Traveling from Terrell to Amarillo covers 394.2 miles across the Texas Great Plains, a journey that typically takes about 7 hours and 7 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can realistically complete the trip in one day if you start early. Budgeting approximately $60 for fuel will get you from the eastern edge of the plains to the heart of the Texas Panhandle. While the drive is straightforward, it is a significant distance for a single day behind the wheel. Expect a consistent transition through the open landscape as you head northwest toward your destination.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
197.1 miles from Terrell, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 35m 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 Terrell, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on Spur 226
148 ft·5 sec·South Virginia Street
2
Turn right
322 ft·15 sec
3
Turn right onto South Adelaide Street
189 ft·9 sec·South Adelaide Street
4
Turn left onto US 80
2.6 mi·3 min·East Moore Avenue
5
Continue on US 80
3.0 mi·3 min·West US Highway 80
6
Take the exit onto US 80
16 mi·16 min·US 80
Toward US 80 West: DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward I 635 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 635
12 mi·12 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 635
4.1 mi·4 min·Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on I 635
4.6 mi·4 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 27BToward I 35E North: DentonUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto I 35E
28 mi·30 min·North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi·9 sec·I 35; US 77
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Exit 469Toward US 380: University Drive
15
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.4 mi·47 sec·North Interstate 35
16
Turn left onto US 380
3.4 mi·4 min·West University Drive
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Continue on US 380
22 mi·24 min·US Highway 380 West
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
19
Merge onto US 81; US 287
72 mi·1 hr 15 min·North US Highway 287
20
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
21
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
22
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.
23
Continue on US 287
40 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
24
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.
25
Continue on US 287
26 mi·26 min·US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 287
29 mi·32 min·East 11th Street
27
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northeast
28
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
29
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·1 min·Burnett Street
30
Continue on US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
31
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi·28 min·Boykin Drive
32
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi·1 min·East 2nd Street
33
Continue on US 287
28 mi·28 min·US Highway 287
34
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi·2 min·East 1st Street
35
Continue on US 287
20 mi·20 min·US Highway 287
36
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft·8 sec·East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
37
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi·3 min·Southeast 3rd Avenue
38
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
39
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi·1 min·North Lakeside Drive
40
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
41
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·East Amarillo Boulevard
42
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
43
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi·17 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
44
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
To tackle this 394.2-mile trip comfortably, aim for an early morning departure to avoid traffic and reach Amarillo before nightfall. Plan for at least two stops along the way to break up the 7-hour drive and keep your energy levels steady. Since the longest stretch is 75.4 miles, use those segments to settle into a rhythm, but always monitor your fuel gauge given the $60 cost estimate. Because the route relies heavily on US Highway 287, keep an eye on highway signage to ensure you stay on the correct path through the various segments of the road. Flexibility is your best asset, so do not hesitate to pull over for a quick rest if you feel the fatigue of the open plains setting in.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 197.1 miles from Terrell, TX, or about 3h 35m 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 87 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 197.1 miles or 3h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 2m
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 Terrell, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Terrell, TX
This is one driving day of about 394.2 miles and 7h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Terrell, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.6 and 172.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.6 mi into trip|~7m in|US 80
Take the exit onto US 80 toward US 80 West: Dallas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 80 West: Dallas
6
21.2 mi into trip|~24m 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
42.2 mi into trip|~47m 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
70.8 mi into trip|~1h 18m 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
172.3 mi into trip|~3h 9m 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
$59.56 one way
$119.13 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg138 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$65.20
$130.40
premium
$4.54
$70.38
$140.76
diesel
$5.61
$87.03
$174.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 137.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
118.3
1
$41.39
$18.92
Efficient EV
98.6
1
$34.49
$15.77
EV Truck/SUV
157.7
1
$55.19
$25.23
Gas CO2
138 kg
EV CO2
46 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Terrell, TX
Late night
in Terrell on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Mostly Clear
SSW 10 to 15 mph3% 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
24 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
7h 7m 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 394.2
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 394.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You will spend 79% of your time on major highways, primarily relying on US Highway 287 to navigate the distance. The route features a mix of fast-paced transit, with the longest uninterrupted stretch reaching 75.4 miles on US Highway 287. You should expect a steady, highway-focused experience rather than technical or winding secondary roads. As you progress, the character of the drive remains relatively uniform, reflecting the expansive nature of the Great Plains region. Staying focused is key, as the road requires consistent attention despite the lack of complex maneuvers.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 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 5.6 miles in near US 80.
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 17 significant decision points across 394.2 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 5.6 miles (US 80): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 7m. Total distance: 394.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 7m 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.6 miles (US 80): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 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 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 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.
