Llano Estacado Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Midlothian, TX to Lubbock, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 51m
Distance
341 mi
549 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 39m
★
6 AM
5h 52m
8 AM
6h 18m
10 AM
6h 1m
12 PM
5h 58m
3 PM
6h 2m
5 PM
6h 17m
8 PM
5h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Midlothian, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Lubbock, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 341-mile journey from Midlothian, TX, to Lubbock, TX, is a straightforward drive across the Great Plains, manageable as a single day trip. Expect to spend approximately 5 hours and 51 minutes on the road, with a projected fuel cost of around $52. The primary routes guiding you will be the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway and US 84, with a significant portion also utilizing West US Highway 287. Given its length and duration, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to arrive in Lubbock with time to spare. The consistent landscape of the Great Plains defines the overall feel of this Texas-to-Texas adventure.
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
170.5 miles from Midlothian, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 194.1 mi | 3h 17m |
| US 84 | 74.5 mi | 1h 14m |
| West US Highway 287 | 29 mi | 31m |
| Highway 84 | 20 mi | 19m |
| East Highway 84 | 6.8 mi | 6m |
| Slaton Road | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway | 4.6 mi | 4m |
| Avenue Q South Drive | 2.9 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
— 194.1 mi, about 3h 17m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,680 veh/hr typical · worst 2,135
Quietest
2 AM
~202 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
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 Midlothian, TX and Lubbock, TX.
1
Start on North 8th Street
56 ft
·
5 sec
·
North 8th Street
2
Turn right onto US 287 Bus
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
West Avenue G
3
Continue on US 287 Bus
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward US 287 North: Fort Worth
5
Continue on US 287
29 mi
·
31 min
·
West US Highway 287
Use the left lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 West
Use the straight lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
190 mi
·
3 hr 12 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 West: Abilene
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit onto US 84
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 84
Exit 238A
Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
74 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
US 84
10
Turn right onto Loop 46
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Avenue F
11
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 207
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
North Avenue F
12
Turn straight onto TX 207
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
·
Ralls Road
13
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East 15th Street
14
Turn right onto US 84
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North US Highway 84
15
Continue on US 84
20 mi
·
19 min
·
Highway 84
16
Continue on US 84
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
17
Continue on US 84
6.8 mi
·
6 min
·
East Highway 84
18
Continue on US 84
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Slaton Road
19
Continue on US 84
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue Q South Drive
20
Turn right onto US 62; TX 114
33 ft
·
0 sec
·
19th Street
21
Arrive at destination
US 62; TX 114
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 51-minute drive, departing in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With only one recommended stop, plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 194.1-mile stretch on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway, as services might be less frequent. The $52 fuel cost is a reasonable estimate, but always factor in a buffer. Since this is a feasible day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule as needed.
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 170.5 miles from Midlothian, TX, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 194.1 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 75 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 170.5 miles or 2h 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lubbock, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Midlothian, 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 Midlothian, TX
This is one driving day of about 341 miles and 5h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Midlothian, 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 Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway for about 194.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
171 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 75 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 170.5 miles from Midlothian, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 194.1 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
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 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
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
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
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
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 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
Flying J Travel Center
1.3 mi from route
Mackenzie Main City Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
Lubbock, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+18067752673
Visit websiteAmerican Windmill Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
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 115 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 225.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 287 Bus / West Avenue G
Turn right onto US 287 Bus / West Avenue G
Navigation decision point
7
30.6 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 20 West
7
34.6 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 West: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 West: Abilene
6
224.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 51m in
|
US 84
Take the exit onto US 84 toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 238A
Toward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
4
225.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 51m in
|
US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.71 one way
$93.41 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
119 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $52.17 | $104.34 |
| premium | $4.23 | $56.72 | $113.44 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $64.39 | $128.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 102.3 | 1 | $35.81 | $16.37 |
| Efficient EV | 85.3 | 0 | $29.84 | $13.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 136.4 | 1 | $47.74 | $21.82 |
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 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
Midlothian, TX
Evening in Midlothian on Monday
Local time
7:57 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:36AM CDT until July 17 at 10:30AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 7:22AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Lubbock, TX
Evening in Lubbock on Monday
Local time
7:57 PM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 to 15 mph
34% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:36AM CDT until July 17 at 10:30AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 7:22AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS San Angelo 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
6 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
5h 51m 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?
You'll experience a mixed drive on this route, with 39% of the journey taking place on highways. The drive features a considerable stretch of 194.1 miles along the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway, offering a substantial period of uninterrupted travel. While much of the route follows established highways, expect a blend of faster sections and potentially more local road characteristics as you progress through West Texas. This isn't an entirely monotonous interstate experience, but rather a drive that balances efficient travel with the varied nature of US highway systems.
39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 194.1 mi on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 287 Bus / West Avenue G.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 341 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (US 287 Bus / West Avenue G): Navigation decision point; at 30.6 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,203 ft
685 ft
Total Climb
2,709 ft
Total Descent
265 ft
Highest Point
3,203 ft
~341 mi in
Elevation Range
2,517 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Midlothian, TX
Full guide →Arriving 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
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 5h 51m. Total distance: 341 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 194.1 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 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 Lubbock, 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. There are 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 287 Bus / West Avenue G): Navigation decision point; at 30.6 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lubbock, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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