Lago Vista to Amarillo is 485.4 miles and takes about 8h 52m via Marshall Formby Memorial Highway and US 84, with a fuel budget near $71 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip will take you across the Great Plains of Texas, moving from one region of the plains to another. With a recommended two days for the drive, you can comfortably break up the nearly 9 hours of travel time. This route offers a straightforward path through the heart of Texas.
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
242.7 miles from Lago Vista, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
109.9 mi
1h 51m
US 84
104.9 mi
1h 49m
North US Highway 183
72.8 mi
1h 19m
State Highway 153
69 mi
1h 14m
East Commerce Street
22 mi
25m
Highway 84
20 mi
19m
Canyon Expressway
13.5 mi
15m
State Highway 70
10.4 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
— 109.9 mi, about 1h 51m
Traffic on I-27
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~611 veh/hr typical
· worst 764
Quietest
2 AM
~50 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Lago Vista, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on Park Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Park Drive
2
Continue on Park Drive
0.1 mi·29 sec·Park Drive
3
Continue on Park Drive
70 ft·6 sec·Park Drive
4
Turn left onto Lohman Ford Road
1.3 mi·3 min·Lohman Ford Road
5
Turn right onto RM 1431
7.5 mi·10 min·RM 1431
6
Continue on RM 1431
0.9 mi·1 min·West Whitestone Boulevard
7
Turn left onto West New Hope Drive
2.6 mi·4 min·West New Hope Drive
Use the left lane.
8
Turn left onto US 183
0.8 mi·1 min·North Bell Boulevard
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 183
4.6 mi·6 min·South US Highway 183
10
Turn left onto US 183
0.2 mi·19 sec·North US Highway 183
Use the left lane.
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
12
Merge onto 183A Toll
3.4 mi·3 min·183A Toll Road
13
Continue on US 183
36 mi·38 min·North US Highway 183
14
Continue on US 183
2.3 mi·4 min·South Key Avenue
15
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
0.2 mi·14 sec·North US Highway 281
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190
37 mi·40 min·North US Highway 183
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 183; TX 16
30 mi·34 min·US 84; US 183; TX 16
18
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
1.7 mi·2 min·Early Boulevard
19
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
22 mi·25 min·East Commerce Street
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283
7.2 mi·8 min·Wallis Avenue
21
Turn right onto TX 153
0.9 mi·1 min·East Walnut Street
22
Continue on TX 153; TX 206
1.0 mi·1 min·West Walnut Street
23
Continue on TX 153
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·State Highway 153
24
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153
19 ft·0 sec·State Highway 153
25
Turn right onto TX 70
10 mi·10 min·State Highway 70
26
Continue on TX 70
0.8 mi·1 min·Lamar Street
27
Turn left onto Northwest Georgia Avenue
0.1 mi·16 sec·Northwest Georgia Avenue
28
Take the ramp
340 ft·8 sec
Toward I 20 West: Midland
29
Merge onto I 20; US 84
6.0 mi·5 min·I 20; US 84
30
Take the exit onto US 84
0.3 mi·19 sec·US 84
Exit 238AToward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
31
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
74 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 84
32
Turn right onto Loop 46
1.0 mi·1 min·South Avenue F
33
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 207
0.1 mi·10 sec·North Avenue F
34
Turn straight onto TX 207
0.4 mi·38 sec·Ralls Road
35
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi·17 sec·East 15th Street
36
Turn right onto US 84
1.0 mi·1 min·North US Highway 84
37
Continue on US 84
20 mi·19 min·Highway 84
38
Continue on US 84
4.6 mi·4 min·Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
39
Continue on US 84
6.8 mi·6 min·East Highway 84
40
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi·5 min·Slaton Road
41
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
42
Turn slight right onto Interstate 27
321 ft·6 sec·Interstate 27
43
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
44
Merge onto I 27; US 87
110 mi·1 hr 51 min·Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
45
Continue on I 27; US 60; US 87
13 mi·15 min·Canyon Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
46
Keep slight left at fork onto US 87
0.9 mi·2 min·US 87
Toward US 87 NorthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
47
Keep slight right at fork onto US 87; Original US Route 66
0.7 mi·1 min·South Fillmore Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
48
Turn right onto I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
105 ft·1 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
49
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
Given the 8h 52m estimated duration, it's wise to split this drive over two days to avoid fatigue. Aim to depart early from Lago Vista to maximize your daylight hours for the first leg. Plan for about two stops along the way, which should be sufficient for breaks and refueling. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the longer highway stretches, and consider filling up before departing each morning. The recommended two-day pace allows for a relaxed drive, with roughly 4.5 hours of driving each day.
