Connecting Verdigris to Oklahoma City, this 124.7-mile trek across the Great Plains is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $19 on fuel for the trip, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. The drive relies heavily on major thoroughfares like the Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike, the Skelly Bypass, and OK 66. Whether you are heading to the state capital for business or leisure, this path offers a reliable, no-nonsense connection between these two Oklahoma locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
62.4 miles from Verdigris, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
86.6 mi
1h 25m
Skelly Bypass
15 mi
18m
OK 66
10 mi
13m
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
4.5 mi
5m
Honorable Hannah Diggs Atkins, Secretary of State, Memorial Highway
2.9 mi
3m
Representative Opio Toure Memorial Highway
2.5 mi
3m
Crosstown Expressway
1.2 mi
1m
Oklahoma City Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
— 86.6 mi, about 1h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Verdigris, OK and Oklahoma City, OK.
1
Start on CR E540
112 ft·6 sec·CR E540
2
Turn right onto CR S4110
324 ft·11 sec·CR S4110
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
3
Turn right onto OK 66; US Historic 66
5.2 mi·7 min·OK 66; US Historic 66
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
4
Continue on OK 66
0.6 mi·1 min·OK 66
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on OK 66
4.3 mi·5 min·OK 66
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 44; OK 66
14 mi·17 min·Skelly Bypass
Toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Sapulpa, Oklahoma CityUse the slight left lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 44; OK 66
1.1 mi·1 min·Skelly Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 44
87 mi·1 hr 25 min·Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
Toward I 44 West: Oklahoma CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto I 44
0.5 mi·58 sec·I 44
Toward I 35 South, I 44 West, OK 66 West: Dallas, LawtonUse the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Merge onto I 35; I 44; OK 66
4.2 mi·4 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
0.4 mi·26 sec·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Toward I 35 South: DallasUse the slight left lane.
12
Continue on I 35
2.9 mi·3 min·Honorable Hannah Diggs Atkins, Secretary of State, Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on I 35
2.5 mi·3 min·Representative Opio Toure Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on I 35; I 40; US 62; US 270
0.9 mi·1 min·Crosstown Expressway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 270
0.4 mi·26 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.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·39 sec
Exit 151AToward Oklahoma City BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto Oklahoma City Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Oklahoma City Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto South Edward King Gaylord Boulevard
0.3 mi·41 sec·South Edward King Gaylord Boulevard
Use the right lane.
19
Turn left onto West Sheridan Avenue
0.2 mi·26 sec·West Sheridan Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto North Robinson Avenue
416 ft·14 sec·North Robinson Avenue
Use the straight lane.
21
Arrive at destination
North Robinson Avenue
Trip Plan
Since the total drive time is just over two hours, you have plenty of flexibility when choosing your departure time. You won't need to stress about pacing multiple stops, as the trip is short enough to handle in one go without an extended break. However, keep in mind that the majority of your time is spent on the turnpike, so ensure you have your toll payment method ready before you head out. Because this is a direct highway-heavy route, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours in Oklahoma City to ensure a smooth arrival. Use the $19 fuel estimate as a baseline for your travel budget, and enjoy the simplicity of this quick, efficient transit across the state.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 62.4 miles from Verdigris, OK, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.6 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 27 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62.4 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oklahoma City, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Verdigris, 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 Verdigris, OK
This is one driving day of about 124.7 miles and 2h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Verdigris, OK.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike for about 86.6 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.1 and 123.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10.1 mi into trip|~13m in|I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass
Keep slight left at fork onto I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Sapulpa, Oklahoma City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 44 West, OK 66 West: Sapulpa, Oklahoma...
7
111.7 mi into trip|~1h 58m in|I 44
Take the exit onto I 44 toward I 35 South, I 44 West, OK 66 West: Dallas, Lawton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 35 South, I 44 West, OK 66 West: Dalla...
7
116.3 mi into trip|~2h 3m in|I 35 / World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / World War II Veterans Memorial Highway toward I 35 South: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Dallas
9
122.9 mi into trip|~2h 11m 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...
7
123.3 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward Oklahoma City Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 151A
Toward Oklahoma City Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.50 one way
$38.99 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$21.41
$42.81
premium
$4.89
$24.00
$47.99
diesel
$5.61
$27.53
$55.06
Estimated Tolls: $4.33
Turner Turnpike
(86.6 mi)$4.33
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
$20
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
37.4
0
$13.09
$5.99
Efficient EV
31.2
0
$10.91
$4.99
EV Truck/SUV
49.9
0
$17.46
$7.98
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Verdigris, OK
Night
in Verdigris on Saturday
Local time
9:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Oklahoma City, OK
Night
in Oklahoma City on Saturday
Local time
9:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°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
15 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
2h 15m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 highway-focused experience, as 79 percent of this route keeps you on high-speed roads. The core of the journey features an 86.6-mile stretch along the Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike, which serves as the primary artery for your travel. While the Skelly Bypass and sections of OK 66 add some variety to the navigation, the overall personality of the drive is consistent and efficient. You will find yourself cruising across the flat landscape of the Great Plains, where the road conditions prioritize speed and directness over technical turns. It is a steady, predictable drive that lets you settle into a rhythm behind the wheel for the duration of the trip.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.6 mi on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike and Skelly Bypass. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in near I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 124.7 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 10.1 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.7 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.3 miles (I 35 / World War II Veterans Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,196 ft612 ft
Total Climb
784 ft
Total Descent
200 ft
Highest Point
1,196 ft
~124.7 mi in
Elevation Range
584 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Verdigris, OK to Oklahoma City, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Lawton along the way.
Oklahoma City is the capital and principal city of the state of Oklahoma in the central Frontier Country region of the state. The sprawling city and its suburbs offer multiple sports venues, museums, regional food, and a mix of Native American and cowboy culture.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 15m. Total distance: 124.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.6 miles on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.33 in tolls one way, starting with Turner 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.
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 Oklahoma City, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles (I 44; OK 66 / Skelly Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.7 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.3 miles (I 35 / World War II Veterans Memorial Highway): 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Oklahoma City, OK before heading back.
