San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Robert Lee, TX to Montopolis, 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
4h 23m
Distance
237.6 mi
382 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 10m
★
6 AM
4h 23m
8 AM
4h 50m
10 AM
4h 33m
12 PM
4h 30m
3 PM
4h 34m
5 PM
4h 49m
8 PM
4h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Robert Lee, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Robert Lee to Montopolis is 237.6 miles and takes about 4h 23m via US 183, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, taking you from one part of Texas to another. The majority of the route is on highways, making it a fairly straightforward trip. Consider this a good option if you're looking for a direct, one-day drive 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
118.8 miles from Robert Lee, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 183 | 51.8 mi | 57m |
| US 67 | 37 mi | 39m |
| South US Highway 183 | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| US Highway 84 East | 29.2 mi | 33m |
| TX 158 | 23.7 mi | 24m |
| Wallis Avenue | 21.9 mi | 25m |
| 183A Toll Road | 14.3 mi | 14m |
| Highland Park Road | 11.8 mi | 12m |
Longest stretch:
US 183
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Robert Lee, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on Loop 229
91 ft
·
4 sec
·
East 7th Street
2
Turn right onto TX 158
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Commerce Street
3
Continue on TX 158
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Highland Park Road
4
Turn right onto US 277; TX 158
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
South State Street
5
Turn slight left onto TX 158
24 mi
·
24 min
·
TX 158
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 67; US 83
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Hutchings Avenue
7
Take the exit onto US 67
37 mi
·
39 min
·
US 67
Toward US 67 North
8
Merge onto US 67; US 84; US 283
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Wallis Avenue
9
Continue on US 67; US 84; US 377
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Early Boulevard
10
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Garmon Drive
11
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi
·
33 min
·
US Highway 84 East
12
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 183; TX 16
13
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi
·
15 min
·
US 183; US 190
14
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft
·
4 sec
·
North US Highway 281
15
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
North Key Avenue
16
Continue on US 183
35 mi
·
38 min
·
South US Highway 183
17
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
18
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 183
15 mi
·
17 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
22
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
23
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
24
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
This is a manageable one-day drive, so you can afford to leave a little later in the morning if needed, perhaps around 9 or 10 AM. With a duration of just over 4 hours, you might only need one brief stop for fuel or a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 51.8-mile stretch on US 183, as services might be less frequent in that section. Your estimated fuel cost is around $35, so budget accordingly.
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 118.8 miles from Robert Lee, TX, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 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 52 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.8 miles or 2h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 36m
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 Robert Lee, 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 Robert Lee, TX
This is one driving day of about 237.6 miles and 4h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Robert Lee, 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 183 for about 51.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
119 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 118.8 miles from Robert Lee, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Rest Area US-84 US-283
2.2 mi from route
Austin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteLakeline Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.6 mi from route
~12 min detour
Cedar Park, Texas
+15124015500
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 236.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
TX 158 / Commerce Street
Turn right onto TX 158 / Commerce Street
Navigation decision point
4
12 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
US 277; TX 158 / South State Street
Turn right onto US 277; TX 158 / South State Street
Navigation decision point
5
36 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
US 67; US 83 / Hutchings Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 67; US 83 / Hutchings Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
202.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 45m in
|
183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
236.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m 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
$32.54 one way
$65.09 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $36.35 | $72.70 |
| premium | $4.23 | $39.52 | $79.04 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $44.86 | $89.73 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.00
183A Toll Road
(14.3 mi)
$1.00
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
$33
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.3 | 0 | $24.95 | $11.40 |
| Efficient EV | 59.4 | 0 | $20.79 | $9.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95 | 1 | $33.26 | $15.21 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Robert Lee, TX
Late night in Robert Lee on Monday
Local time
5:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 5 to 10 mph
14% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Monday
Local time
5:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:53AM CDT until July 19 at 7:15PM 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
6 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
4h 23m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 77% of this 237.6-mile trip on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a main road is 51.8 miles on US 183. Expect to encounter rural cruising for the most part, with the transition from highway to surface roads occurring gradually as you approach your destination.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.8 mi on US 183.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 183 and US 67. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near TX 158 / Commerce Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 237.6 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (TX 158 / Commerce Street): Navigation decision point; at 12 miles (US 277; TX 158 / South State Street): Navigation decision point; at 36 miles (US 67; US 83 / Hutchings Avenue): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,735 ft
463 ft
Total Climb
129 ft
Total Descent
1,401 ft
Highest Point
1,735 ft
~17 mi in
Elevation Range
1,272 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Robert Lee, TX
Full guide →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 4h 23m. Total distance: 237.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.8 miles on US 183. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.00 in tolls one way, starting with 183A Toll Road. 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.
Yes — we found about 2 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (TX 158 / Commerce Street): Navigation decision point; at 12 miles (US 277; TX 158 / South State Street): Navigation decision point; at 36 miles (US 67; US 83 / Hutchings Avenue): Navigation decision point.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Montopolis, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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