Sunnyvale, TX to Amarillo, TX is 377.4 miles and takes about 6 hours 50 minutes via US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $55 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Texas, moving from the edge of the Great Plains region into its heartland. It's a straightforward, primarily highway trip that can comfortably be completed in one day. If you're looking for a direct path through the Texas Panhandle with minimal detours, this is a solid choice for a single-day drive.
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
188.7 miles from Sunnyvale, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 287
75.4 mi
1h 17m
North US Highway 287
72.5 mi
1h 15m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
East 11th Street
28.7 mi
32m
North Stemmons Freeway
28.2 mi
30m
Boykin Drive
26.2 mi
28m
US Highway 287 West
25.7 mi
26m
US Highway 380 West
21.5 mi
24m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 287
— 75.4 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sunnyvale, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on this road
527 ft·43 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Raider Drive
457 ft·21 sec·Raider Drive
3
Turn left onto North Collins Road
0.2 mi·24 sec·North Collins Road
4
Enter roundabout onto North Collins Road
137 ft·3 sec·North Collins Road
5
Continue on North Collins Road
0.6 mi·1 min·North Collins Road
6
Turn slight right
217 ft·9 sec
7
Turn straight onto East US Highway 80
0.3 mi·33 sec·East US Highway 80
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 80 West
9
Merge onto US 80
2.8 mi·3 min·US 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward I 635 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 635
12 mi·12 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 635
4.1 mi·4 min·Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on I 635
4.6 mi·4 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 27BToward I 35E North: DentonUse the right lane.
15
Merge onto I 35E
28 mi·30 min·North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi·9 sec·I 35; US 77
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Exit 469Toward US 380: University Drive
18
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.4 mi·47 sec·North Interstate 35
19
Turn left onto US 380
3.4 mi·4 min·West University Drive
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
Continue on US 380
22 mi·24 min·US Highway 380 West
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
22
Merge onto US 81; US 287
72 mi·1 hr 15 min·North US Highway 287
23
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
24
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
5.3 mi·5 min·Northwest Freeway
Exit 3AToward US 287 North: Vernon, AmarilloUse the slight left / straight lanes.
26
Continue on US 287
40 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on US 287
26 mi·26 min·US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on US 287
29 mi·32 min·East 11th Street
30
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northeast
31
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
32
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·1 min·Burnett Street
33
Continue on US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
34
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi·28 min·Boykin Drive
35
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi·1 min·East 2nd Street
36
Continue on US 287
28 mi·28 min·US Highway 287
37
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi·2 min·East 1st Street
38
Continue on US 287
20 mi·20 min·US Highway 287
39
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft·8 sec·East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
40
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi·3 min·Southeast 3rd Avenue
41
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
42
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi·1 min·North Lakeside Drive
43
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
44
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·East Amarillo Boulevard
45
Continue on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
46
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi·17 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
47
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6 hour 50 minute drive, aim to leave Sunnyvale in the morning to ensure you have ample daylight for the 377.4 miles ahead. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $55, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer 75.4-mile stretches on US Highway 287, as services can be spread out in this region. This drive is easily manageable in a single day, allowing you to arrive in Amarillo without needing an overnight stay.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 188.7 miles from Sunnyvale, TX, or about 3h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 83 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 188.7 miles or 3h 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 5h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amarillo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale, TX
This is one driving day of about 377.4 miles and 6h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Sunnyvale, 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 Highway 287 for about 75.4 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 155.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.2 mi into trip|~1m in|North Collins Road
Turn left onto North Collins Road
Navigation decision point
6
4.4 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the exit toward I 635 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 635 North
7
25.4 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North: Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 27B
Toward I 35E North: Denton
6
54 mi into trip|~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward US 380: University Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 469
Toward US 380: University Drive
9
155.5 mi into trip|~2h 52m in|US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.69 one way
$103.38 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg132 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$57.74
$115.48
premium
$4.23
$62.78
$125.55
diesel
$4.80
$71.26
$142.52
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 132 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
113.2
1
$39.63
$18.12
Efficient EV
94.4
1
$33.02
$15.10
EV Truck/SUV
151
1
$52.84
$24.15
Gas CO2
132 kg
EV CO2
44 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.
Forecast as of Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Sunnyvale, TX
Evening
in Sunnyvale on Monday
Local time
7:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 10:40PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 10:31PM CDT until July 18 at 11:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Evening
in Amarillo on Monday
Local time
7:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 to 10 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 10:40PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 10:31PM CDT until July 18 at 11:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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
9 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 50m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 377.4
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 377.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 79% of your time on highways, with the longest continuous stretch on US Highway 287 covering 75.4 miles. This means you'll experience mostly rural cruising with fewer exits and towns for extended periods. The profile is consistently highway, so expect smooth sailing for the majority of the trip. You'll transition to surface roads as you approach your destination.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.4 mi on US Highway 287.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 287 and North US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near North Collins Road.
Driving Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 377.4 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 0.2 miles (North Collins Road): Navigation decision point; at 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Sunnyvale is a city in the South Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in California. Sunnyvale was ranked the 5th safest city in the United States in its size category for 2004.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 50m. Total distance: 377.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 50m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75.4 miles on US Highway 287. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 32 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 Amarillo, 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 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (North Collins Road): Navigation decision point; at 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Amarillo, TX before the return drive.
