Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Tenaha, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 11m
Distance
266.1 mi
428 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 58m
★
6 AM
5h 12m
8 AM
5h 39m
10 AM
5h 21m
12 PM
5h 18m
3 PM
5h 23m
5 PM
5h 37m
8 PM
5h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tenaha, TX
Thomas balabaud
Montopolis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Tenaha, TX to Montopolis, TX is 266.1 miles and takes about 5h 11m via TX 21, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, transitioning from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. For the most part, you'll be on highways, making it a straightforward drive. Expect a relatively quick trip that's easy to complete in a single day, perfect for when you need to get from point A to point B without much fuss.
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
133.1 miles from Tenaha, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| TX 21 | 162.3 mi | 3h 3m |
| West State Highway 7 | 51.7 mi | 1h 4m |
| South George Bowers Drive | 32.9 mi | 37m |
| Northwest Stallings Drive | 6 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 71 East | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| East State Highway 71 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Bastrop Freeway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| East Goliad Avenue | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
TX 21
— 162.3 mi, about 3h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tenaha, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on Loop 157
73 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Center Street
2
Turn left onto US 59; US 84
33 mi
·
37 min
·
South George Bowers Drive
3
Continue on US 59
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Northwest Stallings Drive
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
5
Turn right onto TX 7
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
South Fredonia Street
6
Continue on TX 7
52 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
West State Highway 7
7
Turn right onto US 287; TX 7
129 ft
·
2 sec
·
5th Street
8
Turn left onto US 287; TX 7; TX 19; TX 21
196 ft
·
6 sec
·
East Houston Avenue
9
Turn left onto US 287; TX 7; TX 19; TX 21
289 ft
·
8 sec
·
South 4th Street
10
Turn right onto TX 7; TX 21
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
East Goliad Avenue
11
Turn left onto TX 21
145 mi
·
2 hr 44 min
·
TX 21
Use the left lane.
12
Turn left onto TX 95
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
State Highway 95
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn right onto TX 21
409 ft
·
10 sec
·
State Highway 71 East
Use the right lane.
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward TX 21 West, TX 71 West
15
Merge onto TX 21; TX 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 71 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on TX 71; TX 21
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
TX 71; TX 21
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on TX 21; TX 71
17 mi
·
19 min
·
TX 21; TX 71
18
Continue on 71 Toll
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Bastrop Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on TX 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East State Highway 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Bastrop Highway
22
Continue on 183 Toll
0.7 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Use the right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto Loop 111
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
25
Continue on Loop 111
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
26
Continue on US 183
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
27
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
28
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
Given this is a 5-hour drive, starting in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. You'll likely only need one stop for gas or a quick break, especially since the longest stretch on TX 21 is over 160 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before embarking on that longer segment. The fuel cost is estimated at $39, so budget accordingly. Since it's easily doable in one day, you have flexibility in your departure time.
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 133.1 miles from Tenaha, TX, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 162.3 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 59 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.1 miles or 2h 38m 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 15m
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 Tenaha, 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 Tenaha, TX
This is one driving day of about 266.1 miles and 5h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Tenaha, 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 TX 21 for about 162.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 133.1 miles from Tenaha, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before TX 21 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 162.3 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.
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 93 and 264.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
93 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
TX 21
Turn left onto TX 21
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
238.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 37m in
|
TX 95 / State Highway 95
Turn left onto TX 95 / State Highway 95
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
239 mi into trip
|
~4h 39m in
|
TX 21; TX 71 / State Highway 71 East
Merge onto TX 21; TX 71 / State Highway 71 East
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
263.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m in
Take the exit toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
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.
Toward US 183 North, 183 Toll North: Lampasas
7
264.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 9m in
Take the exit toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Stree...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.45 one way
$72.89 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $40.71 | $81.42 |
| premium | $4.23 | $44.26 | $88.53 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $50.24 | $100.49 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.8 | 0 | $27.94 | $12.77 |
| Efficient EV | 66.5 | 0 | $23.28 | $10.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.4 | 1 | $37.25 | $17.03 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Tenaha, TX
Late night in Tenaha on Sunday
Local time
1:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 0 to 5 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:12AM CDT until July 17 at 10:15AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:00AM CDT until July 17 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Sunday
Local time
1:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Partly Sunny
SSE 5 to 10 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:12AM CDT until July 17 at 10:15AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 7:00AM CDT until July 17 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo 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
2 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
5h 11m 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?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 83% of the 266.1 miles on main roads like TX 21. You'll experience a substantial stretch of 162.3 miles on TX 21, offering consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads will occur after this long highway segment. Expect a rural feel for much of the drive, with fewer exits and more open road.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 162.3 mi on TX 21.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 21 and West State Highway 7. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 93 miles in near TX 21.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 266.1 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 93 miles (TX 21): Lane positioning matters here; at 238.2 miles (TX 95 / State Highway 95): Lane positioning matters here; at 239 miles (TX 21; TX 71 / State Highway 71 East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
555 ft
161 ft
Total Climb
687 ft
Total Descent
575 ft
Highest Point
555 ft
~228.1 mi in
Elevation Range
394 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Tenaha, TX
Full guide →Founded 1886
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 11m. Total distance: 266.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 162.3 miles on TX 21. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 93 miles (TX 21): Lane positioning matters here; at 238.2 miles (TX 95 / State Highway 95): Lane positioning matters here; at 239 miles (TX 21; TX 71 / State Highway 71 East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Montopolis, TX
More from Tenaha, TX
More trips to Montopolis, TX
Explore more options from Tenaha, TX or browse trips ending in Montopolis, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.