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 242.7 miles from Lago Vista, TX, or about 4h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.9 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 107 miles or 2h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 242.7 miles or 4h 40m 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 242.7 miles or 4h 40m
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 47m
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 Lago Vista, 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 Lago Vista, TX
Aim for roughly 243 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Amarillo, TX
Aim for roughly 243 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 107 miles from Lago Vista, 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 Marshall Formby Memorial Highway for about 109.9 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 12.8 and 484.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
12.8 mi into trip|~22m in|US 183 / North Bell Boulevard
Turn left onto US 183 / North Bell Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
18.2 mi into trip|~30m in|US 183 / North US Highway 183
Turn left onto US 183 / North US Highway 183
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
246.8 mi into trip|~4h 44m 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
7
483.8 mi into trip|~8h 48m in|US 87
Keep slight left at fork onto US 87 toward US 87 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 87 North
6
484.7 mi into trip|~8h 50m in|US 87; Original US Route 66 / South Fillmore Street
Keep slight right at fork onto US 87; Original US Route 66 / South Fillmore Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$72.58 one way
$145.16 round trip
$3.80/gal25.4 MPG avg170 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.31
$82.33
$164.65
premium
$4.68
$89.46
$178.91
diesel
$5.79
$110.63
$221.26
Estimated Tolls: $0.24
183A Toll Road
(3.4 mi)$0.24
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$73
Tolls
$0
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$203–$313
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 169.8 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $51 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
145.6
1
$50.97
$23.30
Efficient EV
121.4
1
$42.47
$19.42
EV Truck/SUV
194.2
2
$67.96
$31.07
Gas CO2
170 kg
EV CO2
57 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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Lago Vista, TX
Afternoon
in Lago Vista on Sunday
Local time
1:42 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 18 at 2:18AM CDT until October 20 at 7:32PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:12AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Afternoon
in Amarillo on Sunday
Local time
1:42 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Mostly Clear
SSW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 18 at 2:18AM CDT until October 20 at 7:32PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:12AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
65°F
Sweetwater, TX
243 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.
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
9 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
8h 52m 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 485.4
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 485.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 65% of this drive is on highways, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on higher-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch without a significant change in road type is 109.9 miles on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway. You'll notice a shift from more built-up areas to more open country as you progress. Expect mostly rural cruising with some stretches of passing other vehicles.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 109.9 mi on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Marshall Formby Memorial Highway and US 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.8 miles in near US 183 / North Bell Boulevard.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 29 significant decision points across 485.4 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 12.8 miles (US 183 / North Bell Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles (US 183 / North US Highway 183): Lane positioning matters here; at 246.8 miles (US 84): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,670 ft776 ft
Total Climb
2,920 ft
Total Descent
27 ft
Highest Point
3,670 ft
~487.6 mi in
Elevation Range
2,894 ft
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 Lago Vista, TX to Amarillo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Lubbock along the way.
The longest stretch is about 109.9 miles on Marshall Formby 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 243 miles on day one.
Expect about $0.24 in tolls one way, starting with 183A Toll Road. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 18 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 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. There are 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.8 miles (US 183 / North Bell Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles (US 183 / North US Highway 183): Lane positioning matters here; at 246.8 miles (US 84): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 8.9 hours each way, a round trip means 17.7 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.
