Trip from Olton, TX to Dallas, TX

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 8m

Distance

396.2 mi

638 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$54

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

6h 58m ★

6 AM

7h 9m

8 AM

7h 31m

10 AM

7h 16m

12 PM

7h 14m

3 PM

7h 18m

5 PM

7h 30m

8 PM

7h 2m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Olton, TX

Thomas balabaud

Dallas, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 396.2-mile drive from Olton, TX, to Dallas, TX, is a feasible one-day trip, estimated to take around 7 hours and 8 minutes. The route is predominantly highway, with 88% of the journey on major roads like US 84 and the Tom Landry Freeway. With a fuel cost estimated at $60 and just two planned stops, it’s a straightforward journey across the Texas Great Plains. This drive focuses on covering ground efficiently, making it a practical option for those looking to reach Dallas from the western part of the state without needing an overnight stay.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

198.1 miles from Olton, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 39m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 84	183 mi	3h 5m
US Highway 84	79.1 mi	1h 19m
Tom Landry Freeway	30 mi	35m
East Highway 84	26.9 mi	26m
Main Avenue	26.6 mi	40m
West Freeway	15.2 mi	17m
Highway 84	11.4 mi	12m
Clovis Road	6 mi	7m

Longest stretch: US 84 — 183 mi, about 3h 5m

Traffic on I-20

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

4 PM

~1,680 veh/hr typical · worst 2,135

Quietest

2 AM

~202 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

8.3×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 52 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 Olton, TX and Dallas, TX.

Start on this road

98 ft · 9 sec · this road

Turn right onto 6th Street

197 ft · 14 sec · 6th Street

Turn left onto FM 168

27 mi · 40 min · Main Avenue

Continue on FM 168

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Arnett Avenue

Continue on FM 168

515 ft · 10 sec · Spade Road

Turn left onto US 84

5.2 mi · 5 min · US Highway 84

Continue on US 84

11 mi · 12 min · Highway 84

Continue on US 84

6.0 mi · 7 min · Clovis Road

Merge onto US 84

4.0 mi · 4 min · Avenue Q

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 84

4.8 mi · 6 min · Slaton Road

Continue on US 84

6.9 mi · 6 min · East Highway 84

Continue on US 84

4.5 mi · 4 min · Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway

Continue on US 84

20 mi · 20 min · East Highway 84

Continue on US 84

1.0 mi · 1 min · North US Highway 84

Turn left onto Spur 575

0.1 mi · 16 sec · East 15th Street

Turn right onto TX 207

0.4 mi · 37 sec · Ralls Road

Turn straight onto TX 207

1.1 mi · 2 min · North Avenue F

At end of road, turn left onto US 84

74 mi · 1 hr 14 min · US Highway 84

Keep slight left at fork onto US 84

183 mi · 3 hr 5 min · US 84

Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 30

15 mi · 17 min · West Freeway

Exit 421 Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 30

30 mi · 35 min · Tom Landry Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 14 sec

Exit 45A Toward I 35E North: Denton Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 35E North: Denton Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 35E

0.2 mi · 19 sec · North Stemmons Freeway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Exit 429A Toward Continental Avenue Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto Continental Avenue

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Continental Avenue

Use the right lane.

Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street

433 ft · 10 sec · North Lamar Street

Arrive at destination

North Lamar Street

Trip Plan

Consider an early morning departure from Olton, TX, to maximize daylight and arrive in Dallas with ample time. The 7-hour, 8-minute duration means you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day, with two stops recommended to break up the 396.2 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 183-mile stretch on US 84, as services can be spaced out. The estimated fuel cost of $60 should help you budget for your journey across Texas.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 198.1 miles from Olton, TX, or about 3h 39m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 183 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 87 miles or 1h 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 198.1 miles or 3h 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 5h 59m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Olton, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Olton, TX

