Nevada, TX to Montopolis, TX is 232.1 miles and takes about 4h 14m via South R L Thornton Freeway and I 35, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, moving from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. Given the relatively short duration and highway profile, this route is a straightforward drive, perfect for a single day. Expect a practical, no-frills experience focused on getting you 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
116.1 miles from Nevada, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
South R L Thornton Freeway
89.9 mi
1h 32m
I 35
52.6 mi
54m
Purple Heart Trail
37.9 mi
39m
Congressman Ralph Hall Highway
25.7 mi
29m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
6.6 mi
7m
South FM 1138
5.3 mi
9m
Bergstrom Expressway
4.8 mi
5m
US 183
2.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
South R L Thornton Freeway
— 89.9 mi, about 1h 32m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 68 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~4,060 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,722
Quietest
2 AM
~607 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Nevada, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on this road
64 ft·6 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto FM 6; FM 1138
341 ft·12 sec·East FM 6
3
Turn left onto FM 1138
5.3 mi·9 min·South FM 1138
4
At end of road, turn right onto TX 66
2.1 mi·3 min·TX 66
Use the left lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto William E Crawford Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·William E Crawford Avenue
6
Turn right onto East Interstate 30
0.9 mi·2 min·East Interstate 30
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 30 West
8
Merge onto I 30; US 67
26 mi·29 min·Congressman Ralph Hall Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 46AToward I 35E: Denton, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
11
Keep slight left at fork
221 ft·5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward I 35E South: WacoUse the left / right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi·44 sec·South R L Thornton Freeway
14
Continue on I 35E
89 mi·1 hr 31 min·South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426Toward Dallas ZooUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi·7 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi·54 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 240BToward US 183: Lockhart, LampasasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward US 183 South: LockhartUse the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi·2 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi·5 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton AvenueUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi·30 sec·Ed Bluestein Boulevard
24
Take the ramp
486 ft·11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
25
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 14m drive, consider departing in the morning to take advantage of daylight and potentially lighter traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $34, you'll want to ensure you have a full tank before leaving Nevada, TX. While this is a single-day trip, pacing yourself is still key; a single stop is recommended, so plan for a break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach your destination in Montopolis, TX.
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 116.1 miles from Nevada, TX, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 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 51 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.1 miles or 2h 11m 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 28m
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 Nevada, 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 Nevada, TX
This is one driving day of about 232.1 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Nevada, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 89.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.4 and 223.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
5.4 mi into trip|~9m in|TX 66
At end of road, turn right onto TX 66
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
35.1 mi into trip|~46m 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
35.8 mi into trip|~48m 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
35.8 mi into trip|~48m 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
223.2 mi into trip|~4h 2m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.79 one way
$63.58 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$35.51
$71.02
premium
$4.23
$38.61
$77.21
diesel
$4.80
$43.82
$87.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.6
0
$24.37
$11.14
Efficient EV
58
0
$20.31
$9.28
EV Truck/SUV
92.8
1
$32.49
$14.85
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Nevada, TX
Afternoon
in Nevada on Monday
Local time
2:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 10 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Afternoon
in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
2:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
100°F
Italy, TX
116 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 14m 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 128.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 71% of the drive on major roads like South R L Thornton Freeway and I 35. You'll encounter an 89.9-mile stretch on South R L Thornton Freeway, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. As you transition away from the highway portions, expect a change in scenery and potentially more frequent exits and local traffic.
71% 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: 89.9 mi on South R L Thornton Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 miles in near TX 66.
Driving Effort9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 232.1 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 5.4 miles (TX 66): Lane positioning matters here; at 35.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
836 ft448 ft
Total Climb
752 ft
Total Descent
930 ft
Highest Point
836 ft
~215.5 mi in
Elevation Range
388 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Nevada, TX and Montopolis, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.
Waco
35.1 mi in|~46m
Denton
35.7 mi in|~48m
Dallas Zoo
36.7 mi in|~49m|via I 35E
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Nevada is an arid state of the US, lying between California and Utah. Most of the state is within the Great Basin, but parts of the northeast drain into the Snake River and the southern portion is within the Mohave Desert and the Colorado river drainage. While many outsiders pronounce the state's name as "ne-VAH-duh", the correct local pronunciation is [nəˈvædə], with a short "a" as in apple.
Although the majority of tourists only visit Las Vegas, Reno and Tahoe to gamble, watch shows, and indulge themselves in food and drink, Nevada offers the more discerning traveler western frontier experiences verging on horse opera cliché, and landscapes utterly different from Europe, East Asia or more populated parts of North America.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 14m. Total distance: 232.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 89.9 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.4 miles (TX 66): Lane positioning matters here; at 35.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Montopolis, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
