Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Wheeler, TX to Fort Worth, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 40m
Distance
296.7 mi
477 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 27m
★
6 AM
5h 40m
8 AM
6h 7m
10 AM
5h 49m
12 PM
5h 47m
3 PM
5h 51m
5 PM
6h 5m
8 PM
5h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Wheeler, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Fort Worth, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Wheeler, TX to Fort Worth, TX is 296.7 miles and takes about 5h 40m via Central East Freeway and US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Great Plains, offering a straightforward drive across Texas. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently. With only one recommended stop, it's designed for a quick transit, ideal if you're looking to cover ground without extensive sightseeing.
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
148.3 miles from Wheeler, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m 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 |
| US 81 | 4.6 mi | 4m |
| North Freeway | 4.5 mi | 4m |
| Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway | 4.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Central East Freeway
— 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Traffic on I-44
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,816 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~229 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wheeler, TX and Fort Worth, 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
4.5 mi
·
4 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 35W Express Toll South
Use the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
4.0 mi
·
3 min
·
I 35W TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 35W
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
North South Freeway
20
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 287 Bus
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
21
Continue on South Freeway
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Arrive at destination
South Freeway
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 40m estimated drive time, leaving Wheeler, TX in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive in Fort Worth with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $43, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Plan your main stop strategically along US Highway 287, as this is where you'll spend the majority of your time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway, to avoid any unexpected delays.
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 148.3 miles from Wheeler, TX, or about 2h 59m 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 65 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.3 miles or 2h 59m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fort Worth, 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 296.7 miles and 5h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
148 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 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 148.3 miles from Wheeler, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop 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.
Wise County Northbound
0 mi from route
Wichita County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Texas Travel Information Center at Wichita Falls
0 mi from route
Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Safety Rest Areas: Hardeman County Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Wichita County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Collingsworth County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Forest Park Miniature Railroad
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18179665509
Visit websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 295.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
TX 152 / East Oklahoma Avenue
Turn right onto TX 152 / East Oklahoma Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
177.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m 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...
6
184.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 38m in
|
US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
290.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 35W Express Toll South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35W Express Toll South
8
295.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 38m in
|
US 287 Bus
Take the exit onto US 287 Bus toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen 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.
Exit 49B
Toward US 287 Business: Rosedale Street, Allen...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.64 one way
$81.28 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
104 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $45.39 | $90.79 |
| premium | $4.23 | $49.35 | $98.71 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $56.02 | $112.05 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89 | 1 | $31.15 | $14.24 |
| Efficient EV | 74.2 | 0 | $25.96 | $11.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 118.7 | 1 | $41.54 | $18.99 |
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Wheeler, TX
Late night in Wheeler on Sunday
Local time
4:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Sunny
S 15 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:16PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Fort Worth, TX
Late night in Fort Worth on Sunday
Local time
4:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Partly Sunny
S 15 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:16PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:38PM CDT until July 22 at 11:48AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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
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
5h 40m 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 drive is predominantly highway, with 97% of the 296.7 miles on major roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway before transitioning to other highways. The route is mostly highway cruising, meaning you'll experience relatively consistent speeds and fewer surface street interruptions until the very end. Expect a high degree of highway driving for the bulk of your trip.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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?
9/10
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 early in the drive near TX 152 / East Oklahoma Avenue.
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 12 significant decision points across 296.7 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: near the start (TX 152 / East Oklahoma Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 177.8 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.4 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,505 ft
652 ft
Total Climb
78 ft
Total Descent
1,931 ft
Highest Point
2,505 ft
Elevation Range
1,853 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Wheeler, TX
Full guide →Wheeler is a small town in the eastern Texas High Plains.
Arriving in Fort Worth, TX
Full guide →“Panther city” · Founded 1849
Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community.
Top landmarks
- • Amon Carter Museum of American Art — art museum in Fort Worth, Texas
- • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — art museum
- • St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth — church located in Fort Worth, Texas
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 40m. Total distance: 296.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). 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.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Fort Worth, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (TX 152 / East Oklahoma Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 177.8 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.4 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fort Worth, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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