Origin
McAlester, OK
Late night in McAlester on Saturday
Local time
3:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from McAlester, OK to Copeland, OK
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 5, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 4m
Distance
151.9 mi
245 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 53m
★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
McAlester, OK
Wikimedia Commons
Copeland, OK
Alan Garzón
Trip Overview
McAlester, OK to Copeland, OK is 151.9 miles and takes about 3h 4m via South George Nigh Expressway and Will Rogers Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Oklahoma. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short travel time, it's an easy same-day excursion. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct path without extensive detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
76 miles from McAlester, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South George Nigh Expressway | 62.3 mi | 1h 9m |
| North Blake Drive | 44 mi | 56m |
| Will Rogers Turnpike | 19.3 mi | 19m |
| Specialist Joshua M. "Bubba" Seals Memorial Bridge | 10.9 mi | 13m |
| US 59 | 8.4 mi | 11m |
| North 32nd Street | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| East Carl Albert Parkway | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| East 250 Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
South George Nigh Expressway
— 62.3 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McAlester, OK and Copeland, OK.
1
Start on US 69 Business
16 ft
·
0 sec
·
North Main Street
2
Turn left onto US 270; OK 1; OK 31
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
East Carl Albert Parkway
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward US 69 North: McAlester
4
Merge onto US 69
62 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
South George Nigh Expressway
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on US 62; US 69; OK 16
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
North 32nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 69
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Specialist Joshua M. "Bubba" Seals Memorial Bridge
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on US 69
44 mi
·
56 min
·
North Blake Drive
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
405 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 44: Joplin, Tulsa
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 44 East: Joplin
Use the straight lane.
11
Merge onto I 44
19 mi
·
19 min
·
Will Rogers Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 302
Toward US 59, US 60: Fairland, Grove, Afton
Use the right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward Cash Only
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
this road
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward US 59 South, US 60 West, US 69 South: Afton, Grove
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto US 59; US 60; US 69; US Historic 66
0.6 mi
·
56 sec
·
US 59; US 60; US 69; US Historic 66
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto US 59
7.8 mi
·
10 min
·
US 59
Toward US 69 South: Grove
18
Turn sharp right onto East 250 Road
303 ft
·
5 sec
·
East 250 Road
19
Arrive at destination
East 250 Road
Trip Plan
Leaving McAlester in the morning should give you ample time to reach Copeland well before evening. The 3-hour drive with one stop is manageable for a single day, so you have flexibility on when to depart. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $24 and services might be spaced out on the surface road sections. A good tip for this route is to top off your tank in McAlester before heading out, as the longest stretch on the highway is over 60 miles.
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 76 miles from McAlester, OK, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.3 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 33 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76 miles or 1h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Copeland, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving McAlester, 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 McAlester, OK
This is one driving day of about 151.9 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from McAlester, 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 South George Nigh Expressway for about 62.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
76 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 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76 miles from McAlester, OK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South George Nigh Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 122.7 and 143.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
122.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
122.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 44 East: Joplin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 44 East: Joplin
8
142.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward US 59, US 60: Fairland, Grove, Afton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 302
Toward US 59, US 60: Fairland, Grove, Afton
8
142.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Cash Only
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Cash Only
9
143.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 59 South, US 60 West, US 69 South: Afton, Grove
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 59 South, US 60 West, US 69 South: Af...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.55 one way
$47.10 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
53 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $25.82 | $51.65 |
| premium | $4.93 | $29.47 | $58.94 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $33.48 | $66.97 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.96
Will Rogers Turnpike
(19.3 mi)
$0.96
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
$24
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 45.6 | 0 | $15.95 | $7.29 |
| Efficient EV | 38 | 0 | $13.29 | $6.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 60.8 | 0 | $21.27 | $9.72 |
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Copeland, OK
Late night in Copeland on Saturday
Local time
3:47 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
1 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
3h 4m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 60% of the 151.9 miles on highways like the Will Rogers Turnpike. The longest stretch without a major road change is 62.3 miles on South George Nigh Expressway. Expect a mix of highway cruising and surface road driving, with the highway portion likely featuring more consistent speeds and fewer intersections before transitioning to local roads.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.3 mi on South George Nigh Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 122.7 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 13 significant decision points across 151.9 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 122.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 122.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
792 ft
576 ft
Total Climb
237 ft
Total Descent
181 ft
Highest Point
792 ft
~151.3 mi in
Elevation Range
216 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 McAlester, OK and Copeland, OK, road signs point toward Tulsa, Grove, Afton and Cash Only.
Tulsa
122.6 mi in
|
~2h 29m
Grove
142.7 mi in
|
~2h 50m
Afton
142.7 mi in
|
~2h 50m
Cash Only
142.9 mi in
|
~2h 51m
About the Cities
Starting in McAlester, OK
Full guide →Founded 1872
McAlester is in the Choctaw Country region of Oklahoma and home to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
Top landmarks
- • International Temple, Supreme Assembly, Order of the Rainbow for Girls
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 3h 4m. Total distance: 151.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.3 miles on South George Nigh Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.96 in tolls one way, starting with Will Rogers 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 Copeland, 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 122.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 122.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Copeland, OK, 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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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