Origin
Richardson, TX
Late night in Richardson on Tuesday
Local time
4:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Richardson, TX to Amarillo, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 33m
Distance
362.5 mi
583 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$55
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 21m
★
6 AM
6h 33m
8 AM
6h 58m
10 AM
6h 42m
12 PM
6h 40m
3 PM
6h 43m
5 PM
6h 57m
8 PM
6h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Richardson, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Amarillo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 362.5-mile drive from Richardson, Texas, to Amarillo, Texas, is a straightforward journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day, taking approximately 6 hours and 33 minutes. The route primarily utilizes US Highway 287 and its variants, accounting for 78% of the total mileage, making it a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $55, this trip through the Great Plains region offers a practical and efficient way to travel between these two Texas cities. You'll find the drive to be direct, with just one recommended stop, and the longest stretch without a turn is over 75 miles.
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
181.3 miles from Richardson, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 17m 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 |
| North Stemmons Freeway | 28.2 mi | 30m |
| Boykin Drive | 26.2 mi | 28m |
| US Highway 287 West | 25.7 mi | 26m |
| 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 Richardson, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on this road
99 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto East Main Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
East Main Street
3
Continue on West Main Street
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
West Main Street
4
Turn left onto South Central Expressway
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Central Expressway
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward US 75 South
6
Merge onto US 75
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Central Expressway
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 21
Toward I 635
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 635 West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 635
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 635
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 27B
Toward I 35E North: Denton
Use the right lane.
12
Merge onto I 35E
28 mi
·
30 min
·
North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
I 35; US 77
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 469
Toward US 380: University Drive
15
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
North Interstate 35
16
Turn left onto US 380
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
West University Drive
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Continue on US 380
22 mi
·
24 min
·
US Highway 380 West
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
19
Merge onto US 81; US 287
72 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
North US Highway 287
20
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi
·
58 sec
·
Lloyd Ruby Overpass
21
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
22
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.
23
Continue on US 287
40 mi
·
42 min
·
US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
24
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.
25
Continue on US 287
26 mi
·
26 min
·
US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 287
29 mi
·
32 min
·
East 11th Street
27
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue F Northeast
28
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 287
29
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Burnett Street
30
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 287
31
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi
·
28 min
·
Boykin Drive
32
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 2nd Street
33
Continue on US 287
28 mi
·
28 min
·
US Highway 287
34
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East 1st Street
35
Continue on US 287
20 mi
·
20 min
·
US Highway 287
36
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
37
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Southeast 3rd Avenue
38
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
39
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Lakeside Drive
40
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
41
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
42
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
43
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
44
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour, 33-minute duration, starting your 362.5-mile drive from Richardson early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed arrival in Amarillo. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $55, this trip is well-suited for a single-day adventure. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 75.4 miles on US Highway 287, to ensure you have ample gas before reaching Amarillo. Enjoy the straightforward nature of this highway-focused route.
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 181.3 miles from Richardson, TX, or about 3h 17m 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 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.3 miles or 3h 17m 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 28m
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 Richardson, 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 Richardson, TX
This is one driving day of about 362.5 miles and 6h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Richardson, 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
181 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 181.3 miles from Richardson, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 140.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.4 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit toward I 635
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 21
Toward I 635
7
2.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 635 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 635 West
7
10.5 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North: Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 27B
Toward I 35E North: Denton
6
39.2 mi into trip
|
~44m in
Take the exit toward US 380: University Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 469
Toward US 380: University Drive
9
140.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.77 one way
$109.55 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
127 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $59.96 | $119.91 |
| premium | $4.54 | $64.72 | $129.44 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $80.04 | $160.07 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.14
Central Expressway
(1.8 mi)
$0.14
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 126.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 108.8 | 1 | $38.06 | $17.40 |
| Efficient EV | 90.6 | 1 | $31.72 | $14.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 145 | 1 | $50.75 | $23.20 |
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
42 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.
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Late night in Amarillo on Tuesday
Local time
4:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
8 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 33m 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 362.5
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 362.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 362.5-mile trip, with US Highway 287 serving as your main companion. Around 78% of the journey will be on this well-traveled road, offering a consistent pace. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is a substantial 75.4 miles on US Highway 287, allowing for extended periods of steady driving. While the landscape of the Great Plains is consistent, this route prioritizes efficiency over varied terrain, providing a predictable driving experience.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 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?
10/10
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 2.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 362.5 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 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Richardson, TX
Full guide →Founded 1840
Arriving in Amarillo, TX
Full guide →Amarillo, which means "yellow" in Spanish, is the center of the Texas Panhandle at the edge of the Great Plains.
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 33m. Total distance: 362.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 33m 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.
Expect about $0.14 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.1 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Amarillo, TX
More trips to Amarillo, TX
Explore more options from Richardson, TX or browse trips ending in Amarillo, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.