Trip from McKinney, TX to Littlefield, 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
7h
Distance
374.7 mi
603 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
McKinney, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Littlefield, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
McKinney to Littlefield is 374.7 miles and takes about 7 hours via US Highway 82 West and US 287, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Texas. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a solid option for a direct transit. You'll spend most of your time on the highway, making it an efficient way to cover the distance. Plan for a single day of driving to reach your destination.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
187.3 miles from McKinney, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 82 West | 93.5 mi | 1h 38m |
| North US Highway 287 | 71.8 mi | 1h 14m |
| US 82 | 49.1 mi | 55m |
| US Highway 82 | 33.1 mi | 35m |
| West Highway 82 | 24.4 mi | 25m |
| US Highway 380 West | 21.5 mi | 24m |
| East University Drive | 20.4 mi | 30m |
| US Highway 84 | 16.1 mi | 16m |
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McKinney, TX and Littlefield, TX.
Start on North Tennessee Street
Turn right onto Hunt Street
Turn left onto TX 5
Turn left onto US 380
Continue on US 380
Continue on US 380
Continue on US 377; US 380
Continue on US 380
Take the exit
Merge onto US 81; US 287
Take the exit onto US 82
Take the exit onto US 82
Turn right onto US 82; US 183 Business; US 277 Business; US 283 Business
Continue on US 82; US 183 Business; US 277 Business; US 283 Business
Turn right onto US 82; TX 114
Continue on US 82; TX 114
Continue on US 82; TX 114
Continue on US 82; TX 114
Continue on US 82; TX 114
Continue on US 82; TX 114
Continue on US 82; TX 114
Take the exit
Turn straight onto Idalou Road
Turn right onto Northeast Loop 289
Take the ramp
Merge onto Loop 289
Take the exit
Turn straight onto North Loop 289
Turn right onto US 84
Continue on US 84
Continue on US 84
Turn right onto Loop 430
At end of road, turn left onto Loop 430
Turn slight left onto FM 54
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Consider an early morning departure from McKinney to maximize daylight and avoid any potential afternoon traffic. With a 7-hour drive time, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day, but plan for about two stops to stretch your legs and refuel. Given the $56 fuel cost estimate, it's wise to fill up before leaving McKinney or at your first stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 93.5-mile stretch on US Highway 82 West, as services might be spaced out in some sections.
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.
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 82 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 187.3 miles or 3h 40m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Littlefield, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
Open the route before leaving McKinney, 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.
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from McKinney, TX
This is one driving day of about 374.7 miles and 7h.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
187 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
A short stop after about 82 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 187.3 miles from McKinney, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 82 West if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.5 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.
Knox County Westbound Rest Area
Rest Area
Crosby County Eastbound Rest Area
Wise County Northbound
Rest Area
Picnic Area Westbound US 84
Picnic Area Eastbound US 84
Rest Area
Service Plaza
Flying J Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
QuikTrip
QuikTrip
Service Plaza
Flying J Travel Center
Love's Travel Stop
Texas Travel Information Center at Wichita Falls
TA
Love's Travel Stop
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Near the start, short detour
McKinney, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+19725625566
Visit websiteManiac’s Mansion (TAG’s)
Around the midpoint, short detour
Wichita Falls, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+19402575543
Visit websiteMuseum of North Texas History
Around the midpoint, short detour
Wichita Falls, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19403227628
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 182.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn right onto Hunt Street
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto US 380 / West University Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit onto US 82 toward US 82 West, US 277 South: Lubbock, Abilene
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit onto US 82 toward US 82, US 183 Business: Seymour, Lubbock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn right onto US 82; TX 114 / East California Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.32 one way
$102.64 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $57.33 | $114.65 |
| premium | $4.23 | $62.33 | $124.65 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $70.75 | $141.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 112.4 | 1 | $39.34 | $17.99 |
| Efficient EV | 93.7 | 1 | $32.79 | $14.99 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 149.9 | 1 | $52.46 | $23.98 |
Gas CO2
131 kg
EV CO2
44 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
McKinney, TX
Afternoon in McKinney on Sunday
Local time
3:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 17 at 1:35AM CDT until July 17 at 2:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:00AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Littlefield, TX
Afternoon in Littlefield on Sunday
Local time
3:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Cloudy
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 17 at 1:35AM CDT until July 17 at 2:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:00AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
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
11 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
7h 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 88% highway, so expect plenty of highway cruising. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 93.5 miles on US Highway 82 West. You'll notice the transition from mostly highway driving to surface roads as you approach your destination. The extensive highway share means fewer interruptions and a consistent pace for most of the trip.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 82 West and North US Highway 287. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Hunt Street.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 374.7 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Hunt Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles (US 380 / West University Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 131 miles (US 82): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
Total Climb
3,046 ft
Total Descent
115 ft
Highest Point
3,559 ft
~374.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,999 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 McKinney, TX and Littlefield, TX, road signs point toward Abilene, Lubbock, Loop 289 and Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark.
Abilene
Lubbock
Loop 289
Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Starbucks
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
McKinney, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Hours: Mo-Sa 05:00-22:00; Su 05:30-22:00
Visit websiteBill Smith Cafe
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
Cuisine: american;breakfast;diner
Starbucks
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
McKinney, TX
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteStarbucks
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Coco Mango
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
McKinney, TX
Cuisine: bubble_tea
Spoons Cafe
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
Cuisine: american
Square Burger
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
Cuisine: burger
Rick's Chop House
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
Cuisine: steak_house
Cadillac Pizza
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
Cuisine: pizza
Sugarbacon
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
Cuisine: american
The Yard
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
World's Largest Bowie Knife
Attraction
Early in the drive, short detour
Hours: 24/7
prairie
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
cupola/overlook
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
picnic tables
Picnic_site
Near the start, short detour
Bird blind
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
Deck
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
Collin McKinney Cabin Historical Marker
Building
Near the start, right off the route
TX
Visit websiteNear Site of Pansy Baptist Church
Memorial
Later in the drive, right off the route
Site of Leatherwood School
Memorial
Later in the drive, right off the route
HIstoric McKinney Jail
Yes
Near the start, right off the route
Collin County Central Museum at the Old Post Office
Museum
Near the start, right off the route
Collin County Mill and Elevator Company Building
Yes
Near the start, right off the route
TX
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in McKinney, TX
Full guide →Founded 1848
McKinney is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas.
Arriving in Littlefield, TX
Full guide →Founded 1912
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 7h. Total distance: 374.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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