Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Lantana, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 57m
Distance
222.7 mi
358 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 45m
★
6 AM
3h 58m
8 AM
4h 24m
10 AM
4h 7m
12 PM
4h 4m
3 PM
4h 8m
5 PM
4h 22m
8 PM
3h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lantana, TX
jorginho Dj
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
This drive from Lantana, TX to Montopolis, TX covers 222.7 miles and will take you about 3 hours and 57 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that's perfectly suited for a single day of travel. You'll primarily be on the North South Freeway and I 35, with a small portion on Purple Heart Trail. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $34. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route offers a convenient way to travel within the Great Plains region of Texas without the need for an overnight stay.
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
111.3 miles from Lantana, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North South Freeway | 84.6 mi | 1h 27m |
| I 35 | 52.6 mi | 54m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 37.9 mi | 39m |
| I 35W TEXpress | 16.7 mi | 16m |
| I 35W | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Justin Road | 6 mi | 8m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 4.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
North South Freeway
— 84.6 mi, about 1h 27m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 84 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,220 veh/hr typical · worst 3,947
Quietest
2 AM
~498 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Lantana, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on Golf Club Drive
21 ft
·
6 sec
·
Golf Club Drive
2
Turn left onto Lantana Trail
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Lantana Trail
3
Turn left onto Branch Crossing
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Branch Crossing
4
Turn right onto FM 407
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Justin Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward I 35W South
6
Merge onto I 35W
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
I 35W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W Express
17 mi
·
16 min
·
I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Merge onto I 35W
85 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
North South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi
·
54 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
18
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
19
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
For this 3 hour and 57 minute drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 84.6 miles, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you pass through less populated areas between major towns. The estimated fuel cost of $34 is a good budget to keep in mind. Since this is a single-day trip, you can easily adjust your schedule based on your needs.
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 111.3 miles from Lantana, TX, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.6 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 49 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.3 miles or 1h 59m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montopolis, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lantana, 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 Lantana, TX
This is one driving day of about 222.7 miles and 3h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Lantana, 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 North South Freeway for about 84.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
111 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.3 miles from Lantana, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North South Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 84.6 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.
Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Ascent Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
Fort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websiteForest Park Miniature Railroad
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18179665509
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteTornado Terry's Family Amusement Center
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
First break
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: Closed
+18174316121
Visit websiteBicentennial Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~10 min detour
Early stretch
4.2 mi from route
~10 min detour
Crowley, Texas
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+18172972201
Visit websiteJim Hogg Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Georgetown, Texas
+15129305253
Visit websitePioneer Farms
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 10 am–2 pm
+15128371215
Visit websiteJake's Hilltop Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~12 min detour
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Flower Mound, Texas
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+19728746000
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 15.2 and 221.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
15.2 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
161.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
213.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
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 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
7
214 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
7
221.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward Montopolis Drive, Patton 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.
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.50 one way
$61.01 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $34.07 | $68.14 |
| premium | $4.23 | $37.04 | $74.09 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $42.05 | $84.10 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.8 | 0 | $23.38 | $10.69 |
| Efficient EV | 55.7 | 0 | $19.49 | $8.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.1 | 1 | $31.18 | $14.25 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 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.
Origin
Lantana, TX
Evening in Lantana on Monday
Local time
6:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 15 mph
3% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:52PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:11PM CDT until July 20 at 7:21AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Evening in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
6:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:52PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:11PM CDT until July 20 at 7:21AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
96°F
Troy, TX
111 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
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
3h 57m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 115.2
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 79% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 84.6 miles along the North South Freeway, offering a consistent pace. This route is characterized by its highway-focused profile, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster, multi-lane roads. While it's not a winding scenic route, it provides an efficient and direct connection between your starting and ending points.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.6 mi on North South Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North South Freeway and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.2 miles in near I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 222.7 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 15.2 miles (I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 213.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
803 ft
463 ft
Total Climb
664 ft
Total Descent
826 ft
Highest Point
803 ft
~206.8 mi in
Elevation Range
340 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Lantana, TX
Full guide →Founded 2001
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 57m. Total distance: 222.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.6 miles on North South Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 Montopolis, 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 15.2 miles (I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.1 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 213.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Montopolis, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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