This 226.9-mile drive from Lawton, OK to Buffalo, OK, will take approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll navigate primarily through local roads, with a 0% highway share, so expect a more involved driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $34, and you'll encounter just one recommended stop along the way. This route stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travels. It's a good option if you prefer a less highway-centric journey and have a bit more time to dedicate to the drive itself.
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
113.4 miles from Lawton, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
OK 3
43.6 mi
49m
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
34.4 mi
36m
US 81
31.9 mi
36m
US 183
27.5 mi
34m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
16.8 mi
16m
North Broadway Avenue
13.5 mi
14m
Northwest Highway
12.1 mi
13m
West Russworm Street
9.6 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
OK 3
— 43.6 mi, about 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lawton, OK and Buffalo, OK.
1
Start on Southwest Gore Boulevard
447 ft·13 sec·Southwest Gore Boulevard
2
Turn left onto Northwest 1st Street
183 ft·13 sec·Northwest 1st Street
3
Turn left onto Southwest Gore Boulevard
481 ft·12 sec·Southwest Gore Boulevard
4
Turn right onto US 281 Business
0.5 mi·44 sec·Northwest 2nd Street
5
Take the ramp onto US 281 Business
0.2 mi·28 sec·US 281 Business
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 281 Business
0.4 mi·49 sec·US 281 Business
Toward I 44 East, US 277 North, US 281 North: Oklahoma CityUse the straight lane.
7
Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281
2.4 mi·2 min·Bill W. Burgess, Junior Highway
8
Continue on I 44; US 62; US 277; US 281
4.6 mi·4 min·Pioneer Expressway
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on I 44
34 mi·36 min·Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
Toward I 44 East: Chickasha, Oklahoma CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Exit 80Toward US 81, US 277: Duncan, ChickashaUse the sharp right lane.
11
Turn slight right
243 ft·6 sec
Toward US 81 North, US 277 North: ChickashaUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto US 81; US 277
0.7 mi·1 min·US 81; US 277
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 81; US 277
1.3 mi·1 min·South 4th Street
14
Turn left onto OK 9; US 62; US 81
1.7 mi·2 min·West Choctaw Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
15
Turn right onto US 81
17 mi·19 min·US 81
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 81
2.2 mi·2 min·US 81
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 81; OK 152
12 mi·13 min·US 81; OK 152
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward I 40 West, US 270 West: AmarilloUse the left lane.
19
Merge onto I 40; US 270
17 mi·16 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 108Toward US 281 Spur North: Geary, WatongaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn right onto US 281 Spur
483 ft·11 sec·US 281 Spur
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
22
Continue on US 281 Spur
4.1 mi·4 min·US 281 Spur
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on OK 8; US 281
4.6 mi·5 min·OK 8; US 281
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on OK 8; US 270; US 281
14 mi·14 min·North Broadway Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on OK 8; US 270; US 281
0.9 mi·54 sec·OK 8; US 270; US 281
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on US 270; US 281; OK 8
2.0 mi·2 min·South Clarence Nash Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn left onto OK 3; OK 33; US 270; US 281
9.6 mi·11 min·West Russworm Street
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on US 270; US 281; OK 3
1.9 mi·2 min·US 270; US 281; OK 3
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on OK 3; US 270; US 281
9.8 mi·11 min·OK 3; US 270; US 281
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 3; US 270; US 281
0.5 mi·36 sec·OK 3; US 270; US 281
31
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 3; US 270; US 281
0.6 mi·41 sec·OK 3; US 270; US 281
32
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 3; US 270; US 281
0.6 mi·42 sec·OK 3; US 270; US 281
33
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 3; US 270; US 281
0.9 mi·59 sec·OK 3; US 270; US 281
34
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 3; US 270; US 281
0.4 mi·23 sec·OK 3; US 270; US 281
35
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 3; US 270; US 281
0.8 mi·56 sec·OK 3; US 270; US 281
36
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 3; US 270; US 281
4.2 mi·4 min·OK 3; US 270; US 281
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Continue on OK 3; OK 51; US 270; US 281
8.4 mi·9 min·42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on OK 3; OK 51; US 270; US 281
0.7 mi·49 sec·South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Continue on OK 3; US 270
0.4 mi·26 sec·OK 3; US 270
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Continue on OK 3; US 270
1.8 mi·2 min·OK 3; US 270
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
41
Continue on OK 3; US 183; US 270
24 mi·26 min·OK 3; US 183; US 270
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Continue on US 183; US 270; OK 3
7.1 mi·9 min·US 183; US 270; OK 3
Use the straight / right lanes.
