Origin
Arlington, TX
Late night in Arlington on Saturday
Local time
5:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Arlington, TX to Lake Kiowa, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 56m
Distance
87.6 mi
141 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 48m
★
6 AM
1h 57m
8 AM
2h 14m
10 AM
2h 3m
12 PM
2h 1m
3 PM
2h 4m
5 PM
2h 13m
8 PM
1h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Lake Kiowa, TX
M00photo &Video
Trip Overview
Arlington, TX to Lake Kiowa, TX is 87.6 miles and takes about 1 hour 56 minutes via I 35, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward journey from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex north into more open country. Given its relatively short duration and highway focus, it's an ideal trip for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way 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.
Midpoint
43.8 miles from Arlington, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .
About the Cities
Starting in Arlington, TX
Full guide →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.
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 1h 56m. Total distance: 87.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 79% of the 87.6 miles spent on major roadways like I 35 and the President George Bush Turnpike. Expect stretches of consistent speed, including a notable 26.4-mile segment on I 35 where you can maintain a steady pace. While the majority of the trip is on high-speed freeways, the transition to local roads as you approach Lake Kiowa will gradually shift the driving experience. It’s a route that prioritizes getting you there quickly and efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 26.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and South Stemmons Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.6 miles you will encounter 26 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 5.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
5.5 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward PGBT North, TX 161: President George Bush Turnpike
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 32A
Toward PGBT North, TX 161: President George Bus...
7
5.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PGBT North: President George Bush Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PGBT North: President George Bush Turnpi...
7
23.4 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward I 35E: Dallas, Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 35E: Dallas, Denton
7
23.7 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North: Denton
7
25.4 mi into trip
|
~33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35E North: Denton
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Arlington, TX and Lake Kiowa, TX, road signs point toward Pgbt North, Pgbt North: President George Bush Turnpike, Denton and Fm 1306.
Pgbt North
5.5 mi in
|
~10m
Pgbt North: President George Bush Turnpike
5.8 mi in
|
~10m
Denton
23.4 mi in
|
~30m
Fm 1306
72.1 mi in
|
~1h 21m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 26.4 mi | 26m |
| South Stemmons Freeway | 20.9 mi | 22m |
| President George Bush Turnpike | 16.8 mi | 18m |
| Farm-to-Market Road 902 | 5.4 mi | 9m |
| Tom Landry Freeway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| South Interstate 35 | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| South Mesquite Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Kiowa Drive West | 1.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 26.4 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, TX and Lake Kiowa, TX.
1
Start on West Abram Street
93 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Abram Street
2
Continue on West Abram Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
West Abram Street
3
Turn left onto South Mesquite Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
South Mesquite Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn straight onto North Center Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Center Street
5
Turn slight right
218 ft
·
9 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Turn straight onto East Interstate 30
0.2 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Interstate 30
7
Continue on East Copeland Road
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
East Copeland Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 30 East
Use the straight / left lanes.
9
Merge onto I 30
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Tom Landry Freeway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 32A
Toward PGBT North, TX 161: President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward PGBT North: President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto PGBT
17 mi
·
18 min
·
President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 35E: Dallas, Denton
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.7 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 35E North: Denton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35E North: Denton
Use the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 35E
21 mi
·
22 min
·
South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 35; US 77
25 mi
·
25 min
·
I 35; US 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
Toward FM 1306
19
Turn slight left onto South Interstate 35
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
South Interstate 35
20
Continue on I 35
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 35
21
Turn right onto FM 51
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West California Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
22
Turn right onto FM 372
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Grand Avenue
23
Turn left onto FM 372
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
Anthony Street
24
At end of road, turn right onto FM 372
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
Burns City Road
25
Continue on FM 372
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 372
26
Turn left onto FM 902
5.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 902
27
Turn sharp left onto County Road 219
267 ft
·
13 sec
·
County Road 219
28
Turn right onto County Road 224
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road 224
29
Turn slight right
0.1 mi
·
48 sec
30
Turn left onto Kiowa Drive West
0.1 mi
·
38 sec
·
Kiowa Drive West
31
Turn left onto San Chez Drive
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
San Chez Drive
32
Turn left onto Navajo Trail
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Navajo Trail
33
Turn left onto Kiowa Drive West
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Kiowa Drive West
34
At end of road, turn right onto Kiowa Drive North
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Kiowa Drive North
35
Turn right onto Blackfoot Trail
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Blackfoot Trail
36
Arrive at destination
Blackfoot Trail
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short, 1-hour 56-minute drive, you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, perhaps mid-morning to avoid early rush hour traffic leaving Arlington. With only 87.6 miles, you likely won't need to stop for fuel, but it's always wise to check your gauge before departing. The longest stretch without a major change in road is 26.4 miles on I 35, so plan for any quick stops before or after this segment. Keep an eye out for the transition from the wider interstate to more local roads as you get closer to Lake Kiowa.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.8 miles from Arlington, TX, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.4 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 19 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.8 miles or 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lake Kiowa, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Arlington, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arlington, TX
This is one driving day of about 87.6 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Arlington, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 26.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43.8 mi from Arlington, TX · 52m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
44 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 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 43.8 miles from Arlington, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Lake Kiowa, TX
The final approach into Lake Kiowa, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.24 one way
$26.47 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
31 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $14.49 | $28.98 |
| premium | $4.54 | $15.64 | $31.28 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.34 | $38.68 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.35
President George Bush Turnpike
(16.8 mi)
$1.35
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
$13
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26.3 | 0 | $9.20 | $4.20 |
| Efficient EV | 21.9 | 0 | $7.66 | $3.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 35 | 0 | $12.26 | $5.61 |
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Lake Kiowa, TX
Late night in Lake Kiowa on Saturday
Local time
5:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
85°F
Denton, TX
44 mi in
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
1h 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Arlington, TX to Lake Kiowa, TX covers 87.6 miles and takes about 1h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, South Stemmons Freeway, President George Bush Turnpike. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 43.8 miles from Arlington, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.24 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.6 miles you will encounter 26 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Arlington, TX and Lake Kiowa, TX, road signs point toward Pgbt North, Pgbt North: President George Bush Turnpike, Denton and Fm 1306.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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