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Trip from Mathis, TX to Fort Worth, TX

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

Drive Time

6h 19m

Distance

349.5 mi

562 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$53

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
6h 7m ★
6 AM
6h 19m
8 AM
6h 44m
10 AM
6h 28m
12 PM
6h 26m
3 PM
6h 29m
5 PM
6h 43m
8 PM
6h 12m

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 Mathis, TX, TX

Mathis, TX

Jeff Stapleton

city and county seat of Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Fort Worth, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 349.5-mile drive from Mathis, Texas, to Fort Worth, Texas, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 6 hours and 19 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused experience, you'll spend about 67% of your time on major roadways like the Purple Heart Trail, Pickle Parkway, and I-35W. With an estimated fuel cost of $53, this route keeps you within the Great Plains region for its entirety. It’s a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop, though you can certainly take your time if you prefer.

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

174.7 miles from Mathis, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Purple Heart Trail 97.7 mi 1h 39m
Pickle Parkway 58.5 mi 54m
I 35W 49.2 mi 51m
US Highway 181 South 40.2 mi 45m
State Highway 80 North 30.8 mi 35m
State Highway 80 23.6 mi 25m
North State Highway 359 13.1 mi 17m
US 183 10.1 mi 11m
Longest stretch: Purple Heart Trail — 97.7 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mathis, TX and Fort Worth, TX.

1

Start on TX 359 Bus

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Front Street
2

At end of road, turn left onto TX 359

13 mi · 17 min · North State Highway 359
3

At end of road, turn left onto US 181

0.8 mi · 55 sec · South 8th Street
4

Continue on US 181

40 mi · 45 min · US Highway 181 South
5

Continue on US 181

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Sunset Strip Drive
6

Turn right onto TX 72; TX 239

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
7

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239

233 ft · 3 sec · East Main Street
8

Continue on FM 792

8.4 mi · 10 min · Helena Road
9

Turn straight onto TX 80

24 mi · 25 min · State Highway 80
10

Continue on TX 80

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Nixon Avenue
11

Continue on TX 80; TX 97

31 mi · 35 min · State Highway 80 North
12

Continue on US 183

10 mi · 11 min · US 183
13

Continue on US 183

4.9 mi · 8 min · South Colorado Street
14

Continue on US 183

0.2 mi · 16 sec · United States Highway 183
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
16

Merge onto TX 130 Toll

59 mi · 54 min · Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 35 North: Waco Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
18

Merge onto I 35

65 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 35

6.6 mi · 7 min · South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Continue on I 35; US 77

33 mi · 33 min · Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W

49 mi · 51 min · I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth Use the slight left lane.
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 49A Toward Allen Avenue Use the slight right lane.
23

Turn straight onto South Freeway

0.1 mi · 18 sec · South Freeway
24

Turn left onto East Allen Avenue

210 ft · 12 sec · East Allen Avenue
25

Turn left onto South Freeway

258 ft · 5 sec · South Freeway
26

Arrive at destination

South Freeway

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 19-minute journey, consider an early morning departure from Mathis to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic as you approach Fort Worth. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically to break up the longest stretch of 97.7 miles on the Purple Heart Trail. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during that longer segment, as services can be more spread out on parkways. The $53 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a buffer for unexpected detours or higher prices.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174.7 miles from Mathis, TX, or about 3h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.7 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 77 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 174.7 miles or 3h 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 5h 16m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Mathis, 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 Mathis, TX

This is one driving day of about 349.5 miles and 6h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Mathis, 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 97.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Hays County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Kyle, TX

175 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.

Popular next leg

Kyle, TX to Fort Worth, TX

207.3 mi · 3h 40m

Pacing Suggestions

Floresville, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 77 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Wells Branch, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 174.7 miles from Mathis, 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 97.7 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.

Gonzalo Paiz Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Mathis, Texas

+13615472113

Visit website

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 349.5

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18179665509

Visit website

Fort Worth Herd

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 349.5

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm

+18173364373

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 136.1 and 349 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
136.1 mi into trip | ~2h 43m 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
5
136.6 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in | TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway

Merge onto TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
195.1 mi into trip | ~3h 38m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35 North: Waco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 35 North: Waco
7
299.8 mi into trip | ~5h 26m 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
349 mi into trip | ~6h 18m in

Take the exit toward Allen Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 49A Toward Allen Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$52.81 one way

$105.62 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 122 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $57.81 $115.61
premium $4.54 $62.40 $124.80
diesel $5.61 $77.17 $154.33

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$53

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$78–$103

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 122.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 104.9 1 $36.70 $16.78
Efficient EV 87.4 0 $30.58 $13.98
EV Truck/SUV 139.8 1 $48.93 $22.37

Gas CO2

122 kg

EV CO2

41 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Mathis, TX

Late night in Mathis on Sunday

Local time

2:28 AM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Worth, TX

Late night in Fort Worth on Sunday

Local time

2:28 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°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

8 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

6h 19m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 265.1
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 predominantly highway-focused drive for this trip, with 67% of the journey on major roads. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 97.7 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, offering a sustained period of consistent travel. The route transitions between different main roads, including the Pickle Parkway and I-35W, providing a mix of highway experiences. This profile suggests a drive that is largely efficient, with opportunities for steady progress.

67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.7 mi on Purple Heart Trail.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Purple Heart Trail and Pickle Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 136.1 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 12 significant decision points across 349.5 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 136.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.6 miles (TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 195.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Mathis, TX to Fort Worth, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.

Waco

136.1 mi in | ~2h 43m

About the Cities

Arriving in Fort Worth, TX

Full guide →

“Panther city” · Founded 1849

Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.

Top landmarks

  • • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
  • • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
  • • St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, 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 6h 19m. Total distance: 349.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 97.7 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 Fort Worth, 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 136.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.6 miles (TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 195.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Worth, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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