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Trip from Wheeler, TX to Arlington, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 57m

Distance

307.8 mi

495 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 44m ★
6 AM
5h 57m
8 AM
6h 23m
10 AM
6h 6m
12 PM
6h 4m
3 PM
6h 8m
5 PM
6h 22m
8 PM
5h 49m

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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Downtown Wheeler, TX, TX

Wheeler, TX

Jeff Stapleton

suburban city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States

Arlington, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking from Wheeler, Texas, to Arlington, Texas, covers a distance of 308.7 miles, estimated to take around 4 hours and 55 minutes. This drive is well within the scope of a single day trip, making it a convenient option for travelers. You'll navigate primarily using East Oklahoma Avenue, Avenue F Northwest, and Highway 287, with a fuel cost estimated at $47. The 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests a journey with frequent turns rather than long stretches of highway. This route stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape throughout your travels.

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

153.9 miles from Wheeler, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Central East Freeway 99.2 mi 1h 46m
US 83 71.9 mi 1h 37m
US Highway 287 54.4 mi 58m
US Highway 287 East 40.5 mi 42m
Northwest Freeway 5.2 mi 5m
Tom Landry Freeway 4.8 mi 6m
US 81 4.6 mi 4m
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway 4.1 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Central East Freeway — 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Wheeler, TX and Arlington, TX.

1

Start on South Sweetwater Street

62 ft · 4 sec · South Sweetwater Street
2

Turn right onto TX 152

392 ft · 17 sec · East Oklahoma Avenue
3

Turn left onto US 83

72 mi · 1 hr 37 min · US 83
4

Turn left onto US 287

2.2 mi · 2 min · Avenue F Northwest
5

Continue on US 287

54 mi · 58 min · US Highway 287
6

Continue on US 287

4.1 mi · 4 min · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287

41 mi · 42 min · US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · Northwest Freeway
9

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
10

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

2.5 mi · 3 min · Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway
13

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

1.8 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway
14

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.
15

Continue on US 81; US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Merge onto I 35W; US 287

2.3 mi · 2 min · North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 24 sec
Exit 57 Toward I 820 Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Toward I 820 East Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto I 820

0.4 mi · 24 sec · Northeast Loop
20

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 7 sec
Toward I 820 Express East Toll
21

Merge onto I 820 TEXpress

3.3 mi · 3 min · I 820 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Merge onto I 820

2.3 mi · 2 min · Northeast Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Merge onto I 820; TX 121; TX 183

0.8 mi · 56 sec · Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight left at fork onto I 820

3.0 mi · 3 min · I 820
Toward I 820 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 2 min
Exit 28A Toward I 30 East: Dallas Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Merge onto I 30

4.8 mi · 6 min · Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 27A Toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Turn right onto North Cooper Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Cooper Street
30

Turn left onto West Randol Mill Road

0.4 mi · 49 sec · West Randol Mill Road
Use the left lane.
31

Turn right onto North Center Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · North Center Street
Use the right lane.
32

Turn right onto West Abram Street

297 ft · 8 sec · West Abram Street
33

Arrive at destination

West Abram Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 55-minute duration and the 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile, starting your journey in Wheeler, TX, earlier in the day is advisable to avoid potential traffic congestion closer to Arlington. Although it's a single-day trip, plan for at least one stop to break up the 308.7 miles and stay refreshed. The estimated fuel cost is $47, so ensure your vehicle is fueled before departing. Pay close attention to your GPS, as the frequent turns on East Oklahoma Avenue, Avenue F Northwest, and Highway 287 will be a key characteristic of this drive.

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 153.9 miles from Wheeler, TX, or about 3h 5m 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 68 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 153.9 miles or 3h 5m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 51m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Wheeler, 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 Wheeler, TX

This is one driving day of about 307.8 miles and 5h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Wheeler, 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.

Downtown Wichita Falls, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wichita Falls, TX

154 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

Wichita Falls, TX to Arlington, TX

127.1 mi · 2h 24m

Pacing Suggestions

Childress, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vernon, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 153.9 miles from Wheeler, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Maniac’s Mansion (TAG’s)

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 175.9

Wichita Falls, Texas

Hours: 5–9 pm

+19402575543

Visit website

Museum of North Texas History

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 175.9

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 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 287.9 and 305.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
287.9 mi into trip | ~5h 29m 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
288.3 mi into trip | ~5h 30m 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
7
296.3 mi into trip | ~5h 39m in | I 820

Keep slight left at fork onto I 820 toward I 820 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 820 South
7
299.3 mi into trip | ~5h 43m in

Take the exit toward I 30 East: Dallas

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 28A Toward I 30 East: Dallas
8
305.4 mi into trip | ~5h 51m in

Take the exit toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street

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 27A Toward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.51 one way

$93.02 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $50.91 $101.82
premium $4.54 $54.96 $109.91
diesel $5.61 $67.96 $135.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 107.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 92.3 1 $32.32 $14.77
Efficient EV 77 0 $26.93 $12.31
EV Truck/SUV 123.1 1 $43.09 $19.70

Gas CO2

108 kg

EV CO2

36 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

Wheeler, TX

Morning in Wheeler on Sunday

Local time

7:50 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Arlington, TX

Morning in Arlington on Sunday

Local time

7:50 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Mostly Clear

S 10 to 15 mph 5% chance Live forecast

High Wind Warning

High Wind Warning issued April 17 at 12:05AM CDT until April 17 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX

High Wind Warning

High Wind Warning issued April 17 at 12:05AM CDT until April 17 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX

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

16 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

5h 57m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you can expect a dynamic experience behind the wheel rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. With a 0% highway share, the entire 308.7 miles will likely involve navigating local roads and intersections. While there isn't a specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the profile indicates a need for constant engagement with navigation due to frequent directional changes. The route progresses through varied local environments, moving from the Great Plains' open feel to more developed areas as you approach your destination.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 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 83. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 287.9 miles in.

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 23 significant decision points across 307.8 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 287.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 288.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 296.3 miles (I 820): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Arlington, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1876

Arlington is a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex metropolitan area, in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of almost 400,000 (2019), it is Texas' seventh largest, and the third largest in the Metroplex. Arlington is south of the sprawling DFW International Airport.

Top landmarks

  • • Six Flags Over Texas — amusement park
  • • Mini Mine Train — Steel roller coaster
  • • Arlington Museum of Art — art museum in Texas, United States

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 5h 57m. Total distance: 307.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). 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 Arlington, 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 287.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 288.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 296.3 miles (I 820): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Arlington, TX before the return drive.

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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