Pittsburg, TX to Montopolis, TX is 288.2 miles and takes about 5 hours 25 minutes via I-35, Purple Heart Trail, and State Highway 31 East, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route spans the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a mostly highway experience. It's a straightforward drive, suitable for a single day, connecting two points within the same state. Consider this if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive detours.
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
144.1 miles from Pittsburg, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
52.6 mi
54m
Purple Heart Trail
37.9 mi
39m
State Highway 31 East
30.9 mi
35m
TX 155
26 mi
30m
West State Highway 31
18.8 mi
21m
State Highway 31
17.2 mi
17m
South Greer Boulevard
16.7 mi
19m
Corsicana Bypass
11.8 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 52.6 mi, about 54m
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
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 Pittsburg, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on Church Street
74 ft·5 sec·Church Street
2
Turn right onto North Avenue
170 ft·12 sec·North Avenue
3
Turn left onto TX 11
311 ft·9 sec·Jefferson Street
4
Turn right onto FM 993
0.3 mi·40 sec·Lafayette Street
5
Turn right onto US 271
17 mi·19 min·South Greer Boulevard
6
Continue on US 271
2.8 mi·3 min·North Wood Street
7
Turn straight onto TX 155
13 mi·15 min·TX 155
8
Turn right onto US 80; TX 155
0.9 mi·1 min·West Broadway Street
Use the left lane.
9
Turn left onto TX 155
13 mi·14 min·TX 155
Use the left lane.
10
Turn right onto US 271; TX 155
4.8 mi·5 min·US Highway 271
11
Turn right onto Loop 323
1.6 mi·2 min·East Northeast Loop 323
12
Continue on Loop 323
4.3 mi·6 min·West Northwest Loop 323
13
Continue on Loop 323
0.6 mi·43 sec·South Southwest Loop 323
14
Turn right onto TX 31
1.6 mi·1 min·Chandler Highway
15
Continue on TX 31
5.6 mi·6 min·State Highway 31 West
16
Continue on TX 31
2.0 mi·2 min·East Highway 31
17
Continue on TX 31
21 mi·23 min·State Highway 31 East
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
19
Merge onto US 175; TX 19; TX 31; Loop 7
6.2 mi·7 min·Jed Robinson Loop
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
21
Keep slight left at fork
445 ft·14 sec
22
Turn right onto TX 31
4.0 mi·4 min·State Highway 31 West
23
Continue on TX 31
5.4 mi·6 min·East Royall Boulevard
24
Continue on TX 31
9.9 mi·11 min·State Highway 31 East
25
Continue on TX 31
9.3 mi·10 min·Northwest 2nd Street
26
Turn left onto TX 31
12 mi·13 min·Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
27
At end of road, turn left onto TX 31
19 mi·21 min·West State Highway 31
28
Continue on TX 31
5.5 mi·5 min·Hubbard Bypass
29
Continue on TX 31
17 mi·17 min·State Highway 31
30
Continue on US 84
2.5 mi·2 min·East US Highway 84
31
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi·4 min·Bellmead Drive
32
Turn straight onto US 84
0.4 mi·1 min·East Waco Drive
33
Turn left onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
519 ft·12 sec·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
34
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 35 South, US 77 South
35
Merge onto I 35; US 77
6.1 mi·6 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi·54 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 240BToward US 183: Lockhart, LampasasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward US 183 South: LockhartUse the slight left lane.
40
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi·2 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi·5 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton AvenueUse the slight right lane.
43
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi·30 sec·Ed Bluestein Boulevard
44
Take the ramp
486 ft·11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
45
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 288.2-mile drive, aim for an early morning departure to beat potential traffic and ensure you have ample daylight for the 5-hour 25-minute trip. With a fuel cost estimated around $42, it's advisable to fill up before leaving Pittsburg, TX, as there's only one recommended stop. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 52.6 miles on I-35, so plan your break before or after this segment. Given the manageable duration, you can easily complete this in one day, allowing for flexibility if you encounter unexpected delays.
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 144.1 miles from Pittsburg, TX, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.6 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 63 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.1 miles or 2h 49m 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 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 Pittsburg, 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 Pittsburg, TX
This is one driving day of about 288.2 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Pittsburg, 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 35 for about 52.6 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 123.6 and 287.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
123.6 mi into trip|~2h 25m in|TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Turn left onto TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
226.6 mi into trip|~4h 18m in|I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
279.2 mi into trip|~5h 13m 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
279.5 mi into trip|~5h 14m 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
7
287.4 mi into trip|~5h 23m in
Take the exit toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
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 Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.47 one way
$78.95 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$44.09
$88.18
premium
$4.23
$47.94
$95.88
diesel
$4.80
$54.42
$108.84
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.5
1
$30.26
$13.83
Efficient EV
72.1
0
$25.22
$11.53
EV Truck/SUV
115.3
1
$40.35
$18.44
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Pittsburg, TX
Late night
in Pittsburg on Monday
Local time
5:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 0 to 5 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:13PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:12PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night
in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
5:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Partly Cloudy
SSE 5 to 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:13PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:12PM MDT until July 17 at 6:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
100°F
Italy, TX
144 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
2 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
5h 25m 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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 178.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly on highways, with 62% of the total mileage on interstates and major roads. You'll encounter a stretch of 52.6 miles entirely on I-35, which means consistent speed limits and fewer turns. The highway portion will likely transition to State Highway 31 East, offering a change of pace with more local traffic and a denser exit environment as you approach your destination.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.6 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Purple Heart Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 123.6 miles in near TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass.
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 26 significant decision points across 288.2 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 123.6 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 226.6 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 279.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 25m. Total distance: 288.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 52.6 miles on I 35. 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 123.6 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 226.6 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 279.2 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 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.
