abilene
8
801.6 mi into trip|~13h 30m in
Take the exit toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown
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 19B
Toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$109.90 one way
$219.81 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg281 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$122.76
$245.52
premium
$4.23
$133.47
$266.94
diesel
$4.80
$151.51
$303.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$110
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$240–$350
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 280.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $84 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
240.7
2
$84.25
$38.52
Efficient EV
200.6
2
$70.21
$32.10
EV Truck/SUV
321
4
$112.34
$51.35
Gas CO2
281 kg
EV CO2
94 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Jefferson, TX
Evening
in Jefferson on Saturday
Local time
8:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 0 to 5 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:04PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 3:03PM CDT until July 16 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
El Paso, TX
Evening
in El Paso on Saturday
Local time
7:20 PM
MDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 7 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 3:04PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 3:03PM CDT until July 16 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
13h 31m 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.
Chamizal National Memorial
National Memorial
Chamizal is more than just an urban park to recreate or enjoy a quiet afternoon. These grounds are a reminder of the harmonious settlement of a 100-year boundary dispute between the United States and...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 802.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is a long-haul drive with 40% of the mileage on highways, meaning you'll spend a significant portion of your time cruising on interstates. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 457.7 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway (I 20), which transitions into I 10. Expect a mix of rural cruising and areas with more frequent exits as you make your way across the state. This is a drive where you'll want to be mindful of fuel stops, especially during the longer interstate segments.
40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 457.7 mi on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
At 13h 31m, this is a long-haul route where pacing matters more than any single turn. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North Vale Street.
Driving Effort9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 802.4 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 0.1 miles (North Vale Street): Navigation decision point; at 135.9 miles (I 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.1 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Jefferson is a historic town in Marion County, in the Central Piney Woods of east Texas. A center of tourism, Jefferson identifies itself as the "Bed & Breakfast Capital of Texas", and is home to a number of popular attractions.
Top landmarks
•Jefferson Historic District — historic district in Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
•Old United States Post Office and Courts Building — courthouse in Jefferson, Texas, United States
•Presbyterian Manse — building in Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas, with 679,000 residents (2020). It is on the United States-Mexico border. The city on the other side of the border is Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. El Paso is often called the Sun City. Collectively, the city of El Paso and other nearby cities, such as Juarez and Las Cruces, New Mexico are referred to as The Borderland.
Top landmarks
•El Paso Museum of Art — art museum in El Paso, Texas
•Union Depot — historic place in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
•Plaza Theatre — building in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Long-haul drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 457.7 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway. 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 401 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 El Paso, 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 3 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (North Vale Street): Navigation decision point; at 135.9 miles (I 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.1 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Chamizal National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 13.5 hours each way, a round trip means 27.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at El Paso, TX before the return drive.