43
Continue on US 183; US 270; OK 3; OK 34
0.5 mi·1 min·9th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
44
Turn left onto US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
2.1 mi·4 min·Oklahoma Avenue
Use the left lane.
45
Take the exit onto US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
167 ft·4 sec·US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
Use the straight / right lanes.
46
Merge onto US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
12 mi·13 min·Northwest Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
47
Continue on US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
1.6 mi·2 min·US 183; US 270; US 412; OK 3
Use the straight lane.
48
Take the exit onto US 183
11 mi·13 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
49
Continue on US 183
3.4 mi·3 min·US 183
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
50
Continue on US 183
3.9 mi·5 min·US 183
Use the straight / left lanes.
51
Arrive at destination
US 64; US 183
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 22-minute duration and local road nature of this 226.9-mile trip, starting earlier in the day is advisable to avoid driving in the dark. With only one recommended stop and a low highway percentage, you have flexibility in pacing yourself, but keep an eye on your fuel levels as local roads can sometimes offer fewer services than major highways. The estimated fuel cost is $34, so ensure you have adequate funds or a card. A specific tip for this route: be extra attentive to speed limit changes as you enter and exit small towns along the way, as these transitions are common on turn-heavy local drives.
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 113.4 miles from Lawton, OK, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.6 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 50 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.4 miles or 2h 7m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buffalo, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lawton, OK 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 Lawton, OK
This is one driving day of about 226.9 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Lawton, OK.
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 OK 3 for about 43.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
2.8 mi from route
~7 min detour
$10 to $20
mile 194.5
Woodward, Oklahoma
Hours: 11 am–2 pm
+15802905052
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 95.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
0.9 mi into trip|~1m in|US 281 Business
Keep slight right at fork onto US 281 Business toward I 44 East, US 277 North, US 281 North: Oklahoma City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 44 East, US 277 North, US 281 North: O...
8
42.7 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward US 81, US 277: Duncan, Chickasha
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the sharp right lane.
Exit 80
Toward US 81, US 277: Duncan, Chickasha
6
45.1 mi into trip|~51m in|OK 9; US 62; US 81 / West Choctaw Avenue
Turn left onto OK 9; US 62; US 81 / West Choctaw Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
7
78 mi into trip|~1h 28m in
Turn left toward I 40 West, US 270 West: Amarillo
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 40 West, US 270 West: Amarillo
8
95.1 mi into trip|~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 281 Spur North: Geary, Watonga
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 108
Toward US 281 Spur North: Geary, Watonga
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.47 one way
$70.95 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$38.95
$77.90
premium
$4.89
$43.66
$87.33
diesel
$5.61
$50.10
$100.19
Estimated Tolls: $2.41
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
(34.4 mi)$2.41
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
$35
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.1
0
$23.82
$10.89
Efficient EV
56.7
0
$19.85
$9.08
EV Truck/SUV
90.8
1
$31.77
$14.52
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Lawton, OK
Evening
in Lawton on Saturday
Local time
8:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Buffalo, OK
Evening
in Buffalo on Saturday
Local time
8:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°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
1 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
4h 22m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Oklahoma City National Memorial
National Memorial
The outdoor symbolic memorial is a place of quiet reflection, honoring victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995. It encompasses the now sacred soil where the Al...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
$18
near mile 78.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by its 0% highway share. The journey is characterized by frequent turns and adjustments, rather than long stretches of steady highway cruising. While there's no specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the profile suggests you'll be actively steering and navigating local roads for most of the 4-hour, 22-minute drive. This means you'll likely be more engaged with the immediate surroundings as you transition through different local thoroughfares like Northwest 1st Street, Southwest Gore Boulevard, and Northwest 2nd Street in Lawton.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43.6 mi on OK 3.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on OK 3 and Harry E. Bailey Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near US 281 Business.
Driving Effort10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 226.9 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 0.9 miles (US 281 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.1 miles (OK 9; US 62; US 81 / West Choctaw Avenue): 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.
Between Lawton, OK and Buffalo, OK, road signs point toward Chickasha and Watonga.
Chickasha
42.7 mi in|~47m
Watonga
95.1 mi in|~1h 46m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 22m. Total distance: 226.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 43.6 miles on OK 3. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.41 in tolls one way, starting with Harry E. Bailey Turnpike. 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 Buffalo, OK 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 0.9 miles (US 281 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.1 miles (OK 9; US 62; US 81 / West Choctaw Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Oklahoma City National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Buffalo, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
