This 205.2-mile drive from Talihina, OK to Edmond, OK is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 59 minutes. You'll primarily be on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway, US 270, and the Indian Nation Turnpike, with about 51% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $32, making it an economical option for exploring the Great Plains region. This route offers a mixed driving experience, suitable for a single day's adventure without the need for an overnight stop. It's a straightforward journey perfect for a quick transition between different parts of Oklahoma.
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
102.6 miles from Talihina, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
75.3 mi
1h 16m
US 270
47.7 mi
1h 5m
Indian Nation Turnpike
34.6 mi
32m
OK 82
17.5 mi
24m
Tinker Diagonal
12.3 mi
14m
Broadway Extension
6.7 mi
8m
Centennial Expressway
4.6 mi
5m
South Broadway
2.6 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
— 75.3 mi, about 1h 16m
Traffic on I-40
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 27 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,678 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~226 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.8×
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 Talihina, OK and Edmond, OK.
1
Start on US 271; OK 63
0.2 mi·26 sec·Dallas Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
2
Continue on OK 1; OK 63
0.3 mi·30 sec·Talimena Scenic Drive
3
Turn right onto OK 82
13 mi·18 min·OK 82
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn right onto OK 82
4.2 mi·5 min·OK 82
5
Turn left onto US 270
14 mi·18 min·US 270
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn slight left
0.1 mi·12 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
Turn slight right onto Brandy Road
362 ft·9 sec·Brandy Road
8
Turn slight left onto US 270; OK 2
1.3 mi·1 min·West Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on US 270
2.2 mi·2 min·US 270
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 270
0.4 mi·30 sec·US 270
Use the straight / left lanes.
11
Continue on US 270
1.4 mi·1 min·US 270
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 270
0.4 mi·28 sec·US 270
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 270
3.4 mi·3 min·US 270
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
14
Continue on US 270
1.2 mi·1 min·US 270
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Continue on US 270
0.5 mi·36 sec·US 270
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 270
1.6 mi·1 min·US 270
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 270
2.1 mi·2 min·US 270
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
18
Turn slight right onto US 270
20 mi·32 min·US 270
Toward Hartshorne, McAlesterUse the right lane.
19
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward Indian Nation Turnpike NorthboundUse the right lane.
20
Merge onto OK 375
35 mi·32 min·Indian Nation Turnpike
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 40 West, US 62 West, US 75 South: Oklahoma CityUse the sharp right lane.
22
Merge onto I 40
198 ft·2 sec·Tim Vandiver Memorial Highway
23
Continue on I 40
75 mi·1 hr 16 min·Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40; US 270
12 mi·14 min·Tinker Diagonal
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 35; I 40; US 62; US 270
0.9 mi·1 min·Crosstown Expressway
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 270
221 ft·3 sec·Crosstown Expressway
Exit 126Toward I 235 North, US 77 North, I 40 West, US 270 West: Oklahoma Health Center, State Capitol, Edmond, AmarilloUse the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 126Toward I 235 North, US 77 North: Oklahoma Health Center, State Capitol, EdmondUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto I 235; US 77
4.6 mi·5 min·Centennial Expressway
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on US 77
6.7 mi·8 min·Broadway Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on US Historic 66; US 77
2.6 mi·5 min·South Broadway
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Turn right onto US Historic 66; US 77
0.2 mi·35 sec·East 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Arrive at destination
US Historic 66; US 77
Trip Plan
For this 205.2-mile journey, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With a total duration of under 4 hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day, so consider starting your drive around mid-morning to avoid early rush hour. Plan for one stop along the way; given the longest stretch is over 75 miles, a break might be welcome. Pay attention to the transition points between the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway, US 270, and the Indian Nation Turnpike to ensure you're on the correct path. The estimated fuel cost of $32 is a good baseline, but it's always wise to start with a full tank.
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 102.6 miles from Talihina, OK, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.3 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 45 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.6 miles or 2h 7m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Edmond, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Talihina, 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 Talihina, OK
This is one driving day of about 205.2 miles and 3h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Talihina, 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 75.3 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 18 and 190.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
18 mi into trip|~25m in|US 270
Turn left onto US 270
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
102 mi into trip|~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 40 West, US 62 West, US 75 South: Oklahoma City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the sharp right lane.
Toward I 40 West, US 62 West, US 75 South: Okla...
6
177.6 mi into trip|~3h 23m in|I 40; US 270 / Tinker Diagonal
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40; US 270 / Tinker Diagonal
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
190.8 mi into trip|~3h 39m in|I 40; US 270 / Crosstown Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 270 / Crosstown Expressway toward I 235 North, US 77 North, I 40 West, US 270 West: Oklahoma Health Center, State Capitol, Edmond, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 126
Toward I 235 North, US 77 North, I 40 West, US...
9
190.8 mi into trip|~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward I 235 North, US 77 North: Oklahoma Health Center, State Capitol, Edmond
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 126
Toward I 235 North, US 77 North: Oklahoma Healt...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.30 one way
$60.61 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$33.45
$66.91
premium
$4.72
$38.10
$76.20
diesel
$4.80
$38.75
$77.49
Estimated Tolls: $2.42
Indian Nation Turnpike
(34.6 mi)$2.42
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
$30
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.6
0
$21.55
$9.85
Efficient EV
51.3
0
$17.96
$8.21
EV Truck/SUV
82.1
1
$28.73
$13.13
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Talihina, OK
Late night
in Talihina on Sunday
Local time
4:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph21% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Edmond, OK
Late night
in Edmond on Sunday
Local time
4:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 12 mph33% chanceLive forecast
96°F
Eufaula, OK
103 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
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
3h 59m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive on this route, blending highway speeds with potentially more varied road conditions as you navigate through Oklahoma. With 51% of the route on highways, you'll experience some faster stretches, including a longest uninterrupted section of 75.3 miles along the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway. The combination of the turnpike and US 270 suggests a route that is likely well-maintained but offers a change of pace from purely interstate travel. This variety can make the 3-hour, 59-minute drive engaging rather than monotonous.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.3 mi on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18 miles in near US 270.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 205.2 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 18 miles (US 270): Lane positioning matters here; at 102 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.6 miles (I 40; US 270 / Tinker Diagonal): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,204 ft541 ft
Total Climb
730 ft
Total Descent
208 ft
Highest Point
1,204 ft
~205.2 mi in
Elevation Range
663 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Talihina, OK and Edmond, OK, road signs point toward Hartshorne, Mcalester, Indian Nation Turnpike Northbound, State Capitol and Amarillo.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 59m. Total distance: 205.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75.3 miles on Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.42 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 9 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 Edmond, 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 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 18 miles (US 270): Lane positioning matters here; at 102 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.6 miles (I 40; US 270 / Tinker Diagonal): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Oklahoma City National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Edmond, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
