Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Tyler, TX to Montopolis, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 19m
Distance
232.8 mi
375 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 6m
★
6 AM
4h 20m
8 AM
4h 46m
10 AM
4h 29m
12 PM
4h 26m
3 PM
4h 30m
5 PM
4h 45m
8 PM
4h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tyler, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 228.5-mile drive from Tyler, TX to Montopolis, TX will take you about 4 hours and 6 minutes to complete. It's a straightforward trip that fits comfortably within a single day, making it ideal for a day trip. You'll be navigating primarily on West Front Street and Highway 31 West for most of the journey. Budget around $35 for fuel for this excursion. Since both your origin and destination are within the Great Plains region of Texas, expect a consistent landscape throughout your travels. This route is designed for a single stop, so plan accordingly to break up the 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
116.4 miles from Tyler, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 52.6 mi | 54m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 37.9 mi | 39m |
| State Highway 31 East | 30.9 mi | 35m |
| West State Highway 31 | 18.8 mi | 21m |
| State Highway 31 | 17.2 mi | 17m |
| Corsicana Bypass | 11.8 mi | 13m |
| State Highway 31 West | 9.7 mi | 11m |
| Northwest 2nd Street | 9.3 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 52.6 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tyler, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on North Broadway Avenue
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
North Broadway Avenue
2
Turn right onto TX 31
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
West Front Street
3
Continue on TX 31
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Chandler Highway
4
Continue on TX 31
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 31 West
5
Continue on TX 31
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Highway 31
6
Continue on TX 31
21 mi
·
23 min
·
State Highway 31 East
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
8
Merge onto US 175; TX 19; TX 31; Loop 7
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Jed Robinson Loop
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
10
Keep slight left at fork
445 ft
·
14 sec
11
Turn right onto TX 31
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 31 West
12
Continue on TX 31
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
East Royall Boulevard
13
Continue on TX 31
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
State Highway 31 East
14
Continue on TX 31
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
Northwest 2nd Street
15
Turn left onto TX 31
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
16
At end of road, turn left onto TX 31
19 mi
·
21 min
·
West State Highway 31
17
Continue on TX 31
5.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Hubbard Bypass
18
Continue on TX 31
17 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 31
19
Continue on US 84
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East US Highway 84
20
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Bellmead Drive
21
Turn straight onto US 84
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Waco Drive
22
Turn left onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
519 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 35 South, US 77 South
24
Merge onto I 35; US 77
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
53 mi
·
54 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Use the slight left lane.
29
Merge onto US 183
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 183
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on 183 Toll
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
32
Turn straight onto US 183
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
33
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
34
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
This 4-hour, 6-minute drive is easily manageable in one day, so you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best. With only one recommended stop, consider making it a mid-point break to stretch your legs and refuel if necessary. The estimated fuel cost is $35, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart. Given the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route, be prepared for more frequent steering inputs and potentially varying speed limits. A specific tip for this drive: pay close attention to local signage as you transition between West Front Street, Chandler Highway, and Highway 31 West to avoid missing any turns.
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 116.4 miles from Tyler, TX, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.6 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 51 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.4 miles or 2h 12m 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 33m
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 Tyler, 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 Tyler, TX
This is one driving day of about 232.8 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Tyler, 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 I 35 for about 52.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
116 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 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 116.4 miles from Tyler, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.3 mi from route
Tyler Rose Garden
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Tyler, Texas
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+19035311212
Visit websiteVisit Tyler/SPORTyler
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Tyler, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19035936905
Visit websiteTyler Rose Museum & Gift Shop
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Tyler, Texas
Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm
+19035973130
Visit websiteAustin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteVillage of Salado Visitors Center
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Salado, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12549478634
Visit websiteDoris D Miller Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Halfway reset
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Waco, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteCultural Activities Center
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~12 min detour
Final third
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Temple, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm
+12547739926
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 68.2 and 232.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
68.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 20m in
|
TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Turn left onto TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
171.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 13m in
|
I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
223.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 183: Lockhart, 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.
Exit 240B
Toward US 183: Lockhart, Lampasas
7
224.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
7
232.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Montopolis Drive, Patton Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.18 one way
$70.35 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $38.50 | $77.01 |
| premium | $4.54 | $41.56 | $83.13 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $51.40 | $102.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.8 | 0 | $24.44 | $11.17 |
| Efficient EV | 58.2 | 0 | $20.37 | $9.31 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 93.1 | 1 | $32.59 | $14.90 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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
Tyler, TX
Late night in Tyler on Tuesday
Local time
5:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Montopolis, TX
Late night in Montopolis on Tuesday
Local time
5:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Unavailable
Live 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
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
4h 19m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 128.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 228.5-mile stretch. With a 0% highway share, you won't encounter any interstate speeds, meaning your average speed will be lower. The drive progresses through a series of local roads and state highways, including Chandler Highway and Highway 31 West. While there's no longest uninterrupted stretch specified, the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests frequent adjustments and a more engaged driving experience rather than a monotonous cruise. This route demands your attention as you navigate through various local thoroughfares.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.6 mi on I 35.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Purple Heart Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 68.2 miles in near TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 232.8 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 68.2 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 171.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 223.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Starting in Tyler, TX
Full guide →Tyler is the county seat of Smith County, in eastern Texas. It boasts the nation's largest municipal rose garden and hosts the Texas Rose Festival each October.
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 4h 19m. Total distance: 232.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 52.6 miles on I 35. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 68.2 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 171.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 223.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Montopolis, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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