Lawton, OK to Stroud, OK is 142.6 miles and takes about 2h 32m via Northwest 1st Street, Southwest Gore Boulevard, and Northwest 2nd Street, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive entirely within the Great Plains region of Oklahoma. Expect to spend most of your time on surface roads, making it a more relaxed trip than a highway dash. With only one stop recommended and a short driving time, this route offers a lot of flexibility for your schedule.
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
71.3 miles from Lawton, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
61.2 mi
1h 2m
I 44
44.3 mi
44m
Will Rogers Expressway
23.6 mi
28m
Pioneer Expressway
4.6 mi
4m
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
4.2 mi
4m
Bill W. Burgess, Junior Highway
2.4 mi
2m
US 281 Business
0.6 mi
1m
Northwest 2nd Street
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
— 61.2 mi, about 1h 2m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,634 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,052
Quietest
2 AM
~130 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Lawton, OK and Stroud, 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
61 mi·1 hr 2 min·Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
Toward I 44 East: Chickasha, Oklahoma CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 44; US 62
16 mi·18 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44
7.7 mi·9 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: TulsaUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto I 35; I 44; OK 66
4.2 mi·4 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit onto I 44
44 mi·44 min·I 44
Exit 138AToward I 44 East: TulsaUse the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 179Toward US 377, OK 99: Stroud, DrumrightUse the right lane.
15
Turn right onto OK 99; US 377
0.4 mi·34 sec·North 8th Avenue
Use the right lane.
16
Turn left onto US Historic 66; OK 66
0.3 mi·42 sec·West Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Turn right onto North 4th Avenue
139 ft·4 sec·North 4th Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
North 4th Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the short 2h 32m driving time, you have the flexibility to leave Lawton anytime. Aiming for a morning departure will give you ample daylight to reach Stroud. Since this route is predominantly surface roads and covers only 142.6 miles, you can easily complete it in one day. The estimated fuel cost is around $23, so factor that into your budget. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you get closer to Stroud, as recommended stops are minimal.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.3 miles from Lawton, OK, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.2 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 31 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.3 miles or 1h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stroud, 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 142.6 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 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 Harry E. Bailey Turnpike for about 61.2 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 141.9 — 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
85.3 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Tulsa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Tulsa
7
97.2 mi into trip|~1h 45m in|I 44
Take the exit onto I 44 toward I 44 East: Tulsa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 138A
Toward I 44 East: Tulsa
8
141.5 mi into trip|~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward US 377, OK 99: Stroud, Drumright
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 179
Toward US 377, OK 99: Stroud, Drumright
6
141.9 mi into trip|~2h 31m in|OK 99; US 377 / North 8th Avenue
Turn right onto OK 99; US 377 / North 8th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.79 one way
$47.57 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg50 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$25.85
$51.71
premium
$5.26
$29.52
$59.05
diesel
$6.18
$34.69
$69.38
Estimated Tolls: $4.28
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
(61.2 mi)$4.28
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
$24
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
42.8
0
$14.97
$6.84
Efficient EV
35.7
0
$12.48
$5.70
EV Truck/SUV
57
0
$19.96
$9.13
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Lawton, OK
Morning
in Lawton on Tuesday
Local time
8:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Sunny
SSE 3 to 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Stroud, OK
Morning
in Stroud on Tuesday
Local time
8:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°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
5 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
2h 32m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive has a 0% highway share, meaning you'll be on surface roads for the entire 142.6 miles. The longest stretch without a significant break isn't specified, but expect consistent surface road driving throughout the 2h 32m duration. You'll notice the change from city streets in Lawton to more open roads as you head east. Prepare for a steady pace without the rapid acceleration and deceleration common on interstates.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.2 mi on Harry E. Bailey Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Harry E. Bailey Turnpike and I 44. 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 Effort7/10
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 142.6 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 85.3 miles (I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.2 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,378 ft887 ft
Total Climb
549 ft
Total Descent
771 ft
Highest Point
1,378 ft
~20.4 mi in
Elevation Range
491 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 Lawton, OK to Stroud, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Oklahoma City along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 142.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.2 miles on Harry E. Bailey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.28 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.
Yes — we found about 20 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 Stroud, 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. There are 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 85.3 miles (I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.2 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Oklahoma City National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Stroud, OK before heading back.
