Lawton, OK to Wilburton, OK is 239.6 miles and takes about 4h 22m via Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway and Harry E. Bailey Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. You'll be traveling entirely within Oklahoma, moving from the western Great Plains region to the eastern Great Plains. This route is mostly highway driving, making it a straightforward trip if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. It's a solid option for a single-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
119.8 miles from Lawton, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
75.1 mi
1h 16m
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
61.2 mi
1h 2m
US 270
35 mi
49m
Indian Nation Turnpike
34.2 mi
32m
Southeast Expressway
13 mi
14m
Will Rogers Expressway
7.7 mi
8m
Pioneer Expressway
4.6 mi
4m
Southwest Expressway
3.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
— 75.1 mi, about 1h 16m
Traffic on I-240
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,622 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~252 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.4×
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 Wilburton, 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
7.7 mi·8 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto US 62
0.3 mi·42 sec·US 62
Exit 115Toward I 240 East, US 62 East, OK 3 East: Fort SmithUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 240; US 62; OK 3
3.3 mi·4 min·Southwest Expressway
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on I 240; US 62; OK 3
13 mi·14 min·Southeast Expressway
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on I 40; US 270; OK 3
75 mi·1 hr 16 min·Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 240AToward Indian Nation Turnpike South: McAlester, DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto OK 375
34 mi·32 min·Indian Nation Turnpike
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 70Toward US 270, OK 1: McAlester, CalvinUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn left onto US 270; OK 1
20 mi·32 min·US 270; OK 1
Use the left / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto US 270
4.9 mi·5 min·US 270
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on US 270
2.2 mi·2 min·US 270
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Continue on US 270
1.9 mi·2 min·US 270
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on US 270
2.3 mi·2 min·US 270
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 270
1.0 mi·1 min·US 270
Use the straight / left lanes.
24
Continue on US 270
1.0 mi·1 min·US 270
Use the straight / left lanes.
25
Continue on US 270
1.2 mi·1 min·US 270
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Turn slight right onto Brandy Road
362 ft·7 sec·Brandy Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Turn slight left
0.1 mi·14 sec
28
Turn straight onto US 270; OK 2
0.7 mi·1 min·West Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
29
Arrive at destination
US 270
Trip Plan
Consider starting your drive early in the morning to make the most of the daylight for the 4-hour and 22-minute trip. With a $38 estimated fuel cost, you'll want to ensure your tank is full before leaving Lawton, as there's only one recommended stop on this route. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 75 miles, so plan accordingly for any necessary stops before you begin that segment. Given the relatively short duration, this is a very manageable same-day trip, offering flexibility for when you depart.
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 119.8 miles from Lawton, OK, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.1 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 53 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.8 miles or 2h 6m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wilburton, 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 239.6 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway for about 75.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 119.8 miles from Lawton, OK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.1 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.
Best coffee break · home stretch
Barong Cafe
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Wilburton, Oklahoma
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch · 0min to go
0.1 mi from route
$10 to $20
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+19184715207
Barong Cafe
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.1 mi from route
$10 to $20
Wilburton, Oklahoma
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+19184715207
Elmer Thomas Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Lawton, Oklahoma
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+15805813400
The She Shed Bistro
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
$1 to $10
Wilburton, Oklahoma
Hours: 11 am–2 pm
+19184656259
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 203.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Northwest 1st Street
Turn left onto Northwest 1st Street
Navigation decision point
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
77.1 mi into trip|~1h 20m in|US 62
Take the exit onto US 62 toward I 240 East, US 62 East, OK 3 East: Fort Smith
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 115
Toward I 240 East, US 62 East, OK 3 East: Fort...
8
168.8 mi into trip|~2h 56m in
Take the exit toward Indian Nation Turnpike South: McAlester, Dallas
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 240A
Toward Indian Nation Turnpike South: McAlester,...
8
203.5 mi into trip|~3h 30m in
Take the exit toward US 270, OK 1: McAlester, Calvin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70
Toward US 270, OK 1: McAlester, Calvin
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.15 one way
$74.29 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$40.73
$81.46
premium
$4.93
$46.49
$92.97
diesel
$5.60
$52.82
$105.63
Estimated Tolls: $6.68
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
(61.2 mi)$4.28
Indian Nation Turnpike
(34.2 mi)$2.40
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
$37
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.9
0
$25.16
$11.50
Efficient EV
59.9
0
$20.97
$9.58
EV Truck/SUV
95.8
1
$33.54
$15.33
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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.
Forecast as of Aug 30, 2026
Origin
Lawton, OK
Night
in Lawton on Tuesday
Local time
11:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Clear
SSE 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 29 at 11:43PM CDT until August 30 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Tulsa OK
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 29 at 9:05PM CDT until August 30 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Destination
Wilburton, OK
Night
in Wilburton on Tuesday
Local time
11:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Clear
SE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 29 at 11:43PM CDT until August 30 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Tulsa OK
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 29 at 9:05PM CDT until August 30 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
98°F
Davenport, OK
120 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
5 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 67% of the 239.6 miles on major roads. You'll encounter a long stretch of 75.1 miles on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway. After that, the route transitions to US 270, which will likely feel more like rural cruising with fewer exits and potentially less traffic. The majority of the driving happens on the turnpike and highway systems, making for mostly open road driving.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.1 mi on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway 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 0.1 miles in near Northwest 1st Street.
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 15 significant decision points across 239.6 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 0.1 miles (Northwest 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (US 281 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.1 miles (US 62): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,348 ft667 ft
Total Climb
126 ft
Total Descent
792 ft
Highest Point
1,348 ft
~17.1 mi in
Elevation Range
681 ft
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 Wilburton, OK, road signs point toward Indian Nation Turnpike South: Mcalester, Dallas and Calvin.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 22m. Total distance: 239.6 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 75.1 miles on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.68 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 Wilburton, 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 0.1 miles (Northwest 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (US 281 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.1 miles (US 62): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Wilburton, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
