Trip from Dalhart, TX to Dallas, TX

Drive Time

Distance

447.9 mi

721 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$68

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min

4 AM

7h 51m ★

6 AM

8h 0m

8 AM

8h 17m

10 AM

8h 6m

12 PM

8h 4m

3 PM

8h 7m

5 PM

8h 16m

8 PM

7h 55m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Dalhart, TX

Jeff Stapleton

Dallas, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Dalhart to Dallas covers 445.3 miles across the Texas Great Plains, a journey that typically takes about 6 hours and 46 minutes of drive time. Because this route relies on a series of local roads rather than major interstates, it functions best as a dedicated one-day trip. You should budget approximately $66 for fuel to complete the transit. While the drive is manageable in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the path requires your full attention. It is a straightforward trek across the state, perfect for travelers who prefer local roads over the monotony of high-speed highway travel.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

223.9 miles from Dalhart, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 59m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that prioritizes state-level navigation over interstate cruising. You will primarily follow US 385 South, East 7th Street, and US 87 South, with a highway share of 0%. Unlike a typical interstate sprint, this route demands consistent focus as you navigate through various local corridors. Since the longest stretch on US 385 South is essentially zero miles of uninterrupted highway, you should prepare for a drive that changes frequently. This is an engaging, hands-on experience behind the wheel that keeps you actively driving rather than coasting on cruise control.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 46 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

US Highway 287 is the longest continuous segment at about 112.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 287 and Central East Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 305.7 miles in near US 287 / Northwest Freeway.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 447.9 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 305.7 miles (US 287 / Northwest Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 312.3 miles (US 82; US 287 / Central East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 415.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 25 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

305.7 mi into trip | ~5h 26m 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...

312.3 mi into trip | ~5h 34m 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.

415.8 mi into trip | ~7h 25m 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

416.2 mi into trip | ~7h 25m 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

447.2 mi into trip | ~7h 58m in

Take the exit toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West

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 429B Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Dalhart, TX to Dallas, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 335 along the way.

Loop 335

81.2 mi in | ~1h 25m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US Highway 287	112.6 mi	1h 58m
Central East Freeway	99.2 mi	1h 46m
US 287	77.2 mi	1h 21m
US Highway 287 East	40.5 mi	42m
East 7th Street	21.3 mi	21m
SH 183 TEXpress	15 mi	14m
US 385	14.6 mi	16m
Railroad Street	9.5 mi	11m

Longest stretch: US Highway 287 — 112.6 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dalhart, TX and Dallas, TX.

Start on US 87; US 385

9.5 mi · 11 min · Railroad Street

Continue on US 87; US 385

4.7 mi · 5 min · US 87; US 385

Take the exit onto US 385

15 mi · 16 min · US 385

Toward US 385 South: Channing

Turn left onto TX 354

21 mi · 21 min · East 7th Street

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Toward US 87 South, US 287 South: Amarillo

Merge onto US 87; US 287

31 mi · 30 min · US Highway 287

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Toward Loop 335

Continue on Dumas Drive

477 ft · 11 sec · Dumas Drive

Turn left onto Loop 335

4.9 mi · 5 min · West Saint Francis Avenue

Continue on Loop 335

0.4 mi · 25 sec · East Loop 335 North

Continue on Loop 335

4.7 mi · 5 min · North Lakeside Drive

Turn left onto East Interstate Drive

0.1 mi · 16 sec · East Interstate Drive

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 20 sec

Merge onto I 40; US 287

2.2 mi · 2 min · I 40; US 287

Take the exit onto US 287

77 mi · 1 hr 21 min · US 287

Exit 78 Toward US 287 South: Fort Worth

Turn slight right onto US 287

14 mi · 13 min · US Highway 287

Continue on US 287

0.7 mi · 58 sec · Burnett Street

Continue on US 287

14 mi · 14 min · US Highway 287

Continue on US 287

2.8 mi · 3 min · Avenue F Northwest

Continue on US 287

54 mi · 58 min · US Highway 287

Continue on US 287

4.1 mi · 4 min · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287

41 mi · 42 min · US Highway 287 East

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · Northwest Freeway

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

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

2.5 mi · 3 min · Central Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lloyd Ruby Overpass

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 281; US 287

0.9 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287

1.8 mi · 1 min · Central East Freeway

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.

