Origin
Lamesa, TX
Morning in Lamesa on Tuesday
Local time
6:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lamesa, TX to McKinney, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 15m
Distance
360.5 mi
580 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 3m
★
6 AM
6h 16m
8 AM
6h 41m
10 AM
6h 24m
12 PM
6h 22m
3 PM
6h 26m
5 PM
6h 40m
8 PM
6h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lamesa, TX
Wikimedia Commons
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 360.5-mile drive from Lamesa, TX, to McKinney, TX, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes. You'll spend 91% of your time on highways, making it a focused driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $54. This route predominantly traverses the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape as you travel east. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 243.3 miles on I-20, it's a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently.
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
180.2 miles from Lamesa, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 4m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 243.3 mi | 4h 5m |
| Sam Rayburn Tollway | 23.8 mi | 25m |
| North US Highway 87 | 20.5 mi | 21m |
| South US Highway 87 | 18.1 mi | 18m |
| Jim Wright Freeway | 12.6 mi | 14m |
| TX 121 Express | 8.9 mi | 10m |
| I 820 TEXpress | 6.9 mi | 6m |
| TX 121 | 6.8 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 243.3 mi, about 4h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lamesa, TX and McKinney, TX.
1
Start on this road
160 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto US 87
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Lynn Avenue
3
Continue on US 87; US 180
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Dallas Avenue
4
Continue on US 87; US 180
18 mi
·
18 min
·
South US Highway 87
5
Continue on US 87
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
William Crooker Highway
6
Continue on US 87
18 mi
·
18 min
·
North US Highway 87
7
Continue on US 87
428 ft
·
4 sec
·
William B Crooker Memorial Highway
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 87 Business South, FM 700 East
9
Continue on US 87 Bus
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
North US Highway 87
10
Turn left onto West Interstate 20
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
West Interstate 20
11
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward I 20 East: Abilene
12
Merge onto I 20
243 mi
·
4 hr 5 min
·
I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
5.6 mi
·
5 min
·
West Freeway
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 5B
Toward I 820 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 820
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Jim Wright Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 820
0.3 mi
·
18 sec
·
Northeast Loop
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas Entrance
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
4.4 mi
·
4 min
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto TX 121 Express
8.9 mi
·
10 min
·
TX 121 Express
Toward TX 121 North: DFW Airport North Entry
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
TX 121
Toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on SRT
3.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on TX 121
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 121
23
Continue on SRT
20 mi
·
21 min
·
Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on Spur 399
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on TX 5
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South McDonald Street
26
Turn slight left
281 ft
·
10 sec
27
Continue on South Tennessee Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Tennessee Street
28
Arrive at destination
North Tennessee Street
Trip Plan
For this approximately 6-hour and 15-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Lamesa, TX, to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable pace. With a fuel cost estimated at $54, ensure your tank is full before leaving Lamesa to minimize stops. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 243.3 miles on I-20, so plan your break accordingly before or after this segment. While this route is manageable in one day, the flexibility of a shorter drive means you can stop more often if desired, perhaps at one of the services along I-20.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 180.2 miles from Lamesa, TX, or about 3h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 243.3 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 79 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 180.2 miles or 3h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McKinney, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lamesa, 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 Lamesa, TX
This is one driving day of about 360.5 miles and 6h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Lamesa, 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 243.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
180 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 79 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 180.2 miles from Lamesa, 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 243.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 286.9 and 326.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
286.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 52m in
|
I 30 / West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
7
292.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward I 820 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5B
Toward I 820 North
7
306.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 14m in
|
I 820 TEXpress
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 TEXpress toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas Entrance
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 820 Express East: DFW Airport Dallas E...
6
317.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 25m in
|
TX 121 Express
Take the exit onto TX 121 Express toward TX 121 North: DFW Airport North Entry
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 121 North: DFW Airport North Entry
8
326.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 35m in
|
TX 121
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 121 toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward TX 121 North, I 635 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.47 one way
$108.94 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
126 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $59.62 | $119.25 |
| premium | $4.54 | $64.36 | $128.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $79.59 | $159.19 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.91
Sam Rayburn Tollway
(23.8 mi)
$1.91
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
$54
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 126.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 108.1 | 1 | $37.85 | $17.30 |
| Efficient EV | 90.1 | 1 | $31.54 | $14.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 144.2 | 1 | $50.47 | $23.07 |
Gas CO2
126 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (67% 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.
Destination
McKinney, TX
Morning in McKinney on Tuesday
Local time
6:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
4 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
6h 15m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 91% of the journey on major roads like I-20, Sam Rayburn Tollway, and North US Highway 87. The character is largely defined by its interstate segments, including a substantial 243.3-mile stretch on I-20. While primarily a highway experience, the transition onto the Sam Rayburn Tollway and North US Highway 87 will offer a change in road type as you near your destination. This route prioritizes steady progress over varied terrain.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 243.3 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and Sam Rayburn Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 286.9 miles in near I 30 / West Freeway.
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 10 significant decision points across 360.5 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: at 286.9 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 292.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 306.2 miles (I 820 TEXpress): 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.
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 Lamesa, TX to McKinney, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fm 700 East along the way.
Fm 700 East
40.3 mi in
|
~40m
About the Cities
Starting in Lamesa, TX
Full guide →Lamesa is a city in the Llano Estacado region of Texas. It is heavy on the agriculture sector and gives off an authentic feel of provincial Texan life.
Arriving in McKinney, TX
Full guide →Founded 1848
McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of 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 6h 15m. Total distance: 360.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 15m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 243.3 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.91 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Rayburn Tollway. 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.
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 McKinney, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 286.9 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 292.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 306.2 miles (I 820 TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McKinney, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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