Rest Area US-84 US-283
0 mi from route
Trip from Seth Ward, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 42m
Distance
425.8 mi
685 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$65
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 33m
★
6 AM
7h 43m
8 AM
8h 2m
10 AM
7h 49m
12 PM
7h 48m
3 PM
7h 50m
5 PM
8h 1m
8 PM
7h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Seth Ward, TX
Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Seth Ward, TX to Montopolis, TX is 425.8 miles and takes about 7h 42m via US Highway 84 and US 183, with a fuel budget near $62 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. Expect a predominantly highway experience, making it a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. Given its manageable duration, it's well-suited for a single-day endeavor, allowing you to reach your destination without an overnight stop.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
212.9 miles from Seth Ward, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 84 | 73.9 mi | 1h 14m |
| State Highway 153 | 69 mi | 1h 14m |
| US 183 | 51.8 mi | 57m |
| Marshall Formby Memorial Highway | 43.5 mi | 43m |
| South US Highway 183 | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| US Highway 84 East | 29.2 mi | 33m |
| East Highway 84 | 26.9 mi | 26m |
| US 67 | 21.5 mi | 24m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 84
— 73.9 mi, about 1h 14m
Traffic on I-27
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~757 veh/hr typical · worst 916
Quietest
2 AM
~59 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.8×
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 Seth Ward, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on Wood Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Wood Avenue
2
At end of road, turn right onto FM 400
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
East 24th Street
3
Turn right onto TX 194
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Dimmitt Road
4
Turn left onto North Interstate 27
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
North Interstate 27
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
6
Merge onto I 27; US 87
43 mi
·
43 min
·
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 536B
Toward Loop 289
8
Turn straight onto North Interstate 27
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Interstate 27
9
Turn left onto North Loop 289
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
North Loop 289
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
11
Merge onto Loop 289
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Loop 289
12
Take the exit
421 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
13
Keep slight right at fork
233 ft
·
5 sec
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
14
Turn straight onto Southeast Loop 289
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Southeast Loop 289
15
Turn right onto Spur 331
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast Drive
16
Merge onto US 84
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Slaton Road
17
Continue on US 84
6.9 mi
·
6 min
·
East Highway 84
18
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
19
Continue on US 84
20 mi
·
20 min
·
East Highway 84
20
Continue on US 84
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North US Highway 84
21
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East 15th Street
22
Turn right onto TX 207
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Ralls Road
23
Turn straight onto TX 207
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Avenue F
24
At end of road, turn left onto US 84
74 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
US Highway 84
25
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
US 84
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Exit 244
Toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo
27
Turn slight left onto Southwest Georgia Avenue
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Southwest Georgia Avenue
28
Turn right onto TX 70
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Lamar Street
29
Continue on TX 70
10 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 70
30
Turn left onto TX 153
69 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
State Highway 153
31
Continue on TX 153
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Walnut Street
32
Continue on TX 153
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Walnut Street
33
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 283
9.4 mi
·
10 min
·
US 84; US 283
34
Continue on US 67; US 84
21 mi
·
24 min
·
US 67; US 84
35
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Garmon Drive
36
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi
·
33 min
·
US Highway 84 East
37
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 183; TX 16
38
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi
·
15 min
·
US 183; US 190
39
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft
·
4 sec
·
North US Highway 281
40
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
North Key Avenue
41
Continue on US 183
35 mi
·
38 min
·
South US Highway 183
42
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
43
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Continue on US 183
15 mi
·
17 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
47
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
48
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
49
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7h 42m drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential afternoon traffic. With just two recommended stops and a manageable 425.8 miles, you can easily complete this in one day. The fuel cost is estimated at $62, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Seth Ward. Pay attention to your surroundings as you transition from the major highways to the state routes, as the road conditions can change. Don't forget to factor in time for your planned stops to stretch your legs.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 212.9 miles from Seth Ward, TX, or about 3h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.9 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 94 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 212.9 miles or 3h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 37m
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 Seth Ward, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Seth Ward, TX
This is one driving day of about 425.8 miles and 7h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 94 miles from Seth Ward, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 84 for about 73.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
213 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 94 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 212.9 miles from Seth Ward, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 84 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.9 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.
Hale County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Llano Estacado Picnic Area
0 mi from route
San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Hale County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.6 mi from route
Rest Area
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 websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 275 decision points cluster between mile 55.8 and 425 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
55.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Spur 331: Southeast Drive
6
166 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
|
US 84
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84 toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
6
172.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 1m in
Take the exit toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater, San Angelo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 244
Toward SH 70 South, SH 70 Business: Sweetwater,...
6
391.1 mi into trip
|
~7h 4m 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
425 mi into trip
|
~7h 41m 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
$65.19 one way
$130.39 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
149 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.29 | $71.95 | $143.90 |
| premium | $4.64 | $77.75 | $155.50 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $103.58 | $207.17 |
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
$65
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 149 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $45 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 127.7 | 1 | $44.71 | $20.44 |
| Efficient EV | 106.5 | 1 | $37.26 | $17.03 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 170.3 | 2 | $59.61 | $27.25 |
Gas CO2
149 kg
EV CO2
50 kg (66% 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
Seth Ward, TX
Late night in Seth Ward on Tuesday
Local time
3:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
SSW 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Tuesday
Local time
3:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph
0% chance
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
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
7h 42m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on highways for about 80% of this 425.8-mile trip. The longest continuous stretch on a main road is 73.9 miles along US Highway 84. Expect a good amount of rural cruising as you move between the Great Plains towns. The transition from highway to surface roads will occur gradually as you approach your destination.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.9 mi on US Highway 84.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 84 and State Highway 153. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 55.8 miles in.
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 27 significant decision points across 425.8 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 55.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 166 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,372 ft
463 ft
Total Climb
102 ft
Total Descent
3,012 ft
Highest Point
3,372 ft
Elevation Range
2,909 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.
Between Seth Ward, TX and Montopolis, TX, road signs point toward Loop 289, Sh 70 South, Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater and San Angelo.
Loop 289
47.1 mi in
|
~50m
Sh 70 South
172.5 mi in
|
~3h 1m
Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater
172.5 mi in
|
~3h 1m
San Angelo
172.5 mi in
|
~3h 1m
About the Cities
Starting in Seth Ward, 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 7h 42m. Total distance: 425.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 42m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.9 miles on US Highway 84. 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 15 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 55.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 166 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.4 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.
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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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