Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Saint Jo, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 52m
Distance
276.7 mi
445 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 39m
★
6 AM
4h 53m
8 AM
5h 20m
10 AM
5h 2m
12 PM
4h 59m
3 PM
5h 4m
5 PM
5h 18m
8 PM
4h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Saint Jo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Saint Jo, TX to Montopolis, TX is 276.7 miles and takes about 4h 52m via North South Freeway and I 35, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Texas. Expect mostly highway cruising, making it a practical choice if you need to cover ground efficiently. The relatively short duration and modest fuel cost make this a manageable one-day excursion.
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
138.3 miles from Saint Jo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North South Freeway | 84.6 mi | 1h 27m |
| I 35 | 81.8 mi | 1h 24m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 37.9 mi | 39m |
| Broad Street | 21.9 mi | 24m |
| I 35W | 17.2 mi | 18m |
| I 35W TEXpress | 16.7 mi | 16m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| Bergstrom Expressway | 4.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
North South Freeway
— 84.6 mi, about 1h 27m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 92 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,187 veh/hr typical · worst 3,982
Quietest
2 AM
~499 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 104 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 Saint Jo, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on US 82
22 mi
·
24 min
·
Broad Street
2
Turn right onto North Interstate 35
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Interstate 35
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
4
Merge onto I 35
29 mi
·
29 min
·
I 35
Use the slight right lane.
5
Take the exit onto I 35W
17 mi
·
18 min
·
I 35W
Exit 467
Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W Express
17 mi
·
16 min
·
I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Merge onto I 35W
85 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
North South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi
·
54 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
17
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
18
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 276.7-mile drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Montopolis. With a total estimated drive time of under five hours and a fuel cost around $40, you can easily complete this trip in one day. Plan your single stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major break is 84.6 miles on the North South Freeway.
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 138.3 miles from Saint Jo, TX, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.6 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 61 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.3 miles or 2h 26m 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 58m
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 Saint Jo, 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 Saint Jo, TX
This is one driving day of about 276.7 miles and 4h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Saint Jo, 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 North South Freeway for about 84.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 138.3 miles from Saint Jo, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before North South Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 84.6 miles.
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.
TA
0.1 mi from route
Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Ascent Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Road Ranger
2 mi from route
Bicentennial Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Early stretch
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Crowley, Texas
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+18172972201
Visit websiteAustin 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 websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~12 min detour
Early stretch
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 52 and 275.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
52 mi into trip
|
~56m in
|
I 35W
Take the exit onto I 35W toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth
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 467
Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth
6
69.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
|
I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
267.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 41m 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
268 mi into trip
|
~4h 41m 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
7
275.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 51m 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
$42.37 one way
$84.73 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
97 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.29 | $46.76 | $93.51 |
| premium | $4.64 | $50.52 | $101.05 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $67.31 | $134.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83 | 1 | $29.05 | $13.28 |
| Efficient EV | 69.2 | 0 | $24.21 | $11.07 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 110.7 | 1 | $38.74 | $17.71 |
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Origin
Saint Jo, TX
Morning in Saint Jo on Saturday
Local time
6:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
N 20 to 25 mph
18% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 16 at 6:11AM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 4:48AM CDT until October 17 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Morning in Montopolis on Saturday
Local time
6:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny
N 15 to 20 mph
32% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 16 at 6:11AM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 4:48AM CDT until October 17 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
64°F
Italy, TX
138 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
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
4h 52m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 171.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 78% of your 276.7 miles on the highway. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 84.6 miles along the North South Freeway. After this, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of the 4h 52m trip. Expect frequent exits and merging traffic as you approach urban areas.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.6 mi on North South Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North South Freeway and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52 miles in near I 35W.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 12 significant decision points across 276.7 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 52 miles (I 35W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles (I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 267.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,142 ft
463 ft
Total Climb
465 ft
Total Descent
1,144 ft
Highest Point
1,142 ft
Elevation Range
679 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Saint Jo, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Fm 1515: Fort Worth along the way.
Fm 1515: Fort Worth
52 mi in
|
~56m
|
via I 35W
About the Cities
Starting in Saint Jo, 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 52m. Total distance: 276.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.6 miles on North South Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 28 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 52 miles (I 35W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles (I 35W Express / I 35W TEXpress): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 267.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 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, 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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