Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Montopolis, TX to Abilene, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 19m
Distance
227.8 mi
367 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 6m
★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 46m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 26m
3 PM
4h 30m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Abilene, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Montopolis, TX to Abilene, TX is 227.8 miles and takes about 4h 19m via North US Highway 183 and US 84, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip spans across the Great Plains region, staying within Texas for its entirety. You'll experience a mix of highway cruising and surface roads as you head northwest. Given the relatively short duration, it's a very manageable one-day drive, making it a straightforward option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
113.9 miles from Montopolis, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North US Highway 183 | 72.6 mi | 1h 18m |
| North Neches Street | 34.9 mi | 39m |
| US 84 | 30.4 mi | 34m |
| East Commerce Street | 22 mi | 25m |
| US 183 | 14.6 mi | 16m |
| 183A Toll | 14.6 mi | 14m |
| US 83 | 10.6 mi | 11m |
| Wallis Avenue | 9.2 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
North US Highway 183
— 72.6 mi, about 1h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montopolis, TX and Abilene, TX.
1
Start on this road
219 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
2
Merge onto 183 Toll
0.8 mi
·
47 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
3
Continue on US 183
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Bastrop Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
4
Take the exit
136 ft
·
10 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Turn sharp left onto US 183
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US Highway 183 South
6
Continue on 183 Toll
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on US 183
15 mi
·
16 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on 183A Toll
15 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on US 183
36 mi
·
38 min
·
North US Highway 183
10
Continue on US 183
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
South Key Avenue
11
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
North US Highway 281
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190
37 mi
·
40 min
·
North US Highway 183
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 183; TX 16
30 mi
·
34 min
·
US 84; US 183; TX 16
14
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Early Boulevard
15
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
22 mi
·
25 min
·
East Commerce Street
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 84; US 283
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
Wallis Avenue
17
Turn right onto US 84; US 283; TX 206
35 mi
·
39 min
·
North Neches Street
18
Continue on US 83; US 84
11 mi
·
11 min
·
US 83; US 84
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward US 83 Business North, Loop 322 East: Treadaway Boulevard, Abilene Airport
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward US 83 Business North: Treadaway Boulevard
21
Continue on US 83 Bus
4.5 mi
·
7 min
·
South Treadaway Boulevard
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 83 Bus
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
South Treadaway Boulevard
23
Turn left onto North 1st Street
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
North 1st Street
24
Turn left onto South Pine Street
255 ft
·
7 sec
·
South Pine Street
25
Arrive at destination
South Pine Street
Trip Plan
It's best to depart Montopolis in the morning to take advantage of the full daylight for this 4-hour and 19-minute drive. With a single recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated around $33, you can comfortably complete this route in one day. The longest stretch without a break is over 70 miles, so plan a quick stop before you reach that point if needed. Given the efficiency of this route, you have flexibility; consider leaving a bit later if your morning is busy, but keep an eye on sunset times as you approach Abilene.
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 113.9 miles from Montopolis, TX, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.6 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 50 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.9 miles or 2h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Abilene, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montopolis, 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 Montopolis, TX
This is one driving day of about 227.8 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Montopolis, 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 North US Highway 183 for about 72.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 113.9 miles from Montopolis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North US Highway 183 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.6 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.
Rest Area US-84 US-283
0 mi from route
San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Paramount Theatre
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Abilene, Texas
+13256769620
Visit website12th Armored Division Memorial
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13256776515
Visit websiteAdamson-Spalding Storybook Garden
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Visit websiteBrown County Museum of History
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Final third
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256411926
Visit websiteThe Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Final third
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256436376
Visit websiteThe Discovery Center & Truth Bookstore
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Hours: 1–5 pm
+13256735050
Visit websiteToybrary Austin
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.6 mi from route
~7 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+15124343927
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~9 min detour
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 222.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
1.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 183 / US Highway 183 South
Turn sharp left onto US 183 / US Highway 183 South
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
4
76.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 24m in
|
US 183; US 190 / North US Highway 183
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190 / North US Highway 183
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
222.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m in
Take the exit toward US 83 Business North, Loop 322 East: Treadaway Boulevard, Abilene Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 83 Business North, Loop 322 East: Tre...
6
222.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 83 Business North: Treadaway Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 83 Business North: Treadaway Boulevar...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.20 one way
$62.40 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $34.85 | $69.70 |
| premium | $4.23 | $37.89 | $75.78 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $43.01 | $86.03 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.3 | 0 | $23.92 | $10.93 |
| Efficient EV | 57 | 0 | $19.93 | $9.11 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91.1 | 1 | $31.89 | $14.58 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
5:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:27PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Abilene, TX
Late night in Abilene on Monday
Local time
5:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
S 15 mph
7% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:27PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM 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
4 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
4h 19m 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?
This route features 60% highway driving, with the longest continuous stretch covering 72.6 miles on North US Highway 183. You'll transition from highway segments to surface streets, indicated by the mixed highway & surface profile. Expect to encounter periods of rural cruising, especially as you move away from the initial urban areas. The remainder of the drive will involve navigating on US 84.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.6 mi on North US Highway 183.
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 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in.
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 227.8 miles you will encounter 14 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 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles (US 183 / US Highway 183 South): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 76.5 miles (US 183; US 190 / North US Highway 183): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,974 ft
970 ft
Total Climb
1,260 ft
Total Descent
523 ft
Highest Point
1,974 ft
~211.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,004 ft
About the Cities
Arriving in Abilene, TX
Full guide →Founded 1881
Abilene is a city in the North Central Plains of Texas, possibly best known as the destination the fictional family of the Abilene paradox travels to.
Top landmarks
- • Hardin–Simmons University — private university in Abilene, Texas, United States
- • Hotel Wooten — historic place in Abilene, Taylor County, Texas
- • First Presbyterian Church — church at 402 Orange Street in Abilene, 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 4h 19m. Total distance: 227.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 72.6 miles on North US Highway 183. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Abilene, 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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles (US 183 / US Highway 183 South): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 76.5 miles (US 183; US 190 / North US Highway 183): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Abilene, TX, 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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