Stillwater, OK to Hartshorne, OK is 165.8 miles and takes about 3h 9m via Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway and Indian Nation Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Oklahoma, transitioning between the broad expanses of the Great Plains region. It's a straightforward, single-day journey that offers a practical way to travel between these two points. Expect a mixed driving experience as you navigate the different road types. Given the relatively short duration, it’s an ideal route for a quick getaway or a necessary transit.
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
82.9 miles from Stillwater, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
58.7 mi
59m
South Jardot Road
41.1 mi
48m
Indian Nation Turnpike
34.2 mi
32m
US 270
19.3 mi
29m
South Perkins Road
9 mi
11m
North Main Street
1.2 mi
2m
East 116th Street
0.9 mi
1m
East 6th Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
— 58.7 mi, about 59m
Traffic on I-40
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~660 veh/hr typical
· worst 866
Quietest
2 AM
~81 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Stillwater, OK and Hartshorne, OK.
1
Start on OK 51
0.4 mi·1 min·East 6th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn right onto US 177
9.0 mi·11 min·South Perkins Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
At end of road, turn left onto OK 33; CR EW71; US 177
0.9 mi·1 min·East 116th Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn slight right
302 ft·5 sec
5
Turn straight onto US 177
1.2 mi·2 min·North Main Street
6
Continue on US 177
41 mi·48 min·South Jardot Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·54 sec
Toward OK 3E East, I 40 East: Fort SmithUse the straight / sharp right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 40; OK 3E
59 mi·59 min·Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 240AToward Indian Nation Turnpike South: McAlester, DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto OK 375
34 mi·32 min·Indian Nation Turnpike
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 70Toward US 270, OK 1: McAlester, CalvinUse the slight right lane.
12
Turn left onto US 270; OK 1
19 mi·29 min·US 270; OK 1
Use the left / right lanes.
13
Arrive at destination
US 270; OK 1; OK 63
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over three hours, this is a perfect same-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving in the morning to make the most of daylight and to have ample time for any brief stops you might need. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is nearly 59 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the transition onto the Indian Nation Turnpike. The $26 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially before heading onto longer highway segments.
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 82.9 miles from Stillwater, OK, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.7 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 36 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82.9 miles or 1h 36m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hartshorne, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stillwater, OK 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 Stillwater, OK
This is one driving day of about 165.8 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Stillwater, OK.
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 Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway for about 58.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 146.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|US 177 / South Perkins Road
Turn right onto US 177 / South Perkins Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
9.4 mi into trip|~12m in|OK 33; CR EW71; US 177 / East 116th Street
At end of road, turn left onto OK 33; CR EW71; US 177 / East 116th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
52.7 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward OK 3E East, I 40 East: Fort Smith
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
Toward OK 3E East, I 40 East: Fort Smith
8
111.6 mi into trip|~2h 5m in
Take the exit toward Indian Nation Turnpike South: McAlester, Dallas
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 240A
Toward Indian Nation Turnpike South: McAlester,...
8
146.3 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward US 270, OK 1: McAlester, Calvin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70
Toward US 270, OK 1: McAlester, Calvin
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.57 one way
$55.13 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg58 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$30.03
$60.05
premium
$5.18
$33.83
$67.66
diesel
$5.35
$34.92
$69.84
Estimated Tolls: $2.40
Indian Nation Turnpike
(34.2 mi)$2.40
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
$28
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
49.7
0
$17.41
$7.96
Efficient EV
41.5
0
$14.51
$6.63
EV Truck/SUV
66.3
0
$23.21
$10.61
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (67% 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of May 28, 2026
Origin
Stillwater, OK
Afternoon
in Stillwater on Wednesday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
NE 5 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hartshorne, OK
Afternoon
in Hartshorne on Wednesday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph64% chanceLive 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
3 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
3h 9m on the road
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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Oklahoma City National Memorial
National Memorial
The outdoor symbolic memorial is a place of quiet reflection, honoring victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995. It encompasses the now sacred soil where the Al...
29 mi from route
~73 min detour
$18
near mile 45.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a mixed drive, with 32% of the journey on highways. You'll experience stretches of faster travel on roads like the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway, where the longest uninterrupted segment spans 58.7 miles. As you progress, the character of the drive will shift, blending highway efficiency with potentially more local road conditions as you approach your destination. The Indian Nation Turnpike provides a significant portion of the mileage, suggesting a primarily efficient travel experience.
32% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.7 mi on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near US 177 / South Perkins Road.
Driving Effort6/10
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 165.8 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.4 miles (US 177 / South Perkins Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.4 miles (OK 33; CR EW71; US 177 / East 116th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 52.7 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
1,052 ft655 ft
Total Climb
394 ft
Total Descent
585 ft
Highest Point
1,052 ft
~23.7 mi in
Elevation Range
397 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Stillwater, OK and Hartshorne, OK, road signs point toward Indian Nation Turnpike South: Mcalester, Dallas and Calvin.
Stillwater, in the Frontier Country region of Oklahoma, is home to Oklahoma State University (OSU). It has a distinct small town feel combined with a uniquely welcoming mid-west atmosphere, and OSU brings a young diverse population further enriching the city's culture. The population of 50,000 (2019) varies depending on the time of year from a peak during OSU's homecoming football weekend to the less crowded summer when most students are on break. Stillwater has several districts each with their own unique atmosphere and places to enjoy. Whether you are looking to shop in Downtown Stillwater's boutique shops, enjoy outdoor recreation on the edge of town, or wanting to live it up at a famous bar on The Strip, Stillwater has a place for everyone.
Top landmarks
•Pleasant Valley School — historic schoolhouse in Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States
•Magruder Plots — human settlement in United States of America
•Citizens Bank Building — listed on the NRHP in Oklahoma
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 9m. Total distance: 165.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 58.7 miles on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.40 in tolls one way, starting with Indian Nation Turnpike. 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 5 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 Hartshorne, OK 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 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (US 177 / South Perkins Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.4 miles (OK 33; CR EW71; US 177 / East 116th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 52.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Oklahoma City National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Hartshorne, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
