Minuteman Press
0 mi from route
Trip from Princeton, TX to Amarillo, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 47m
Distance
363.5 mi
585 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$50
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 36m
★
6 AM
6h 47m
8 AM
7h 11m
10 AM
6h 56m
12 PM
6h 53m
3 PM
6h 57m
5 PM
7h 10m
8 PM
6h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Princeton, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Amarillo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Princeton, TX to Amarillo, TX is 363.5 miles and takes about 6h 47m via US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across the vast Great Plains, staying within Texas the entire way. It's a predominantly highway drive, meaning you'll cover ground efficiently. Consider this route if you need a straightforward, single-day transit between these two points without much fuss.
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
181.7 miles from Princeton, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 31m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 287 | 75.4 mi | 1h 17m |
| North US Highway 287 | 72.5 mi | 1h 15m |
| US Highway 287 East | 40.5 mi | 42m |
| East 11th Street | 28.7 mi | 32m |
| Boykin Drive | 26.2 mi | 28m |
| US Highway 287 West | 25.7 mi | 26m |
| East University Drive | 24.7 mi | 35m |
| US Highway 380 West | 21.5 mi | 24m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 287
— 75.4 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Princeton, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on FM 75
311 ft
·
17 sec
·
North Front Street
2
Turn right onto FM 75
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
North 4th Street
3
Turn right onto US 380
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
East Princeton Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on US 380
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
East University Drive
5
Continue on US 380
7.0 mi
·
10 min
·
West University Drive
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 380
9.0 mi
·
12 min
·
East University Drive
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on US 380
8.9 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 380 East
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 377; US 380
11 mi
·
18 min
·
East University Drive
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 380
22 mi
·
24 min
·
US Highway 380 West
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
11
Merge onto US 81; US 287
72 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
North US Highway 287
12
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi
·
58 sec
·
Lloyd Ruby Overpass
13
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Northwest Freeway
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Continue on US 287
40 mi
·
42 min
·
US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 287
26 mi
·
26 min
·
US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 287
29 mi
·
32 min
·
East 11th Street
19
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue F Northeast
20
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 287
21
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Burnett Street
22
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 287
23
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi
·
28 min
·
Boykin Drive
24
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 2nd Street
25
Continue on US 287
28 mi
·
28 min
·
US Highway 287
26
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East 1st Street
27
Continue on US 287
20 mi
·
20 min
·
US Highway 287
28
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
29
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Southeast 3rd Avenue
30
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
31
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Lakeside Drive
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
33
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
34
Continue on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
35
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
36
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
Given this is a single-day trip, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight. You'll have about 6 hours and 47 minutes of driving time, plus any stops. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $53, planning is straightforward. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 75.4-mile stretches on US Highway 287, as services can be spaced out in some areas. This drive is manageable without needing to split it, offering flexibility for your departure time.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181.7 miles from Princeton, TX, or about 3h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 80 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.7 miles or 3h 31m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amarillo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Princeton, 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 Princeton, TX
This is one driving day of about 363.5 miles and 6h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Princeton, 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 US Highway 287 for about 75.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
182 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 181.7 miles from Princeton, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 287 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.4 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.
Love's Travel Stop
0 mi from route
Donley County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Texas Travel Information Center at Wichita Falls
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Donley County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Wise County Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Wichita County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Wichita County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
National Truck Stop Amarillo
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Northbound
0.3 mi from route
Texas Travel Information Center at Amarillo and Safety Rest Area
0.5 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.5 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.6 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.9 mi from route
QuikTrip
1 mi from route
TA
1.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
TA
2.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 357.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
FM 75 / North 4th Street
Turn right onto FM 75 / North 4th Street
Navigation decision point
6
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 380 / East Princeton Drive
Turn right onto US 380 / East Princeton Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
141.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
5
353.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 34m in
|
East Interstate Drive
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive toward East 3rd Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward East 3rd Avenue
5
357.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 39m in
Take the exit toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.79 one way
$99.58 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
127 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $55.61 | $111.23 |
| premium | $4.23 | $60.46 | $120.93 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $68.64 | $137.27 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 109.1 | 1 | $38.17 | $17.45 |
| Efficient EV | 90.9 | 1 | $31.81 | $14.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 145.4 | 1 | $50.89 | $23.26 |
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 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.
Origin
Princeton, TX
Late night in Princeton on Monday
Local time
2:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph
10% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:45AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:45AM MDT until July 17 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Late night in Amarillo on Monday
Local time
2:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:45AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:45AM MDT until July 17 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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
10 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
6h 47m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 363.5
View on nps.gov
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 363.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
About 70% of this route is on highways, primarily US Highway 287. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 75.4 miles on US Highway 287, offering sustained cruising. The remaining 30% will be on surface roads, likely with more frequent intersections and varied speed limits. Expect a consistent driving experience with fewer dramatic changes in terrain or road type.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.4 mi on US Highway 287.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 287 and North US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near FM 75 / North 4th Street.
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 10 significant decision points across 363.5 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 0.1 miles (FM 75 / North 4th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (US 380 / East Princeton Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 141.6 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,670 ft
575 ft
Total Climb
3,146 ft
Total Descent
51 ft
Highest Point
3,670 ft
~363.5 mi in
Elevation Range
3,095 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Princeton, TX
Full guide →Founded 1881
Arriving in Amarillo, TX
Full guide →Founded 1887
Amarillo, which means "yellow" in Spanish, is the center of the Texas Panhandle at the edge of the Great Plains.
Top landmarks
- • Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway 5000 — class of 1 American 2-10-4 locomotive (preserved)
- • Santa Fe Building — historic place in Amarillo, Potter County, Texas
- • Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown Amarillo — Historic building and Hotel in Amarillo, 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 6h 47m. Total distance: 363.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 47m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75.4 miles on US Highway 287. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 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 Amarillo, 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 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (FM 75 / North 4th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (US 380 / East Princeton Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 141.6 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Amarillo, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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