Texas Maritime Museum
Near the start, right off the route
Rockport, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13617291271
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 35m
Distance
185.2 mi
298 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rockport, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Rockport, TX to Montopolis, TX is 185.2 miles and takes about 3h 35m via US Highway 183, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a straightforward journey. With an 84% highway share, you'll experience a predominantly highway-focused drive. This route is ideal for a single day trip, allowing ample time for departure flexibility and potential brief stops. Expect a consistent driving experience as you make your way across the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
92.6 miles from Rockport, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North US Highway 183 | 51.4 mi | 56m |
| US 183 | 35.9 mi | 41m |
| US Highway 183 | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| US Highway 183 South | 11.8 mi | 15m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 10 mi | 11m |
| Pickle Parkway | 9.8 mi | 8m |
| FM 2678 | 9.6 mi | 9m |
| State Highway 188 | 7.2 mi | 7m |
Step-by-step road directions between Rockport, TX and Montopolis, TX.
Start on Loop 70
Continue on FM 1069
Turn right onto TX 188
Turn right onto FM 136
Continue on FM 2678
At end of road, turn left onto FM 774
Turn right onto US 77
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183; TX 239
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 87; US 183
Continue on US 77 Alt; US 183
Continue on US 183; TX 111
Continue on US 183; TX 97
Turn right onto US 183; TX 80
Continue on US 183
Continue on US 183
Continue on US 183
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
Take the exit
Continue on US 183
Continue on 183 Toll
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork onto Loop 111
Continue on Loop 111
Continue on US 183
Take the ramp
Arrive at destination
Given the relatively short duration of 3h 35m, you can comfortably depart Rockport, TX anytime in the morning and arrive in Montopolis, TX the same day. Your fuel budget is estimated at $28, so ensure you have adequate funds or a method of payment. While the drive is only 185.2 miles, consider a brief pause around the halfway mark to stretch your legs, especially during the longest stretch of 51.4 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be spaced out on highway routes like US Highway 183.
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.
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 41 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 92.6 miles or 1h 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montopolis, TX than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Rockport, 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 Rockport, TX
This is one driving day of about 185.2 miles and 3h 35m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
93 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.
A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 92.6 miles from Rockport, 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.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Near the start, right off the route
Rockport, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13617291271
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 34.3 and 183.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
At end of road, turn left onto FM 774
Navigation decision point
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Merge onto TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 183 North: Austin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$27.98 one way
$55.97 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $30.63 | $61.26 |
| premium | $4.54 | $33.07 | $66.13 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.89 | $81.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.6 | 0 | $19.45 | $8.89 |
| Efficient EV | 46.3 | 0 | $16.21 | $7.41 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 74.1 | 0 | $25.93 | $11.85 |
Gas CO2
65 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Rockport on Sunday
Local time
11:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Destination
Morning in Montopolis on Sunday
Local time
11:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Mostly Cloudy
High Wind Warning
High Wind Warning issued April 17 at 12:05AM CDT until April 17 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
High Wind Warning
High Wind Warning issued April 17 at 12:05AM CDT until April 17 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
64°F
Gonzales, TX
93 mi in
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with US Highway 183 serving as your main artery for most of the 185.2 miles. You'll encounter an 84% highway share, meaning long stretches of consistent speed and minimal interruptions. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll navigate is 51.4 miles on North US Highway 183. The character of the road remains largely consistent, making it a predictable and efficient journey for those prioritizing straightforward travel.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North US Highway 183 and US 183. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 34.3 miles in near FM 774.
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 185.2 miles you will encounter 12 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: at 34.3 miles (FM 774): Navigation decision point; at 160.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161.1 miles (TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Rockport, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
Rockport is a small city in the South Barrier Coast region of Texas, about 45 minutes north up the Gulf of Mexico coast from Corpus Christi. It's right between Copano Bay to the west, on the coast of Aransas Bay. Aransas Bay is around 4 miles wide at this point, with the Gulf of Mexico beyond.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 35m. Total distance: 185.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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