Llano Estacado Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Lubbock, TX to Stephenville, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 48m
Distance
271.4 mi
437 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 35m
★
6 AM
4h 48m
8 AM
5h 15m
10 AM
4h 58m
12 PM
4h 55m
3 PM
4h 59m
5 PM
5h 14m
8 PM
4h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lubbock, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Stephenville, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lubbock to Stephenville is 271.4 miles and takes about 4h 48m via US 84, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Texas, moving from the flat expanses of the Great Plains region in Lubbock to a similar landscape as you approach Stephenville. Primarily a highway-focused journey, it’s a straightforward trip that many find manageable in a single day. You'll spend most of your time on US Highway 84, so plan for a consistent driving experience.
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
135.7 miles from Lubbock, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 19m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 84 | 131.8 mi | 2h 11m |
| US Highway 84 | 73.9 mi | 1h 14m |
| East Highway 84 | 26.9 mi | 26m |
| State Highway 108 | 22.2 mi | 33m |
| Slaton Road | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway | 4.5 mi | 4m |
| Avenue Q | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| North Graham Street | 1.4 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
US 84
— 131.8 mi, about 2h 11m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,106 veh/hr typical · worst 1,545
Quietest
2 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Lubbock, TX and Stephenville, TX.
1
Start on US 62; TX 114
33 ft
·
6 sec
·
19th Street
2
Turn left onto US 84
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue Q
3
Continue on US 84
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Slaton Road
4
Continue on US 84
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
East Highway 84
5
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
6
Continue on US 84
20 mi
·
20 min
·
East Highway 84
7
Continue on US 84
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North US Highway 84
8
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East 15th Street
9
Turn right onto TX 207
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Ralls Road
10
Turn straight onto TX 207
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Avenue F
11
At end of road, turn left onto US 84
74 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
US Highway 84
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
132 mi
·
2 hr 11 min
·
US 84
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 370
Toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenville
14
Turn straight onto TX 108
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Interstate 20
15
Turn right onto TX 108
22 mi
·
33 min
·
State Highway 108
16
Continue on TX 108
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
North Graham Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Arrive at destination
TX 108
Trip Plan
Given this trip is just under 5 hours, you can comfortably complete it in one day. Aim to depart Lubbock in the morning to maximize daylight and arrive in Stephenville with time to spare. With the longest stretch on US 84 being over 130 miles, be mindful of fuel stops; plan your last fill-up before hitting that long segment. The $41 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but always check current prices. This is a direct route, so focus on maintaining a steady pace and enjoying the straightforward drive.
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 135.7 miles from Lubbock, TX, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 131.8 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 60 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.7 miles or 2h 19m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stephenville, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lubbock, 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 Lubbock, TX
This is one driving day of about 271.4 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Lubbock, 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 US 84 for about 131.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
136 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 135.7 miles from Lubbock, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 84 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 131.8 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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.3 mi from route
Mackenzie Main City Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+18067752673
Visit websiteAmerican Windmill Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.8 mi from route
~5 min detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18067478734
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 75 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 247.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
3
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 84 / Avenue Q
Turn left onto US 84 / Avenue Q
Navigation decision point
3
40.1 mi into trip
|
~42m in
|
Spur 575 / East 15th Street
Turn left onto Spur 575 / East 15th Street
Navigation decision point
3
40.2 mi into trip
|
~42m in
|
TX 207 / Ralls Road
Turn right onto TX 207 / Ralls Road
Navigation decision point
6
115.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 59m in
|
US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84 toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
6
247.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 11m in
Take the exit toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 370
Toward SH 108 South, FM 919: Gordon, Stephenvil...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.17 one way
$74.35 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
95 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $41.52 | $83.04 |
| premium | $4.23 | $45.14 | $90.29 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $51.25 | $102.49 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.4 | 1 | $28.50 | $13.03 |
| Efficient EV | 67.9 | 0 | $23.75 | $10.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108.6 | 1 | $38.00 | $17.37 |
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% 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
Lubbock, TX
Afternoon in Lubbock on Sunday
Local time
12:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Partly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph
26% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Stephenville, TX
Afternoon in Stephenville on Sunday
Local time
12:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
103°F
Sweetwater, TX
136 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 48m 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 route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the journey on major roadways. Expect to spend the majority of your time on US 84, which forms the backbone of this trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 131.8 miles, so settle in and enjoy the consistent pace. While it's primarily highway, the landscape will likely offer a consistent, open-road feel throughout the 271.4 miles.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 131.8 mi on US 84.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 84 and US Highway 84. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 84 / Avenue Q.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 48m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 84 / Avenue Q): Navigation decision point; at 40.1 miles (Spur 575 / East 15th Street): Navigation decision point; at 40.2 miles (TX 207 / Ralls Road): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,203 ft
1,049 ft
Total Climb
622 ft
Total Descent
2,553 ft
Highest Point
3,203 ft
Elevation Range
2,154 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.
Between Lubbock, TX and Stephenville, TX, road signs point toward Sh 108 South and Fm 919: Gordon.
Sh 108 South
247.5 mi in
|
~4h 11m
Fm 919: Gordon
247.5 mi in
|
~4h 11m
About the Cities
Starting in Lubbock, TX
Full guide →“Hub City” · Founded 1890
Lubbock is the largest city in the Panhandle of Texas and serves as the area's agricultural and economic hub. Lubbock, commonly known as the Hub City, is in the center of the South Plains, an expansive cotton-growing region.
Top landmarks
- • Buddy Holly Center — music museum and art gallery in Lubbock, Texas
- • Holden Properties Historic District — historic district in Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
- • Cactus Theater — building in Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
Arriving in Stephenville, TX
Full guide →Founded 1856
Stephenville is a city in the Cross Timbers region of Texas. Acclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World" (okay, maybe there's more than one), it's the home to Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M system, and even has an equine therapy program.
Top landmarks
- • Erath County Courthouse — historic place in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas
- • Erath Memorial Arch — historic place in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas
- • First National Bank Building — historic place in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas
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 48m. Total distance: 271.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 131.8 miles on US 84. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 84 / Avenue Q): Navigation decision point; at 40.1 miles (Spur 575 / East 15th Street): Navigation decision point; at 40.2 miles (TX 207 / Ralls Road): Navigation decision point.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Stephenville, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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