This 417.8-mile journey from Amarillo to El Paso, Texas, is a substantial drive estimated to take around 8 hours and 17 minutes. While technically feasible as a single-day trip, it's best split over two days to make the most of your travel time. The route is primarily highway-focused, with about 66% of it on major roads, and the estimated fuel cost is $63. You'll be traversing the Great Plains for both your origin and destination, offering a consistent landscape for much of the trip. With two recommended stops, this drive offers a straightforward way to cover significant ground within Texas.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
208.9 miles from Amarillo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 2m into the drive
.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 417.8-mile route, with 66% of the journey utilizing main roads like West 2nd Street, US 70, and US 60. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 100.6 miles, so be prepared for periods of consistent driving. While the profile suggests a highway-centric experience, the inclusion of these specific road numbers indicates some variation beyond just a typical interstate. This drive offers a steady pace, allowing you to cover distance efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
West 2nd Street is the longest continuous segment at about 100.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on West 2nd Street and US 70. 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 60; US 87; US 66 Access / North Pierce Street.
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 417.8 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 0.1 miles (US 60; US 87; US 66 Access / North Pierce Street): Navigation decision point; at 17.8 miles (US 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 216.1 miles (US 70; US 380 / West 2nd Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|US 60; US 87; US 66 Access / North Pierce Street
Turn right onto US 60; US 87; US 66 Access / North Pierce Street
Navigation decision point
7
17.8 mi into trip|~22m in|US 60
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60 toward US 60 West: Hereford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 60 West: Hereford
5
216.1 mi into trip|~4h 10m in|US 70; US 380 / West 2nd Street
Turn right onto US 70; US 380 / West 2nd Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
403.2 mi into trip|~7h 57m in|US 54
Keep slight left at fork onto US 54
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
414.8 mi into trip|~8h 11m in
Take the exit toward US 62: Paisano Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 20A
Toward US 62: Paisano Drive
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
West 2nd Street
100.6 mi
2h 7m
US 70
91.7 mi
1h 46m
US 60
78.4 mi
1h 24m
US Highway 54 South
34.8 mi
37m
US Highway 54
28.9 mi
30m
US 54
25.2 mi
32m
South Prince Street
17.4 mi
21m
Canyon Expressway
16.4 mi
18m
Longest stretch:
West 2nd Street
— 100.6 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amarillo, TX and El Paso, TX.
1
Start on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
286 ft·8 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
2
Turn right onto US 60; US 87; US 66 Access
0.4 mi·57 sec·North Pierce Street
3
Continue on US 60; US 87; US 66 Access
1.0 mi·2 min·North Pierce Street
4
Continue on US 60; US 87
14 mi·16 min·Canyon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60; US 87
2.4 mi·2 min·Canyon Expressway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
52 mi·55 min·US 60
Toward US 60 West: HerefordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on US 60
27 mi·29 min·US 60
8
Continue on US 60; US 70; US 84
4.8 mi·6 min·Wheeler Avenue
9
Continue on US 60; US 70; US 84
3.7 mi·4 min·Mabry Drive
10
Continue on US 60; US 70; US 84
0.2 mi·17 sec·East 1st Street
11
Turn left onto US 70
17 mi·21 min·South Prince Street
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on US 70
0.3 mi·50 sec·North Chicago Avenue
13
Turn right onto East 1st Street
1.1 mi·2 min·East 1st Street
14
Continue on US 70
1.0 mi·1 min·West 2nd Street
15
Continue on US 70
91 mi·1 hr 45 min·US 70
16
Turn right onto US 70; US 380
100 mi·2 hr 6 min·West 2nd Street
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn left onto North Bookout Road
1.5 mi·2 min·North Bookout Road
18
Turn left onto US 54; US 70
8.7 mi·10 min·US 54; US 70
19
Take the exit onto US 54; US 70
4.9 mi·7 min·US 54; US 70
20
Take the exit onto US 70
0.3 mi·1 min·US 70
21
Turn left onto US Highway 54 South
35 mi·37 min·US Highway 54 South
22
Continue on US 54
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
23
Continue on US 54
29 mi·30 min·US Highway 54
24
Continue on US 54
7.6 mi·9 min·Gateway South Boulevard
25
Keep slight left at fork onto US 54
12 mi·14 min·US 54
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 20AToward US 62: Paisano DriveUse the slight right lane.
27
Turn right onto US 62
2.6 mi·4 min·East Paisano Drive
28
Turn right onto South Mesa Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·South Mesa Street
29
Arrive at destination
North Mesa Street
Trip Plan
Given the 8-hour-plus duration, splitting this 417.8-mile drive over two days is highly recommended for a more relaxed experience. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight hours. Plan for your two stops strategically, ensuring you have ample opportunities for fuel and rest, especially considering the longest stretch without major turns is over 100 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly when transitioning between main roads and longer stretches, to avoid any unexpected delays on this Texas-to-Texas journey.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 208.9 miles from Amarillo, TX, or about 4h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.6 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 92 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 208.9 miles or 4h 2m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 208.9 miles or 4h 2m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near El Paso, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Amarillo, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Amarillo, TX
Aim for roughly 209 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into El Paso, TX
Aim for roughly 209 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 92 miles from Amarillo, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on West 2nd Street for about 100.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 208.9 mi from Amarillo, TX
· 4h 2m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Chamizal National Memorial
National Memorial
Chamizal is more than just an urban park to recreate or enjoy a quiet afternoon. These grounds are a reminder of the harmonious settlement of a 100-year boundary dispute between the United States and...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 417.8
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.13 one way
$126.26 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg146 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$69.10
$138.20
premium
$4.54
$74.60
$149.19
diesel
$5.61
$92.24
$184.49
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$193–$303
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 146.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
125.3
1
$43.87
$20.05
Efficient EV
104.5
1
$36.56
$16.71
EV Truck/SUV
167.1
2
$58.49
$26.74
Gas CO2
146 kg
EV CO2
49 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Friday
Local time
2:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
SW 30 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 4:16PM CDT until April 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 4:16PM CDT until April 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Destination
El Paso, TX
Late night
in El Paso on Friday
Local time
1:43 AM
MDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 4:16PM CDT until April 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 4:16PM CDT until April 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Lubbock 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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
8h 17m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Amarillo, TX to El Paso, TX covers 417.8 miles and takes about 8h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are West 2nd Street, US 70, US 60. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 209 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 208.9 miles from Amarillo, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.13 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 417.8 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 60; US 87; US 66 Access / North Pierce Street): Navigation decision point; at 17.8 miles (US 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 216.1 miles (US 70; US 380 / West 2nd Street): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Amarillo, TX to El Paso, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Chamizal National Memorial, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the
methodology page.
