Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Knox City, TX to Fort Worth, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 46m
Distance
202.4 mi
326 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 34m
★
6 AM
3h 47m
8 AM
4h 12m
10 AM
3h 56m
12 PM
3h 53m
3 PM
3h 57m
5 PM
4h 11m
8 PM
3h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Knox City, TX
Thomas balabaud
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Knox City, TX to Fort Worth, TX is 202.4 miles and takes about 3h 46m via Central East Freeway and US 277, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive will take you out of the Great Plains region of West Texas and into the more populated Great Plains area around Fort Worth. With 99% of the journey on highways, expect a straightforward trip that’s ideal for a single-day journey. Given the relatively short distance and quick travel time, this route is very manageable for most drivers.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
101.2 miles from Knox City, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Central East Freeway | 98.6 mi | 1h 45m |
| US 277 | 74.3 mi | 1h 21m |
| State Highway 222 | 11.6 mi | 17m |
| US 81 | 4.6 mi | 4m |
| North Freeway | 4.5 mi | 4m |
| I 35W TEXpress | 4 mi | 3m |
| North South Freeway | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| US 82 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Central East Freeway
— 98.6 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knox City, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
1
Start on TX 222
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
2
Continue on TX 222
12 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 222
3
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
1 min
4
Merge onto US 277
74 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
US 277
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 82
Toward US 82 East, US 281 South, US 287 South: Fort Worth
6
Merge onto US 82; US 281; US 287
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
·
Central East Freeway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
1.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Central East Freeway
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
97 mi
·
1 hr 43 min
·
Central East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on US 81; US 287
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 35W; US 287
4.5 mi
·
4 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 35W Express Toll South
Use the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
4.0 mi
·
3 min
·
I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 35W
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
North South Freeway
14
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 287 Bus
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
15
Continue on South Freeway
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
Since this trip is only 202.4 miles and takes under four hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will get you to Fort Worth with plenty of time to spare. There's only one recommended stop, so plan for a quick fuel or rest break when needed. The longest stretch without a significant road change is nearly 100 miles on Central East Freeway, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $31, it's an economical choice for a single day's travel.
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 101.2 miles from Knox City, TX, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.6 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 45 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.2 miles or 1h 57m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Worth, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Knox City, 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 Knox City, TX
This is one driving day of about 202.4 miles and 3h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Knox City, 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 Central East Freeway for about 98.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
101 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 101.2 miles from Knox City, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Central East Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.6 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.
Wise County Northbound
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Texas Travel Information Center at Wichita Falls
2.2 mi from route
Maniac’s Mansion (TAG’s)
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Wichita Falls, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+19402575543
Visit websiteMuseum of North Texas History
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Wichita Falls, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19403227628
Visit websiteForest Park Miniature Railroad
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18179665509
Visit websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 87.2 and 201.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
87.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
|
US 82
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82 toward US 82 East, US 281 South, US 287 South: Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 82 East, US 281 South, US 287 South:...
6
90.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 45m in
|
US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
191.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 34m in
|
I 35W; US 287 / North Freeway
Merge onto I 35W; US 287 / North Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
195.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward I 35W Express Toll South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35W Express Toll South
8
201.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 45m in
|
US 287 Bus
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.38 one way
$60.77 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
71 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $33.62 | $67.24 |
| premium | $4.57 | $36.38 | $72.75 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $50.01 | $100.02 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60.7 | 0 | $21.25 | $9.72 |
| Efficient EV | 50.6 | 0 | $17.71 | $8.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81 | 1 | $28.34 | $12.95 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Knox City, TX
Morning in Knox City on Friday
Local time
7:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
S 6 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Fort Worth, TX
Morning in Fort Worth on Friday
Local time
7:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
56°F
Henrietta, TX
101 mi in
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
2 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
3h 46m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 almost entirely highway driving, with 99% of the 202.4 miles spent on major roads. You'll begin on Central East Freeway, which constitutes the longest uninterrupted stretch at 98.6 miles. After that, you'll transition to US 277 and State Highway 222, maintaining a consistent highway profile. Expect a steady pace with minimal slowdowns, making it a predictable and efficient journey. The character of the drive remains consistent, focusing on covering ground rather than scenic detours.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.6 mi on Central East Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and US 277. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 87.2 miles in near US 82.
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 11 significant decision points across 202.4 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 87.2 miles (US 82): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.1 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 191.3 miles (I 35W; US 287 / North Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,529 ft
652 ft
Total Climb
210 ft
Total Descent
1,087 ft
Highest Point
1,529 ft
Elevation Range
877 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Knox City, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Fort Worth, TX
Full guide →“Panther city” · Founded 1849
Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.
Top landmarks
- • Kimbell Art Museum — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
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 3h 46m. Total distance: 202.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 98.6 miles on Central East Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Fort Worth, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 87.2 miles (US 82): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.1 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 191.3 miles (I 35W; US 287 / North Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Worth, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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