Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Mount Vernon, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 17m
Distance
300 mi
483 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 4m
★
6 AM
5h 18m
8 AM
5h 45m
10 AM
5h 27m
12 PM
5h 24m
3 PM
5h 29m
5 PM
5h 43m
8 PM
5h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mount Vernon, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Embark on a 300-mile journey from Mount Vernon, TX, to Montopolis, TX, a drive that will take approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 86% of the drive on interstates, making it an efficient option for a single day trip. Expect a fuel cost of around $45 for this 300-mile stretch. Given its manageable duration and highway nature, this trip is well-suited for a one-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll be traversing through the Great Plains region of Texas for the entirety of your trip.
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
150 miles from Mount Vernon, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 30 | 100 mi | 1h 44m |
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 89.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| I 35 | 52.6 mi | 54m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 37.9 mi | 39m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 4.8 mi | 5m |
| US 183 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| State Highway 37 South | 1.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 30
— 100 mi, about 1h 44m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 68 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,960 veh/hr typical · worst 4,736
Quietest
2 AM
~598 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 104 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 Mount Vernon, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on US 67
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
2
Turn left onto US 67; TX 37
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 37 South
3
Turn right onto West Interstate 30
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
West Interstate 30
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
5
Merge onto I 30
100 mi
·
1 hr 44 min
·
I 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 46A
Toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
8
Keep slight left at fork
221 ft
·
5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 35E South: Waco
Use the left / right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
11
Continue on I 35E
89 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426
Toward Dallas Zoo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi
·
54 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
20
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
21
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
22
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 17-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Mount Vernon to maximize your daylight hours and potentially avoid any significant traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along the 300-mile route for a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 100-mile stretch on I 30, as services can be spaced out. The estimated fuel cost is $45, so plan accordingly. This route's efficiency means you have flexibility in timing your stops.
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 150 miles from Mount Vernon, TX, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 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 66 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150 miles or 2h 39m 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 19m
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 Mount Vernon, 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 Mount Vernon, TX
This is one driving day of about 300 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Mount Vernon, 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 I 30 for about 100 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
150 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 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 150 miles from Mount Vernon, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 30 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 100 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.
Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Hopkins County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Ascent Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Hopkins County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.9 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.5 mi from route
NTER - The Great Escape
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Waxahachie, Texas
Hours: 5–9 pm
+12149801053
Visit websiteDoris D Miller Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Waco, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Early stretch
4.1 mi from route
~10 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 102.9 and 291.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
102.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
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 46A
Toward I 35E: Denton, Waco
9
103.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco
7
103.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E South: Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward I 35E South: Waco
8
291.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m 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
7
291.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.04 one way
$90.07 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $49.83 | $99.66 |
| premium | $4.57 | $53.92 | $107.83 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $74.13 | $148.25 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90 | 1 | $31.50 | $14.40 |
| Efficient EV | 75 | 0 | $26.25 | $12.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 120 | 1 | $42.00 | $19.20 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% 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
Mount Vernon, TX
Late night in Mount Vernon on Friday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Sunny
SE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Friday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
58°F
Italy, TX
150 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
26 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 17m 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.
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
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 196.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 86% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 100 miles on I 30, offering a consistent pace. The primary arteries for this trip are I 30, South R L Thornton Freeway, and I 35, all of which are designed for efficient travel. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed roads, be prepared for potential urban traffic as you approach the Montopolis area.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100 mi on I 30.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 30 and South R L Thornton Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 102.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 300 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 102.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
902 ft
432 ft
Total Climb
1,007 ft
Total Descent
1,037 ft
Highest Point
902 ft
~257.1 mi in
Elevation Range
470 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.
Between Mount Vernon, TX and Montopolis, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.
Waco
102.9 mi in
|
~1h 50m
Denton
103.5 mi in
|
~1h 51m
Dallas Zoo
104.6 mi in
|
~1h 52m
|
via I 35E
About the Cities
Starting in Mount Vernon, TX
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Franklin County Courthouse and Jail — building in Mt. Vernon, Franklin 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 17m. Total distance: 300 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 30. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 36 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 36 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 102.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 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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