This 212.1-mile drive from Waurika, OK to Tulsa, OK is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 56 minutes. You'll primarily navigate on I-44 and US-81, with a portion on the Harry E. Bailey Turnpike, making it a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, this route through the Great Plains region of Oklahoma offers a straightforward journey. It's designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop, but be prepared for a good amount of time on the interstate.
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
106.1 miles from Waurika, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 44
87.7 mi
1h 27m
US 81
30.6 mi
38m
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
26.5 mi
24m
Will Rogers Expressway
23.6 mi
28m
2nd Street
15.6 mi
19m
OK 7 Spur
10.2 mi
12m
Medal of Honor Recipient Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins Highway
5.6 mi
6m
Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
4.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 44
— 87.7 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waurika, OK and Tulsa, OK.
1
Start on East B Avenue
75 ft·5 sec·East B Avenue
2
Turn right onto Elm Street
0.1 mi·38 sec·Elm Street
3
Turn left onto East D Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·East D Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 81
5.6 mi·6 min·Medal of Honor Recipient Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins Highway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
Continue on US 81
16 mi·19 min·2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto OK 7 Spur
10 mi·12 min·OK 7 Spur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Turn right
0.8 mi·1 min
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Turn left onto US 81
17 mi·22 min·US 81
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Continue on US 81
13 mi·16 min·US 81
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 44 East: Oklahoma CityUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto I 44
26 mi·24 min·Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on I 44; US 62
16 mi·18 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44
7.7 mi·9 min·Will Rogers Expressway
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: TulsaUse the right lane.
14
Merge onto I 35; I 44; OK 66
4.2 mi·4 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit onto I 44
88 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 44
Exit 138AToward I 44 East: TulsaUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 244
4.7 mi·5 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
Exit 223AToward I 244 East, OK 344 North: Tulsa, Sand SpringsUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 4CToward 7th Street, DowntownUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn left onto South Lawton Avenue West
0.1 mi·23 sec·South Lawton Avenue West
Use the left lane.
19
Turn straight onto West Heavy Traffic Way South
0.1 mi·25 sec·West Heavy Traffic Way South
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
20
Continue on West 2nd Street South
0.1 mi·26 sec·West 2nd Street South
21
At end of road, turn right onto South Frisco Avenue
386 ft·20 sec·South Frisco Avenue
Use the right lane.
22
Turn left onto West 3rd Street South
0.3 mi·1 min·West 3rd Street South
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
23
Turn left onto South Boulder Avenue West
390 ft·15 sec·South Boulder Avenue West
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
24
Arrive at destination
South Boulder Avenue West
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 56-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Waurika to maximize your daylight and avoid potential traffic as you approach Tulsa. With only one planned stop suggested, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 87.7-mile stretch on I-44, as services can be spread out on longer highway segments. This is a straightforward drive, but staying aware of your surroundings and planning for your fuel needs will ensure a smooth trip.
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 106.1 miles from Waurika, OK, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.7 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 47 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.1 miles or 2h 4m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tulsa, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waurika, 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 Waurika, OK
This is one driving day of about 212.1 miles and 3h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Waurika, OK.
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 44 for about 87.7 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 106.6 and 211.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
106.6 mi into trip|~2h 4m in|I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Tulsa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 44 East, OK 66 East: Tulsa
7
118.6 mi into trip|~2h 19m in|I 44
Take the exit onto I 44 toward I 44 East: Tulsa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 138A
Toward I 44 East: Tulsa
9
206.3 mi into trip|~3h 47m in|I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway toward I 244 East, OK 344 North: Tulsa, Sand Springs
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 223A
Toward I 244 East, OK 344 North: Tulsa, Sand Sp...
8
211 mi into trip|~3h 52m in
Take the exit toward 7th Street, Downtown
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 4C
Toward 7th Street, Downtown
7
211.7 mi into trip|~3h 54m in|South Frisco Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto South Frisco Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.16 one way
$66.32 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$36.41
$72.82
premium
$4.89
$40.82
$81.63
diesel
$5.61
$46.83
$93.66
Estimated Tolls: $1.85
Harry E. Bailey Turnpike
(26.5 mi)$1.85
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
$33
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.6
0
$22.27
$10.18
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.56
$8.48
EV Truck/SUV
84.8
1
$29.69
$13.57
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 16, 2026
Origin
Waurika, OK
Night
in Waurika on Saturday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Tulsa, OK
Night
in Tulsa on Saturday
Local time
11:22 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
4 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
3h 56m 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 an 86% highway share on this route, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster, multi-lane roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 87.7 miles on I-44, so settle in for some sustained driving. While largely a highway-focused drive, the transition between major arteries like US-81 and the turnpike will offer a slight change of pace. This journey is built for covering ground efficiently rather than leisurely scenic cruising.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.7 mi on I 44.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 44 and US 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 106.6 miles in near I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway.
Driving Effort9/10
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 212.1 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 106.6 miles (I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.6 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.3 miles (I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Tulsa calls itself the "Oil Capital of the World." Here, the age of the oil boom found its center. A small town by US standards, metropolitan luxuries such as theater, fine dining, nightlife, and shopping are found in a state known for sparsely populated farming communities. The picturesque downtown is surrounded by rolling hills covered with prairie grasses and ancient forests, a first impression that soon reveals world-class architecture and museums of art, miles of biking and walking trails, and huge parks. With a wealth of iconic sights and neighborhoods to explore, a trip to Tulsa can easily fit several weeks of touring.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 56m. Total distance: 212.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.7 miles on I 44. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.85 in tolls one way, starting with Harry E. Bailey 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.
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 Tulsa, 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. 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 106.6 miles (I 44 / Will Rogers Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.6 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.3 miles (I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Oklahoma City National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Tulsa, OK, but most travelers stay overnight.