This is one driving day of about 396.2 miles and 7h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Olton, TX.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on US 84 for about 183 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Merkel, TX

198 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

Post, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 87 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Merkel, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 198.1 miles from Olton, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19724823055

Visit website

American Windmill Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Lubbock, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18067478734

Visit website

Fort Worth Herd

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 5 mi from route ~12 min detour

Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm

+18173364373

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 166.4 and 395.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

166.4 mi into trip | ~3h 7m in | US 84

Keep slight left at fork onto US 84 toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene

349.4 mi into trip | ~6h 12m in | I 30 / West Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 421 Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth

394.7 mi into trip | ~7h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 35E North: Denton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 45A Toward I 35E North: Denton

394.8 mi into trip | ~7h 5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce Street

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: Denton, Commerce Street

395.7 mi into trip | ~7h 7m in

Take the exit toward Continental Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 429A Toward Continental Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$54.27 one way

$108.53 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 139 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.89	$60.62	$121.23
premium	$4.23	$65.90	$131.81
diesel	$4.80	$74.81	$149.62

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$54

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$79–$104

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 138.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	118.9	1	$41.60	$19.02
Efficient EV	99.1	1	$34.67	$15.85
EV Truck/SUV	158.5	1	$55.47	$25.36

Gas CO2

139 kg

EV CO2

46 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.

Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026

Origin

Olton, TX

Late night in Olton on Monday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

62°F

Partly Cloudy

S 10 mph 9% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 10:46PM CDT until July 17 at 3:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Destination

Dallas, TX

Late night in Dallas on Monday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy

S 5 mph 32% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 10:46PM CDT until July 17 at 3:45AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 3:00AM 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

13 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

7h 8m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

You'll find this drive to be primarily highway-focused, with 88% of the 396.2 miles on major roadways. The majority of your travel will be on US 84, which forms the backbone of this route for a significant stretch. Expect the longest uninterrupted segment to be 183 miles on US 84, offering a consistent pace. While the landscape is broadly similar across the Great Plains, the transition to the Dallas area will bring increasing signs of urban development as you approach your destination on highways like the Tom Landry Freeway.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 183 mi on US 84.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 84 and US Highway 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 166.4 miles in near US 84.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 396.2 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 166.4 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 349.4 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 394.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes

3,613 ft 428 ft

Total Climb

237 ft

Total Descent

3,422 ft

Highest Point

3,613 ft

Elevation Range

3,185 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Olton, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1906

Arriving in Dallas, TX

Full guide →

“Big D” · Founded 1841

Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Top landmarks

• Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
• Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
• George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...

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 7h 8m. Total distance: 396.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 8m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 183 miles on US 84. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 39 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 Dallas, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 39 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Dallas, 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 FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Olton, TX or browse trips ending in Dallas, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.

Trip from Olton, TX to Dallas, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Traffic on I-20

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Llano Estacado Picnic Area

Picnic Area

I-20 Westbound Picnic Area

I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area

Service Plaza

Pilot Travel Center

Picnic Area Westbound US 84

Picnic Area Eastbound US 84

Picnic Area

Service Plaza

Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area

Eastland County Westbound Rest Area

Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area

QuikTrip

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Road Ranger

Flying J Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

TA

Service Plaza

Love's Travel Stop

Service Plaza

Service Plaza

Eagles Landing Travel Plaza

QuikTrip

Petro Stopping Centers

Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area

Callahan County Westbound Rest Area

Flying J Travel Center

Picnic Area

Waterfall Overlook

Rest Area

Hill Arbor

Rest Area

Rest Area

Flying J Travel Center

QuikTrip

Service Plaza

City Park

American Windmill Museum

Fort Worth Herd

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Olton, TX

Dallas, TX

Same local time

13 degrees warmer at arrival

7h 8m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

About the Cities

Starting in Olton, TX

Arriving in Dallas, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Dallas, TX

More from Olton, TX

More trips to Dallas, TX