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Trip from Live Oak, TX to Arlington, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 46m

Distance

264.2 mi

425 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 33m ★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 56m
12 PM
4h 53m
3 PM
4h 57m
5 PM
5h 12m
8 PM
4h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Live Oak, TX, TX

Live Oak, TX

Phil Evenden

suburban city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Arlington, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 264.2-mile journey from Live Oak, TX, to Arlington, TX, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes of driving time. You'll primarily navigate on the Purple Heart Trail, I-35W, and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway. With a projected fuel cost of around $40, this drive is budget-friendly. The route, characterized by a turn-heavy local feel for 22% of its length, offers a varied driving experience. Both your starting and ending points are situated within the Great Plains region, so expect a consistent landscape throughout this Texas-bound adventure.

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

132.1 miles from Live Oak, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Purple Heart Trail 188.3 mi 3h 18m
I 35W 45.1 mi 47m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway 10.3 mi 11m
South Jack Kultgen Expressway 6.6 mi 7m
North Pan Am Expressway 4.1 mi 4m
South Cooper Street 2.7 mi 4m
Interstate Highway 35 1.9 mi 2m
South Center Street 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 188.3 mi, about 3h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Live Oak, TX and Arlington, TX.

1

Start on I 35

1.0 mi · 1 min · North Pan Am Expressway
2

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 170 Toward Judson Road Use the slight right lane.
3

Turn straight onto Interstate 35 North

0.3 mi · 35 sec · Interstate 35 North
Use the left / straight lanes.
4

Turn left onto Judson Road

249 ft · 12 sec · Judson Road
5

Turn left onto Interstate 35 North

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Interstate 35 North
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 35 North
7

Merge onto I 35

3.1 mi · 3 min · North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 35

12 mi · 12 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 35

1.9 mi · 2 min · Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 35

48 mi · 52 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 35; US 290

96 mi · 1 hr 40 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on I 35

6.6 mi · 7 min · South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 35; US 77

33 mi · 33 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W

45 mi · 47 min · I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth Use the slight left lane.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 45B Toward I 20 East: Dallas Use the right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 20 East: Dallas Use the slight left lane.
17

Merge onto I 20

5.7 mi · 6 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 20

4.6 mi · 4 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 449A Toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Continue on West Interstate 20

0.3 mi · 24 sec · West Interstate 20
21

Turn left onto FM 157

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Cooper Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
22

Keep slight right at fork onto FM 157

1.7 mi · 2 min · South Cooper Street
Use the left lane.
23

Turn right onto Spur 303

0.5 mi · 50 sec · West Pioneer Parkway
Use the right lane.
24

Turn left onto South Center Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Center Street
Use the left lane.
25

Continue on South Mesquite Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Mesquite Street
26

Turn left onto East Abram Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · East Abram Street
27

Arrive at destination

West Abram Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 46-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning from Live Oak will allow you to reach Arlington with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer stretches on the Purple Heart Trail, with an estimated cost of $40 for the trip. Consider breaking up the 188.3-mile longest stretch on the Purple Heart Trail if needed, though it's well within reach for most drivers in a single day.

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 132.1 miles from Live Oak, TX, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 188.3 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 58 miles or 1h 4m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 132.1 miles or 2h 22m 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 50m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Live Oak, 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 Live Oak, TX

This is one driving day of about 264.2 miles and 4h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Live Oak, 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 188.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Bell County, Texas

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Troy, TX

132 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

Austin, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Temple, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 132.1 miles from Live Oak, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 188.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

The Sophienburg Museum & Archives

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 18.9

New Braunfels, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18306291572

Visit website

Children's Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 37.7

San Marcos, Texas

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+15123938400

Visit website

Tube Chute

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 18.9

New Braunfels, Texas

+18302214000

Visit website

Pioneer Farms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 75.5

Austin, Texas

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+15128371215

Visit website

Cultural Activities Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 132.1

Temple, Texas

Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm

+12547739926

Visit website

Calaboose African American History Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 37.7

San Marcos, Texas

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+15123938421

Visit website

Doris D Miller Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 169.8

Waco, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Morgan's Wonderland

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

San Antonio, Texas

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12104955888

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 258.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
1 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the exit toward Judson Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 170 Toward Judson Road
7
202.2 mi into trip | ~3h 35m in | I 35W

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Fort Worth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 35W: Fort Worth
7
247.4 mi into trip | ~4h 22m in

Take the exit toward I 20 East: Dallas

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 45B Toward I 20 East: Dallas
7
247.7 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 East: Dallas

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 20 East: Dallas
8
258.4 mi into trip | ~4h 35m in

Take the exit toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield

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 449A Toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.92 one way

$79.84 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $43.70 $87.39
premium $4.54 $47.17 $94.34
diesel $5.61 $58.33 $116.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$40

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 92.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 79.3 0 $27.74 $12.68
Efficient EV 66.1 0 $23.12 $10.57
EV Truck/SUV 105.7 1 $36.99 $16.91

Gas CO2

92 kg

EV CO2

31 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 17, 2026

Origin

Live Oak, TX

Afternoon in Live Oak on Sunday

Local time

2:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Arlington, TX

Afternoon in Arlington on Sunday

Local time

2:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Mostly Clear

S 10 to 15 mph 5% chance Live forecast

60°F

Troy, TX

132 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

6 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 46m 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.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

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...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour Free near mile 173.1
View on nps.gov
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...

18 mi from route ~46 min detour Free
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 dynamic driving experience on this route, which features a significant 22% on highways. While much of the drive is on the Purple Heart Trail, you'll encounter a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for a portion of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans an impressive 188.3 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, offering a chance to settle in. As you progress, the character of the road will shift, moving from more localized sections to the broader interstate corridors.

Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 188.3 mi on Purple Heart Trail.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.

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 17 significant decision points across 264.2 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.2 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 247.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Arlington, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1876

Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.

Top landmarks

  • • Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
  • • Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
  • • Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States

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 4h 46m. Total distance: 264.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 188.3 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Arlington, 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.2 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 247.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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