This 368.3-mile drive from Red Lick, TX to Montopolis, TX is a solid day trip, estimated to take about 6 hours and 27 minutes. With 88% of the journey on major highways like I 30 and I 35, it's a straightforward, highway-focused experience. You'll spend approximately $56 on fuel, and the route is designed for a single day of travel, so no overnight stops are strictly necessary. The drive stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a consistent landscape throughout. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between these two Texas points.
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
184.1 miles from Red Lick, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 30
167.4 mi
2h 52m
South R L Thornton Freeway
89.9 mi
1h 32m
I 35
52.6 mi
54m
Purple Heart Trail
37.9 mi
39m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
6.6 mi
7m
Bergstrom Expressway
4.8 mi
5m
US 183
2.2 mi
2m
West New Boston Road
2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 30
— 167.4 mi, about 2h 52m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 34 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 Red Lick, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on FM 3419
1.1 mi·2 min·FM 3419
2
Turn right onto US 82
2.0 mi·2 min·West New Boston Road
3
Turn right onto FM 2253
0.5 mi·1 min·FM 2253
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
5
Merge onto I 30
167 mi·2 hr 52 min·I 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 46AToward I 35E: Denton, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton
8
Keep slight left at fork
221 ft·5 sec
Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, WacoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward I 35E South: WacoUse the left / right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi·44 sec·South R L Thornton Freeway
11
Continue on I 35E
89 mi·1 hr 31 min·South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426Toward Dallas ZooUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi·7 min·North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35
38 mi·39 min·Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi·54 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 240BToward US 183: Lockhart, LampasasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward US 183 South: LockhartUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi·2 min·US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi·5 min·Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton AvenueUse the slight right lane.
20
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi·30 sec·Ed Bluestein Boulevard
21
Take the ramp
486 ft·11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
22
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour and 27-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach larger urban areas. With a longest stretch of 167.4 miles, plan for at least one substantial stop for fuel and a break roughly halfway through. The estimated fuel cost is around $56, so ensure your tank is full before you set off. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in pacing, but staying aware of your progress on I 30 and I 35 will help you manage your time effectively.
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 184.1 miles from Red Lick, TX, or about 3h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.4 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 81 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 184.1 miles or 3h 14m 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 22m
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 Red Lick, 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 Red Lick, TX
This is one driving day of about 368.3 miles and 6h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Red Lick, 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 30 for about 167.4 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 171.2 and 359.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
171.2 mi into trip|~2h 59m 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
171.9 mi into trip|~3h 1m 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
172 mi into trip|~3h 1m 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
359.4 mi into trip|~6h 15m 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
359.6 mi into trip|~6h 16m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.45 one way
$100.89 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg129 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$56.35
$112.69
premium
$4.23
$61.26
$122.53
diesel
$4.80
$69.54
$139.08
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: 128.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
110.5
1
$38.67
$17.68
Efficient EV
92.1
1
$32.23
$14.73
EV Truck/SUV
147.3
1
$51.56
$23.57
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 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
Red Lick, TX
Late night
in Red Lick on Sunday
Local time
2:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:05AM CDT until July 17 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:58AM CDT until July 19 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night
in Montopolis on Sunday
Local time
2:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 5 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:05AM CDT until July 17 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:58AM CDT until July 19 at 10:00PM 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
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
6h 27m 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.
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
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 266.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 88% of your travel time spent on interstates including I 30 and I 35. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 167.4 miles on I 30, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While largely an interstate journey, the initial segments on South R L Thornton Freeway will transition you onto these main arteries. This drive prioritizes forward momentum over varied scenery, making it a functional choice for covering distance.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 167.4 mi on I 30.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 30 and South R L Thornton Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 171.2 miles in.
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 16 significant decision points across 368.3 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 171.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
873 ft342 ft
Total Climb
897 ft
Total Descent
796 ft
Highest Point
873 ft
~342 mi in
Elevation Range
531 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Red Lick, TX and Montopolis, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dallas Zoo.
Waco
171.2 mi in|~2h 59m
Denton
171.8 mi in|~3h
Dallas Zoo
172.9 mi in|~3h 2m|via I 35E
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 27m. Total distance: 368.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 27m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.4 miles on I 30. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 40 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 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. There are 40 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 171.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 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.
