Trip from Memphis, TX to Montopolis, TX

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

Drive Time

7h 50m

Distance

442.5 mi

712 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$61

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min

4 AM

7h 42m ★

6 AM

7h 51m

8 AM

8h 9m

10 AM

7h 57m

12 PM

7h 55m

3 PM

7h 58m

5 PM

8h 8m

8 PM

7h 45m

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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city in and county seat of Hall County, Texas, United States

Memphis, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Montopolis, TX

Jeff Stapleton

Trip Overview

Memphis, TX to Montopolis, TX is 442.5 miles and takes about 7h 50m via Central East Freeway and US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $64 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, beginning in the Great Plains and ending in the same region. With 89% of the trip on highways, expect a fairly direct and efficient transit between these two points. Given the reasonable duration, it's a solid option for a single-day trip, making it a practical choice if you need to cover ground quickly.

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

221.2 miles from Memphis, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Central East Freeway	99.2 mi	1h 46m
North South Freeway	84.6 mi	1h 27m
US Highway 287	81.8 mi	1h 27m
I 35	52.6 mi	54m
US Highway 287 East	40.5 mi	42m
Purple Heart Trail	37.9 mi	39m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway	6.6 mi	7m
Northwest Freeway	5.2 mi	5m

Longest stretch: Central East Freeway — 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m

Traffic on I-35

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

3 PM

~3,227 veh/hr typical · worst 3,978

Quietest

2 AM

~510 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

6.3×

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 Memphis, TX and Montopolis, TX.

Start on US 287

0.5 mi · 35 sec · Boykin Drive

Turn slight right onto US 287

14 mi · 13 min · US Highway 287

Continue on US 287

0.7 mi · 58 sec · Burnett Street

Continue on US 287

14 mi · 14 min · US Highway 287

Continue on US 287

2.8 mi · 3 min · Avenue F Northwest

Continue on US 287

54 mi · 58 min · US Highway 287

Continue on US 287

4.1 mi · 4 min · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287

41 mi · 42 min · US Highway 287 East

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · Northwest Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 287

0.6 mi · 42 sec · Northwest Freeway

Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls

Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287

2.5 mi · 3 min · Central Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lloyd Ruby Overpass

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

1.8 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

97 mi · 1 hr 43 min · Central East Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 81; US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · US 81; US 287

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 35W; US 287

4.5 mi · 4 min · North Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 33 sec

Toward I 35W Express Toll South Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 35W TEXpress

4.0 mi · 3 min · I 35W TEXpress

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 35W

85 mi · 1 hr 27 min · North South Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

53 mi · 54 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Exit 240B Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min

Toward US 183 South: Lockhart Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto US 183

2.2 mi · 2 min · US 183

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on 183 Toll

4.8 mi · 5 min · Bergstrom Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto US 183

0.4 mi · 30 sec · Ed Bluestein Boulevard

Take the ramp

486 ft · 11 sec

Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart

Arrive at destination

Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart

Trip Plan

For this 7h 50m drive, leaving Memphis, TX in the morning is your best bet to utilize daylight fully. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 442.5 miles to stay refreshed. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 99.2-mile stretch on Central East Freeway, as services might be less frequent in some sections. The $64 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's wise to check current prices. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; if you encounter delays, you can adjust your stop timing accordingly.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 221.2 miles from Memphis, TX, or about 3h 57m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 97 miles or 1h 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 221.2 miles or 3h 57m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 45m

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 Memphis, 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 Memphis, TX

This is one driving day of about 442.5 miles and 7h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 97 miles from Memphis, TX.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on Central East Freeway for about 99.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Saginaw, TX

221 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

Vernon, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 97 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Saginaw, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 221.2 miles from Memphis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

0.4 mi from route

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18179665509

Visit website

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 135 and 441.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

135 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in | US 287 / Northwest Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, U...

141.5 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

433.6 mi into trip | ~7h 39m in

Take the exit toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 240B Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas

433.8 mi into trip | ~7h 39m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 183 South: Lockhart

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward US 183 South: Lockhart

441.7 mi into trip | ~7h 49m in

Take the exit toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$60.61 one way

$121.22 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 155 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.89	$67.70	$135.40
premium	$4.23	$73.60	$147.21
diesel	$4.80	$83.55	$167.10

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$61

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$86–$111

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 154.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $46 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	132.8	1	$46.46	$21.24
Efficient EV	110.6	1	$38.72	$17.70
EV Truck/SUV	177	2	$61.95	$28.32

Gas CO2

155 kg

EV CO2

52 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 Jul 17, 2026

Origin

Memphis, TX

Afternoon in Memphis on Sunday

Local time

12:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SSE 5 to 10 mph 20% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:29PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:26PM CDT until July 17 at 11:37AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

Destination

Montopolis, TX

Afternoon in Montopolis on Sunday

Local time

12:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SE 5 mph 27% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 7:29PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:26PM CDT until July 17 at 11:37AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX

103°F

Saginaw, TX

221 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

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

7h 50m 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

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 ~10 min detour Free near mile 335.7

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is mostly highway, with 89% of the 442.5 miles covered on major roads like Central East Freeway and US Highway 287. You'll experience a longest stretch of 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway, indicating significant stretches of uninterrupted driving. The remaining portion will be on surface roads, likely with more frequent intersections and slower speeds as you approach your destination. Expect a mix of open highway cruising and more localized traffic as you transition off the main freeways.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 99.2 mi on Central East Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and North South Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 135 miles in near US 287 / Northwest Freeway.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 442.5 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 135 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.5 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 433.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

2,055 ft 463 ft

Total Climb

398 ft

Total Descent

1,990 ft

Highest Point

2,055 ft

Elevation Range

1,592 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Memphis, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1889

Memphis is a small town in the southeastern Texas High Plains.

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 50m. Total distance: 442.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 50m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 38 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 38 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.7 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Memphis, TX or browse trips ending in Montopolis, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.

Trip from Memphis, TX to Montopolis, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Traffic on I-35

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Rest Area

Love's Travel Stop

Bell County Northbound Rest Area

Wise County Northbound

Wichita County Southbound Rest Area

Texas Travel Information Center at Wichita Falls

Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Northbound

Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Southbound

Hill County Northbound Rest Area

Rest Area

Wichita County Northbound Rest Area

Love's Travel Stop

Rest Area

Flying J Travel Center

Walburg Travel Center & Food Court

Service Plaza

QuikTrip

Pilot Travel Center

Pilot Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

Buc-ee's

QuikTrip

QuikTrip

Ascent Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

Flying J Travel Plaza

Pilot Travel Center

Hill County Southbound Rest Area

QuikTrip

Road Ranger

Flying J Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Buc-ee's

Love's Travel Stop

TA

Service Plaza

Bell County Southbound Rest Area

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

Austin Bat Tours

Fort Worth Herd

Jim Hogg Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Memphis, TX

Montopolis, TX

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

7h 50m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Waco Mammoth National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

About the Cities

Starting in Memphis, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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