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Trip from Lopezville, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 41m
Distance
294.4 mi
474 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 28m
★
6 AM
5h 42m
8 AM
6h 8m
10 AM
5h 51m
12 PM
5h 48m
3 PM
5h 52m
5 PM
6h 7m
8 PM
5h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lopezville, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Lopezville to Montopolis is 294.4 miles and takes about 5h 41m via I 69C and King David Drive, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, beginning in the Great Plains region and ending in the same area. With a high percentage of highway driving, this route is best suited for those who want to cover ground efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip.
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
147.2 miles from Lopezville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69C | 144.5 mi | 2h 38m |
| King David Drive | 31.8 mi | 39m |
| State Highway 80 North | 30.8 mi | 35m |
| State Highway 80 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| US Highway 183 South | 11.8 mi | 15m |
| Nueces Street | 11.1 mi | 14m |
| US 183 | 10.1 mi | 11m |
| Pickle Parkway | 9.8 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 69C
— 144.5 mi, about 2h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lopezville, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on East Minnesota Road
23 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Minnesota Road
2
Turn right onto North Veterans Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
North Veterans Boulevard
3
Continue on South I Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
South I Road
4
Turn left onto East Wisconsin Road
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
East Wisconsin Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 69C North, US 281 North
6
Merge onto I 69C; US 281
74 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
I 69C; US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281
70 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
I 69C; US 281
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Nueces Street
9
Turn right onto TX 72
32 mi
·
39 min
·
King David Drive
10
Continue on TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
11
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239
233 ft
·
3 sec
·
East Main Street
12
Continue on FM 792
8.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Helena Road
13
Turn straight onto TX 80
24 mi
·
25 min
·
State Highway 80
14
Continue on TX 80
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Nixon Avenue
15
Continue on TX 80; TX 97
31 mi
·
35 min
·
State Highway 80 North
16
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
17
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
South Colorado Street
18
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
United States Highway 183
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
20
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
9.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 460
Toward US 183 North: Austin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on US 183
12 mi
·
15 min
·
US Highway 183 South
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on 183 Toll
0.7 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Use the right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto Loop 111
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
26
Continue on Loop 111
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
27
Continue on US 183
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
28
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
29
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
Given the roughly 5h 41m drive time, starting in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. Plan for one stop to break up the 294.4 miles and manage your fuel. The longest continuous stretch is about 144.5 miles on I 69C, so ensure you're fueled up before that segment. Since this is a single-day trip with a fuel cost around $43, you have flexibility in your departure time, but an early start will allow for a relaxed pace and an arrival well before evening.
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 147.2 miles from Lopezville, TX, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 144.5 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 65 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.2 miles or 2h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 37m
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 Lopezville, 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 Lopezville, TX
This is one driving day of about 294.4 miles and 5h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Lopezville, 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 I 69C for about 144.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
147 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 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 147.2 miles from Lopezville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 69C if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 144.5 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.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Brooks County Rest Area
0 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.9 mi from route
Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle - National Shrine
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
San Juan, Texas
+19567870033
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 websiteEdinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
3.9 mi from route
~10 min detour
Edinburg, Texas
Hours: 8 am–6 pm
+19563819922
Visit websiteBill Schupp Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
4.2 mi from route
~10 min detour
McAllen, Texas
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+19566813333
Visit websiteMuseum of South Texas History
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Edinburg, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19563836911
Visit websiteFiremen's Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.4 mi from route
~11 min detour
McAllen, Texas
Hours: 8 am–11 pm
+19566813333
Visit websiteHelium Trampoline Park
3.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~10 min detour
3.8 mi from route
~10 min detour
McAllen, Texas
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+19566824832
Visit websiteLa Sal Del Rey
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
First break
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
Edinburg, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+19567847500
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 292.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 69C North, US 281 North
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 69C North, US 281 North
5
2.5 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 69C; US 281
Merge onto I 69C; US 281
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
269.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
7
280.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 22m in
Take the exit toward US 183 North: Austin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 460
Toward US 183 North: Austin
7
292.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 38m in
Take the exit toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Stree...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.32 one way
$80.65 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $45.04 | $90.08 |
| premium | $4.23 | $48.97 | $97.94 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $55.59 | $111.18 |
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: 103 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88.3 | 1 | $30.91 | $14.13 |
| Efficient EV | 73.6 | 0 | $25.76 | $11.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.8 | 1 | $41.22 | $18.84 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Lopezville, TX
Late night in Lopezville on Tuesday
Local time
4:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
98°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 17 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:16PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:56PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Tuesday
Local time
4:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:16PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:56PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
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
5h 41m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is mostly highway, with 79% of the 294.4 miles on major roads like I 69C. You'll experience a longest stretch of 144.5 miles on I 69C before transitioning to surface roads like King David Drive and State Highway 80 North. Expect a period of rural cruising as you move off the interstate, with fewer exits and a more relaxed pace for a portion of the drive.
79% 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: 144.5 mi on I 69C.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69C and King David Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.
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 15 significant decision points across 294.4 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 2.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles (I 69C; US 281): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 269.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
581 ft
80 ft
Total Climb
699 ft
Total Descent
339 ft
Highest Point
581 ft
~273.3 mi in
Elevation Range
501 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Lopezville, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
269.8 mi in
|
~5h 13m
About the Cities
Starting in Lopezville, TX
Full guide →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 5h 41m. Total distance: 294.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 41m 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 144.5 miles on I 69C. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles (I 69C; US 281): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 269.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Montopolis, TX before the return drive.
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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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