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Trip from Vernon, TX to Dallas, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

188.4 mi

303 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county sear of Wilbarger County, Texas, United States

Vernon, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Dallas, TX, TX

Dallas, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 188.4-mile journey from Vernon, TX to Dallas, TX is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 3 hours and 24 minutes. With 98% of the route on highways, it's designed for efficient travel, making it an ideal day trip. You'll be navigating primarily via Central East Freeway and US Highway 287 East, with a stretch on SH 183 TEXpress as you approach Dallas. The estimated fuel cost is around $28, so budgeting is simple. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape for the entire trip. It's a practical option 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 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

94.2 miles from Vernon, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Central East Freeway 99.2 mi 1h 46m
US Highway 287 East 41.1 mi 43m
SH 183 TEXpress 15 mi 14m
I 820 TEXpress 5.5 mi 5m
Northwest Freeway 5.2 mi 5m
US 81 4.6 mi 4m
SH 121/183 TEXpress 4.4 mi 4m
North Stemmons Freeway 4 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Central East Freeway — 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Vernon, TX and Dallas, TX.

1

Start on this road

145 ft · 15 sec · this road
2

Turn left

0.1 mi · 47 sec
3

At end of road, turn right onto US Highway 287 East

0.6 mi · 1 min · US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / right lanes.
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec
5

Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287

41 mi · 42 min · US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · Northwest Freeway
7

Keep slight right at fork onto US 287

0.6 mi · 42 sec · Northwest Freeway
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
8

Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287

2.5 mi · 3 min · Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

1.8 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

97 mi · 1 hr 43 min · Central East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on US 81; US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 35W; US 287

2.3 mi · 2 min · North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 24 sec
Exit 57 Toward I 820 Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Toward I 820 East Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto I 820

0.4 mi · 24 sec · Northeast Loop
18

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 7 sec
Toward I 820 Express East Toll
19

Merge onto I 820 TEXpress

5.5 mi · 5 min · I 820 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress

4.4 mi · 4 min · SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on TX 183 TEXpress

12 mi · 11 min · SH 183 TEXpress
Toward TX 183 Express East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight right at fork onto TX 183 TEXpress

3.3 mi · 3 min · SH 183 TEXpress
23

Merge onto TX 183

0.8 mi · 50 sec · John W Carpenter Freeway
24

Merge onto I 35E

3.9 mi · 4 min · North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 22 sec
Exit 429B Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West Use the slight right lane.
26

Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway

0.1 mi · 18 sec · North Stemmons Freeway
27

Turn left onto Continental Avenue

0.3 mi · 48 sec · Continental Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
28

Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street

433 ft · 10 sec · North Lamar Street
29

Arrive at destination

North Lamar Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 3-hour and 24-minute duration, this drive is best tackled as a single-day trip, allowing for maximum flexibility. Aim to depart Vernon in the morning to take advantage of the full day in Dallas, or consider an afternoon departure if you prefer to arrive in the evening. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 99.2 miles, you can easily break up the drive with a quick fuel or restroom break as needed. Keep an eye on the fuel cost estimate of $28 for planning purposes, and be aware of the transition to the SH 183 TEXpress as you enter the Dallas area.

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 94.2 miles from Vernon, TX, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 41 miles or 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 94.2 miles or 1h 42m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 47m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dallas, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Vernon, 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 Vernon, TX

This is one driving day of about 188.4 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Vernon, 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 Central East Freeway for about 99.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and count sear of Hale County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Plainview, TX

94 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.

Popular next leg

Plainview, TX to Dallas, TX

51.1 mi · 1h 6m

Pacing Suggestions

Wichita Falls, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Saint Jo, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 94.2 miles from Vernon, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Central East Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.2 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.

City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19724823055

Visit website

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Fort Worth

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Hurst, Texas

Hours: 10:30 am–6:30 pm

+18178184359

Visit website

Maniac’s Mansion (TAG’s)

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Wichita Falls, Texas

Hours: 5–9 pm

+19402575543

Visit website

Museum of North Texas History

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Wichita Falls, Texas

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+19403227628

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 187.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~1m in | US Highway 287 East

At end of road, turn right onto US Highway 287 East

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
46.2 mi into trip | ~50m in | US 287 / Northwest Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, U...
7
156.3 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Take the exit toward I 820

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 57 Toward I 820
7
156.7 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 820 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 820 East
8
187.7 mi into trip | ~3h 22m in

Take the exit toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West

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 429B Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.47 one way

$56.94 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 66 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $31.16 $62.32
premium $4.54 $33.64 $67.28
diesel $5.61 $41.60 $83.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.5 0 $19.78 $9.04
Efficient EV 47.1 0 $16.49 $7.54
EV Truck/SUV 75.4 0 $26.38 $12.06

Gas CO2

66 kg

EV CO2

22 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 Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Vernon, TX

Late night in Vernon on Tuesday

Local time

5:26 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dallas, TX

Late night in Dallas on Tuesday

Local time

5:26 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°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

3 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 24m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 98% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 99.2 miles on the Central East Freeway, allowing for sustained progress. While the majority of the drive is on highways, there's a brief transition to SH 183 TEXpress as you near your destination. This profile suggests a focus on speed and efficiency rather than winding country roads, making it a predictable and generally smooth ride.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.2 mi on Central East Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and US Highway 287 East. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US Highway 287 East.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 188.4 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 0.1 miles (US Highway 287 East): Lane positioning matters here; at 46.2 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Vernon, TX

Full guide →

Vernon is a city in the North Central Plains region of Texas. Years ago, the Great Western Cattle Trail passed through here, a corollary of the more popular Chisholm Trail to the east. On a more contemporary note, it was the birthplace and childhood home of Roy Orbison. It is the closest town to the Waggoner Ranch, the biggest cattle ranch in the USA under one fence.

Arriving in Dallas, TX

Full guide →

“Big D” · Founded 1841

Dallas, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents, is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of Texas. It is an impressive melting pot of culture and character. Boasting high-end luxury hotels, innumerable fine dining spots, and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dallas maintains an upscale ethos reflected by an affluent population, world-class museums, and a shimmering modern skyline. Its history was marred by the infamous assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, but there is more historic and contemporary heritage to be discovered in the city. As a center of the oil and cotton industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dallas was a classic American boom town and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Top landmarks

  • • Dallas Museum of Art — art museum in Dallas, Texas
  • • Texas School Book Depository — building in Dallas, Texas, United States
  • • George W. Bush Presidential Center — Presidential library and museum for U.S. President George W. Bush, located in Da...

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 3h 24m. Total distance: 188.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway. 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 Dallas, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US Highway 287 East): Lane positioning matters here; at 46.2 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Dallas, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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