Trip from Ranger, TX to El Paso, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

8h 36m

Distance

519.6 mi

836 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

2-day trip

Fuel Cost

$71

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min

4 AM

8h 29m ★

6 AM

8h 36m

8 AM

8h 52m

10 AM

8h 42m

12 PM

8h 40m

3 PM

8h 42m

5 PM

8h 51m

8 PM

8h 32m

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

Best Time

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Ranger, TX

Wikimedia Commons

El Paso, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a substantial 519.6-mile journey from Ranger, Texas, to El Paso, Texas, a drive that will take approximately 7 hours and 41 minutes. This long-distance trip is entirely contained within the Great Plains region of Texas, making for a consistent landscape. While it's possible to complete this route in a single day, consider how the 7-hour driving time, plus stops, might feel. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $79. With 2 planned stops, you'll have opportunities to break up the drive. This route is best suited for travelers looking for a straightforward transit across the state.

Trip Pace

Best split across 2 days

Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

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

Midpoint

259.8 miles from Ranger, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 20	349.6 mi	5h 46m
I 10	166.7 mi	2h 43m
Loop 254 East	2.2 mi	3m
East Missouri Avenue	0.3 mi	<1m
North Mesa Street	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 20 — 349.6 mi, about 5h 46m

Traffic on I-20

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

5 PM

~1,292 veh/hr typical · worst 1,581

Quietest

2 AM

~213 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

6.1×

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 Ranger, TX and El Paso, TX.

Start on Loop 254

2.2 mi · 3 min · Loop 254 East

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Toward I 20 West: Abilene

Merge onto I 20

350 mi · 5 hr 46 min · I 20

Merge onto I 10

167 mi · 2 hr 43 min · I 10

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Exit 19B Toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto East Missouri Avenue

0.3 mi · 49 sec · East Missouri Avenue

Turn left onto TX 20

0.3 mi · 27 sec · North Mesa Street

Arrive at destination

North Mesa Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 519.6-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Ranger to maximize daylight hours. With a duration of 7 hours and 41 minutes, planning for 2 stops is wise to stretch your legs and refuel. Factor in the $79 fuel cost when budgeting for your trip. Since this is a single-day possibility, flexibility is key; adjust your stop times based on your energy levels. A specific tip for this route is to ensure your vehicle is in good condition before setting out, as stretches between services can be considerable on this long Texas traverse.

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.

This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.

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

The halfway point lands around 259.8 miles from Ranger, TX, or about 4h 19m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 349.6 miles.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 114 miles or 1h 55m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 259.8 miles or 4h 19m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Overnight split

Day 1 wrap after about 259.8 miles or 4h 19m

Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 7h 36m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Ranger, 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.

Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Ranger, TX

Aim for roughly 260 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.

Day 2

Finish the approach into El Paso, TX

Aim for roughly 260 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 114 miles from Ranger, TX.

This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.

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

The longest stretch is on I 20 for about 349.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Howard County, Texas, United States

First major stop

Coffee and fuel

Big Spring, TX

171 mi into the route

Best for: Coffee, fuel, and an easy first stretch

This is a natural early stop once the first hours of the drive are behind you.

Popular next leg

Big Spring, TX to El Paso, TX

345.1 mi · 5h 41m

city in and county seat of Reeves County, Texas, United States

Second major stop

Overnight candidate

Pecos, TX

343 mi into the route

Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start

This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.

Find hotels in Pecos, TX

Overnight Options

Night 1

West Odessa, TX

260 mi · about 4.3h in

A practical overnight split lands near West Odessa, TX after about 260 miles or 4.3 hours of driving.

Find hotels

Pacing Suggestions

Roscoe, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 114 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Odessa, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 259.8 miles from Ranger, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 349.6 miles.

Overnight split

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+19152123150

Visit website

Magoffin Home State Historic Site

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19155335147

Visit website

Tom Lea Upper Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+19152120092

Visit website

International Museum of Art

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 1–5 pm

+19155436747

Visit website

El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19152120966

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 5

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 519.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

2.2 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 20 West: Abilene

Navigation decision point

Toward I 20 West: Abilene

2.6 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 20

Merge onto I 20

Merge point - match speed before joining

352.1 mi into trip | ~5h 51m in | I 10

Merge onto I 10

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

518.8 mi into trip | ~8h 34m in

Take the exit toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown

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 19B Toward Missouri Avenue, Downtown

519.3 mi into trip | ~8h 35m in | TX 20 / North Mesa Street

Turn left onto TX 20 / North Mesa Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$71.17 one way

$142.34 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 182 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.89	$79.49	$158.99
premium	$4.23	$86.43	$172.86
diesel	$4.80	$98.11	$196.22

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$71

Hotel (1n)

$80–$140

Meals

$50–$100

Total

$201–$311

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 181.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $55 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	155.9	1	$54.56	$24.94
Efficient EV	129.9	1	$45.47	$20.78
EV Truck/SUV	207.8	2	$72.74	$33.25

Gas CO2

182 kg

EV CO2

61 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 16, 2026

Origin

Ranger, TX

Late night in Ranger on Tuesday

Local time

3:51 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 10 mph 37% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 16 at 5:05PM CDT until July 16 at 5:30PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:00PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

Destination

El Paso, TX

Late night in El Paso on Tuesday

Local time

2:51 AM

MDT

Current temp

93°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

E 7 mph 15% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 16 at 5:05PM CDT until July 16 at 5:30PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:00PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

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.

For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.

Time zone

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

9 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

8h 36m on the road

This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.

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.

Chamizal National Memorial

National Memorial

Chamizal is more than just an urban park to recreate or enjoy a quiet afternoon. These grounds are a reminder of the harmonious settlement of a 100-year boundary dispute between the United States and...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 519.6

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route predominantly utilizes I-20 West, with brief transitions onto Missouri Avenue and East Missouri Avenue. As it's a long-distance drive with no highway share percentage indicated, expect primarily efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, but the overall duration suggests long periods on main arteries. The character of the drive remains consistent across the vast expanse of Texas, offering a practical and direct path rather than a winding scenic tour. You'll be covering significant ground on well-maintained roads designed for consistent travel.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 349.6 mi on I 20.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and I 10. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The route itself is not hard, but at 8h 36m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 5 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.6 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 352.1 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes

4,583 ft 1,437 ft

Total Climb

3,423 ft

Total Descent

1,146 ft

Highest Point

4,583 ft

~408.2 mi in

Elevation Range

3,145 ft

Notable High Points

4,583 ft at ~408.2 miles +121 ft prominence

About the Cities

Starting in Ranger, TX

Full guide →

Arriving in El Paso, TX

Full guide →

“The Sun City” · Founded 1680

El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas, with 679,000 residents (2020). It is on the United States-Mexico border. The city on the other side of the border is Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. El Paso is often called the Sun City. Collectively, the city of El Paso and other nearby cities, such as Juarez and Las Cruces, New Mexico are referred to as The Borderland.

Top landmarks

• El Paso Museum of Art — art museum in El Paso, Texas
• Union Depot — historic place in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
• Plaza Theatre — building in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

8h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 349.6 miles on I 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 260 miles on day one.

Yes — we found about 62 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at El Paso, 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 62 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — Chamizal National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 8.6 hours each way, a round trip means 17.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at El Paso, 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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Explore more options from Ranger, TX or browse trips ending in El Paso, TX.

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