Llano Estacado Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Tahoka, TX to Dallas, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 55m
Distance
330.4 mi
532 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 43m
★
6 AM
5h 56m
8 AM
6h 22m
10 AM
6h 5m
12 PM
6h 2m
3 PM
6h 6m
5 PM
6h 21m
8 PM
5h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tahoka, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Dallas, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Tahoka to Dallas covers 330.8 miles across the Great Plains, making for a straightforward journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 6 minutes. Because the route relies on local roads rather than major interstates, you should plan for a full day of driving if you want to reach your destination comfortably. Budgeting approximately $49 for fuel will cover your transit across this stretch of Texas. While the trip is manageable as a single-day excursion, the turn-heavy nature of the roads means you should stay focused and prepared for a more engaged driving experience. It is a practical route for those navigating within the state, offering a direct path between the two regions.
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
165.2 miles from Tahoka, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 84 | 183 mi | 3h 5m |
| US Highway 84 | 74.6 mi | 1h 15m |
| Tom Landry Freeway | 30 mi | 35m |
| Lockwood Street | 24.4 mi | 36m |
| West Freeway | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| East Access Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| US 87 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| South Broadway Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 84
— 183 mi, about 3h 5m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,680 veh/hr typical · worst 2,135
Quietest
2 AM
~202 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Tahoka, TX and Dallas, TX.
1
Start on US 87
0.5 mi
·
28 sec
·
US 87
2
Take the exit
440 ft
·
18 sec
Toward Loop 472: Tahoka
3
Turn sharp right onto East Access Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Access Road
4
Turn left onto US 380
24 mi
·
36 min
·
Lockwood Street
5
Turn right onto US 84
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
South Broadway Street
6
Continue on US 84
75 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
US Highway 84
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
183 mi
·
3 hr 5 min
·
US 84
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30
15 mi
·
17 min
·
West Freeway
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 30
30 mi
·
35 min
·
Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 45A
Toward I 35E North: Denton
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 35E North: Denton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 35E
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
North Stemmons Freeway
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 429A
Toward Continental Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto Continental Avenue
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Continental Avenue
Use the right lane.
16
Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street
433 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Lamar Street
17
Arrive at destination
North Lamar Street
Trip Plan
To tackle this route efficiently, aim to depart early in the morning so you can navigate the turn-heavy segments during daylight hours. Since the trip includes one recommended stop, use that time to stretch and refuel, keeping your $49 budget in mind for the total transit. Because you are relying on local roads like Lockwood Street, stay alert for changing speed limits and intersection turns that aren't present on standard high-speed routes. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the local road setup allows you to adjust your pace as needed throughout the 5-hour drive. Keep a close eye on your navigation, as the lack of highway signage means you will need to pay extra attention to local road markers.
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 165.2 miles from Tahoka, TX, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 183 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 73 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 165.2 miles or 2h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tahoka, 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 Tahoka, TX
This is one driving day of about 330.4 miles and 5h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Tahoka, 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 84 for about 183 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
165 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 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 165.2 miles from Tahoka, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 84 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 183 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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Westbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
I-20 Eastbound Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Eastland County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Nolan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
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
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Eastbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Callahan County Westbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.8 mi from route
QuikTrip
1 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.5 mi from route
Picnic Area
1.9 mi from route
City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteiFLY Indoor Skydiving - Fort Worth
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Home stretch
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
Hurst, Texas
Hours: 10:30 am–6:30 pm
+18178184359
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 100.5 and 329.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
100.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 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. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 East, US 84 East: Abilene
8
283.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 59m in
|
I 30 / West Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 30 / West Freeway toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 421
Toward I 30 East: Downtown Fort Worth
7
328.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 52m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North: Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 45A
Toward I 35E North: Denton
9
329 mi into trip
|
~5h 52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North: Denton, Commerce Street
8
329.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 54m in
Take the exit toward Continental Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 429A
Toward Continental Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.25 one way
$90.51 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
116 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $50.55 | $101.10 |
| premium | $4.23 | $54.96 | $109.92 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $62.39 | $124.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 115.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 99.1 | 1 | $34.69 | $15.86 |
| Efficient EV | 82.6 | 0 | $28.91 | $13.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 132.2 | 1 | $46.26 | $21.15 |
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 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
Tahoka, TX
Late night in Tahoka on Monday
Local time
2:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 to 15 mph
44% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:14AM CDT until July 17 at 11:45AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:04AM CDT until July 21 at 3:57AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
Dallas, TX
Late night in Dallas on Monday
Local time
2:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:14AM CDT until July 17 at 11:45AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:04AM CDT until July 21 at 3:57AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
99°F
Albany, TX
165 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
10 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
5h 55m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a unique experience behind the wheel, as this path avoids major highways entirely with a 0% highway share. Instead, you will navigate via local infrastructure, specifically Loop 472, East Access Road, and Lockwood Street. This turn-heavy local drive demands your full attention, as it lacks the monotonous rhythm of wide-open interstate cruising. The terrain remains consistent as you traverse the Great Plains, yet the constant adjustments required by the local road network provide a very different feel than typical long-distance travel. Be ready for a steady pace that relies on smaller, localized roads throughout the entire 330.8-mile journey.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 183 mi on US 84.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 84 and US Highway 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 100.5 miles in near US 84.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 330.4 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 100.5 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 283.5 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 328.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,079 ft
428 ft
Total Climb
524 ft
Total Descent
3,174 ft
Highest Point
3,079 ft
Elevation Range
2,651 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Tahoka, TX
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Lynn County Courthouse — historic place in Tahoka, Lynn County, Texas
Arriving in Dallas, TX
Full guide →“Big D” · Founded 1841
Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
Top landmarks
- • Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
- • Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
- • George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...
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 5h 55m. Total distance: 330.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 183 miles on US 84. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 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 Dallas, 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 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 100.5 miles (US 84): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 283.5 miles (I 30 / West Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 328.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Dallas, 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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