Concho County Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Montopolis, TX to Big Spring, 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
5h 43m
Distance
295.3 mi
475 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 31m
★
6 AM
5h 44m
8 AM
6h 10m
10 AM
5h 53m
12 PM
5h 50m
3 PM
5h 54m
5 PM
6h 9m
8 PM
5h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Big Spring, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Montopolis, TX to Big Spring, TX is 295.3 miles and takes about 5h 43m via United States Highway 87, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. Expect a straightforward trip with 95% of your travel on highways, making it a relatively efficient way to cover the distance. It’s a solid option if you're looking for a direct route with minimal navigation challenges for a single-day excursion.
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
147.7 miles from Montopolis, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Highway 87 | 71.2 mi | 1h 16m |
| US Highway 87 North | 60.9 mi | 1h 1m |
| TX 71 | 55.3 mi | 1h |
| East State Highway 71 | 42 mi | 56m |
| West Highway 71 | 22.4 mi | 31m |
| US 87 | 18.6 mi | 20m |
| US 290 | 4.9 mi | 5m |
| North Bryant Boulevard | 4.3 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
United States Highway 87
— 71.2 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montopolis, TX and Big Spring, 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
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Bastrop Highway
4
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward 183 Toll: Ben White Boulevard
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
5
Merge onto TX 71
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
TX 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 290; TX 71
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
US 290; TX 71
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn slight right onto West Highway 71
22 mi
·
31 min
·
West Highway 71
8
Continue on TX 71
42 mi
·
56 min
·
East State Highway 71
Use the right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 71
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
TX 71
10
Turn left onto TX 29; TX 71
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
West Young Street
11
Continue on TX 71
47 mi
·
50 min
·
TX 71
12
Turn right onto US 87; US 377
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
US 87; US 377
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 87; US 190; US 377
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
·
Commerce Street
14
Turn straight onto US 87
71 mi
·
1 hr 16 min
·
United States Highway 87
15
Continue on US 87; Loop 306
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
South Bryant Boulevard
16
Continue on US 87; US 277
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Koenigheim Street
17
Continue on US 87; US 277; US 67 Bus
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
North Bryant Boulevard
18
Continue on US 87
23 mi
·
23 min
·
US Highway 87 North
19
Continue on US 87
16 mi
·
16 min
·
US 87
20
Turn straight onto US 87; TX 158; TX 163
38 mi
·
37 min
·
US Highway 87 North
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 87 Business North: Big Spring
22
Continue on US 87 Bus
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
South US Highway 87
23
Continue on US 87 Bus
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Gregg Street
24
Turn left onto West 5th Street
385 ft
·
19 sec
·
West 5th Street
25
Turn right onto South Lancaster Street
378 ft
·
18 sec
·
South Lancaster Street
26
Turn right onto I 20 Bus
301 ft
·
6 sec
·
West 4th Street
27
Arrive at destination
I 20 Bus
Trip Plan
For this 5h 43m drive, leaving Montopolis in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight. The route is efficient enough that you can comfortably complete it in one day. You'll encounter only one recommended stop, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, especially considering the longest stretch without exits is over 71 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach that longer section of United States Highway 87 to ensure you have enough to reach the next service area.
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 147.7 miles from Montopolis, TX, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 65 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.7 miles or 3h 1m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Big Spring, 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 295.3 miles and 5h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 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 United States Highway 87 for about 71.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
148 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 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 147.7 miles from Montopolis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before United States Highway 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 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
Coke County Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.1 mi from route
TA
1.3 mi from route
TXB Market
2.4 mi from route
Kirby Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13256574279
Visit websiteInternational Waterlily Collection
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18322743377
Visit websiteThink In A Box - Escape Room
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+13256501755
Visit websiteSan Angelo Convention & Visitors Bureau
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm
+13256554136
Visit websitePop Art Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13256552345
Visit websiteKids Kingdom
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13256574279
Visit websiteThe Bosque along the Concho River
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
+13255000035
Visit websiteSan Angelo City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm
+13256574450
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 295.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the exit toward 183 Toll: Ben White Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward 183 Toll: Ben White Boulevard
5
2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
TX 71
Merge onto TX 71
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
8.6 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
US 290; TX 71
Keep slight left at fork onto US 290; TX 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
4
77.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
TX 71
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
295.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m in
|
South Lancaster Street
Turn right onto South Lancaster Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.45 one way
$80.89 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $45.18 | $90.36 |
| premium | $4.23 | $49.12 | $98.24 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $55.76 | $111.52 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88.6 | 1 | $31.01 | $14.17 |
| Efficient EV | 73.8 | 0 | $25.84 | $11.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 118.1 | 1 | $41.34 | $18.90 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
35 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
Montopolis, TX
Afternoon in Montopolis on Sunday
Local time
12:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:16PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:56PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Destination
Big Spring, TX
Afternoon in Big Spring on Sunday
Local time
12:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 15 mph
45% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:16PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:56PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
95°F
Mason, TX
148 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 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 43m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 61.1
Park Closure: Texas White House Complex Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend nearly all your time on highways, with 95% of the 295.3 miles on routes like United States Highway 87 and TX 71. The longest continuous stretch on highway will be 71.2 miles on United States Highway 87. This means you'll experience mostly open road cruising with fewer transitions to surface streets. Given the high highway percentage, anticipate steady travel with potentially fewer, but longer, stretches between major junctions.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.2 mi on United States Highway 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on United States Highway 87 and US Highway 87 North. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1 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 295.3 miles you will encounter 12 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 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (TX 71): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles (US 290; TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,548 ft
463 ft
Total Climb
2,363 ft
Total Descent
392 ft
Highest Point
2,548 ft
~274.2 mi in
Elevation Range
2,085 ft
About the Cities
Arriving in Big Spring, TX
Full guide →Big Spring is a city on the Edwards Plateau in Texas.
Top landmarks
- • Settles Hotel — historic place in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
- • Hangar 25 Air Museum — air museum in Big Spring, Texas, U.S.
- • Potton-Hayden House — historic place in Big Spring, Howard 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 43m. Total distance: 295.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.2 miles on United States Highway 87. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 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 Big Spring, 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 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (TX 71): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles (US 290; TX 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Big Spring, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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