Continue on US 81; US 287

4.6 mi · 4 min · US 81; US 287

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 35W; US 287

2.3 mi · 2 min · North Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 24 sec

Exit 57 Toward I 820 Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min

Toward I 820 East Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 820

0.4 mi · 24 sec · Northeast Loop

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 7 sec

Toward I 820 Express East Toll

Merge onto I 820 TEXpress

5.5 mi · 5 min · I 820 TEXpress

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress

4.4 mi · 4 min · SH 121/183 TEXpress

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on TX 183 TEXpress

12 mi · 11 min · SH 183 TEXpress

Toward TX 183 Express East Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto TX 183 TEXpress

3.3 mi · 3 min · SH 183 TEXpress

Merge onto TX 183

0.8 mi · 50 sec · John W Carpenter Freeway

Merge onto I 35E

3.9 mi · 4 min · North Stemmons Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 22 sec

Exit 429B Toward Continental Avenue, Commerce Street West Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway

0.1 mi · 18 sec · North Stemmons Freeway

Turn left onto Continental Avenue

0.3 mi · 48 sec · Continental Avenue

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn slight right onto North Lamar Street

433 ft · 10 sec · North Lamar Street

Arrive at destination

North Lamar Street

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour and 46-minute duration, plan to depart early in the morning to reach your destination before the day concludes. With only one recommended stop included in the itinerary, you have the flexibility to choose where to stretch your legs, but be mindful of your fuel gauge as you navigate these local roads. Since the route lacks high-speed interstate segments, your actual pace will depend heavily on local traffic and intersection frequency. A smart tip for this specific transit is to map out your fuel stops in advance, as local routes can have fewer high-capacity service stations than major highways. Keeping your pace steady will help you manage the 445.3-mile distance without unnecessary fatigue.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 223.9 miles from Dalhart, TX, or about 3h 59m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.6 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 99 miles or 1h 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 223.9 miles or 3h 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 6h 55m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Dalhart, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Dalhart, TX

This is one driving day of about 447.9 miles and 8h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 99 miles from Dalhart, TX.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on US Highway 287 for about 112.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 223.9 mi from Dalhart, TX · 3h 59m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wichita Falls, TX

224 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

Amarillo, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 99 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Childress, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 223.9 miles from Dalhart, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US Highway 287 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.6 miles.

Arriving in Dallas, TX

The final approach into Dallas, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Dallas, TX.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$68.42 one way

$136.84 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 157 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$74.98	$149.96
premium	$4.59	$80.96	$161.91
diesel	$5.64	$99.51	$199.02

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$68

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$93–$118

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 156.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $47 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	134.4	1	$47.03	$21.50
Efficient EV	112	1	$39.19	$17.92
EV Truck/SUV	179.2	2	$62.71	$28.67

Gas CO2

157 kg

EV CO2

52 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Dalhart, TX

Afternoon in Dalhart on Sunday

Local time

2:59 PM

CDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dallas, TX

Afternoon in Dallas on Sunday

Local time

2:59 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°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

21 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

8h 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 Dalhart, TX to Dallas, TX covers 447.9 miles and takes about 8h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US Highway 287, Central East Freeway, US 287. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 223.9 miles from Dalhart, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $68.42 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.

On the drive from Dalhart, TX to Dallas, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 335 along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Dallas, TX to Dalhart, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

447.4 mi 7h 57m

Explore more options from Dalhart, TX or browse trips ending in Dallas, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.

Explore maps for Dalhart, TX or Dallas, TX on MapSof.net.

Trip from Dalhart, TX to Dallas, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Dallas, TX

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Dalhart, TX

Dallas, TX

Same local time

21 degrees warmer at arrival

8h on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Dallas, TX

More from Dalhart, TX

More trips to Dallas, TX