Flying J Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Montopolis, TX to Kemp, 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
3h 57m
Distance
209 mi
336 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 45m
★
6 AM
3h 58m
8 AM
4h 23m
10 AM
4h 7m
12 PM
4h 4m
3 PM
4h 8m
5 PM
4h 22m
8 PM
3h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Kemp, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Montopolis, TX to Kemp, TX is 209 miles and takes about 3h 57m via Purple Heart Trail and State Highway 31, with a fuel budget near $30 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 single day of travel, it's a good option for a quick transit between these two points. You'll spend about 37% of your time on highways, with the rest on surface roads, making for a mixed driving experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
104.5 miles from Montopolis, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 89.8 mi | 1h 33m |
| State Highway 31 | 35.8 mi | 38m |
| State Highway 274 | 12.5 mi | 18m |
| Corsicana Bypass | 11.8 mi | 13m |
| East State Highway 31 | 9.3 mi | 10m |
| Northeast 2nd Street | 8 mi | 9m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 7 mi | 6m |
| South Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 89.8 mi, about 1h 33m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 52 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,737 veh/hr typical · worst 4,320
Quietest
2 AM
~580 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Montopolis, TX and Kemp, 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
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
475 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 35, Loop 275: Waco, Lamar Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35 South, Loop 275: Lamar Boulevard
10
Turn straight onto East Anderson Lane
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Anderson Lane
11
Turn right onto North Interstate 35
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Interstate 35
12
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 35 North
13
Merge onto I 35
90 mi
·
1 hr 33 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 35
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 338
Toward US 84: Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
17
Turn right onto US 84
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
East Waco Drive
18
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Bellmead Drive
19
Continue on US 84
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
East US Highway 84
20
Continue on TX 31
17 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 31
21
Continue on TX 31
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Hubbard Bypass
22
Continue on TX 31
19 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 31
23
Turn right onto TX 31
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn right onto TX 31
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
East State Highway 31
25
Continue on TX 31
8.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Northeast 2nd Street
26
Turn left onto TX 274
7.1 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 274
27
Continue on TX 274
5.8 mi
·
8 min
·
South Tool Drive
28
Continue on TX 274
4.2 mi
·
6 min
·
South Seven Points Boulevard
29
Continue on TX 274
5.5 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 274
30
Turn left onto US 175 Bus
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Elm Street
31
Turn right onto FM 1895
114 ft
·
2 sec
·
East 9th Street
32
Arrive at destination
FM 1895
Trip Plan
This is a drive best tackled in a single day, so consider leaving in the morning to give yourself ample time. The total duration is under 4 hours, with 89.8 miles on Purple Heart Trail being the longest stretch to keep in mind. You'll have about $30 in fuel costs to budget for. Since it's a shorter drive, you have flexibility, but plan for the transition from highway to surface roads around the halfway point. There's only one recommended stop, so pack snacks and drinks if you prefer not to stop.
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 104.5 miles from Montopolis, TX, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.8 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 46 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 104.5 miles or 1h 50m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kemp, 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 209 miles and 3h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 89.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
105 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 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 104.5 miles from Montopolis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.8 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.
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.3 mi from route
Cultural Activities Center
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Early stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Temple, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm
+12547739926
Visit websitePioneer Farms
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 10 am–2 pm
+15128371215
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 websiteDoris D Miller Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Halfway reset
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Waco, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteVillage of Salado Visitors Center
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Salado, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12549478634
Visit websiteToybrary Austin
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~10 min detour
First break
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+15124343927
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 109.2 — 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
7
11.3 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 35, Loop 275: Waco, Lamar Boulevard
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 I 35, Loop 275: Waco, Lamar Boulevard
7
11.4 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35 South, Loop 275: Lamar Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 35 South, Loop 275: Lamar Boulevard
8
109.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 55m in
Take the exit toward US 84: Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive
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 338
Toward US 84: Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.63 one way
$57.25 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
73 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $31.98 | $63.95 |
| premium | $4.23 | $34.76 | $69.53 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $39.46 | $78.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 62.7 | 0 | $21.95 | $10.03 |
| Efficient EV | 52.3 | 0 | $18.29 | $8.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 83.6 | 1 | $29.26 | $13.38 |
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Tuesday
Local time
4:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:26PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:25PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Kemp, TX
Late night in Kemp on Tuesday
Local time
4:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Clear
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:26PM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:25PM 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
1 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
3h 57m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 108.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll encounter a mix of highway and surface roads on this 209-mile route. Just under 40% of the drive is on highways, meaning you'll experience some less direct cruising. The longest continuous stretch without a major road change is 89.8 miles on Purple Heart Trail. Expect to transition from more open highway driving to surface streets as you progress.
37% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.8 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 209 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 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 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
932 ft
322 ft
Total Climb
780 ft
Total Descent
861 ft
Highest Point
932 ft
~44.8 mi in
Elevation Range
611 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.
On the drive from Montopolis, TX to Kemp, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 275: Waco along the way.
Loop 275: Waco
11.3 mi in
|
~12m
About the Cities
Arriving in Kemp, TX
Full guide →Founded 1922
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 3h 57m. Total distance: 209 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 89.8 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Kemp, 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 11 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 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Kemp, 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, 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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