This roughly 398-mile drive from Dumas, Texas, to Arlington, Texas, is designed as a single-day adventure, taking about 7 hours and 11 minutes to complete. You'll be spending most of your time on major highways, with 93% of the route being on these high-speed roads. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $60, making it an economical option. With two planned stops, you can break up the drive comfortably. This route is a straightforward highway-focused trip across the Great Plains region of Texas, perfect for those who prefer to cover ground efficiently.
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
199 miles from Dumas, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 31m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 11m. Total distance: 397.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 11m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this drive, covering 93% of the miles on high-speed roads. The bulk of your journey will be on US Highway 287, which forms the backbone of this route. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 123.2 miles on US Highway 287, offering a good opportunity to settle in. While primarily highway, the Central East Freeway section indicates transitions within urban areas. This drive is characterized by its directness and efficiency, allowing you to maintain consistent speeds for much of the trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 44 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 123.2 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 378.1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 397.9 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 378.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 378.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 386.5 miles (I 820): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
7
378.1 mi into trip|~6h 43m 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
378.5 mi into trip|~6h 44m 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
386.5 mi into trip|~6h 53m 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
389.5 mi into trip|~6h 56m 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
395.5 mi into trip|~7h 5m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Dumas, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 335 along the way.
Loop 335
43.5 mi in|~44m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 287
123.2 mi
2h 9m
Central East Freeway
99.2 mi
1h 46m
US 287
77.2 mi
1h 21m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
Northwest Freeway
5.2 mi
5m
West Saint Francis Avenue
4.9 mi
5m
Tom Landry Freeway
4.8 mi
6m
North Lakeside Drive
4.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 287
— 123.2 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dumas, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on US 287
2.1 mi·2 min·North Dumas Avenue
2
Continue on US 87; US 287
41 mi·41 min·US Highway 287
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward Loop 335
4
Continue on Dumas Drive
477 ft·11 sec·Dumas Drive
5
Turn left onto Loop 335
4.9 mi·5 min·West Saint Francis Avenue
6
Continue on Loop 335
0.4 mi·25 sec·East Loop 335 North
7
Continue on Loop 335
4.7 mi·5 min·North Lakeside Drive
8
Turn left onto East Interstate Drive
0.1 mi·16 sec·East Interstate Drive
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
10
Merge onto I 40; US 287
2.2 mi·2 min·I 40; US 287
11
Take the exit onto US 287
77 mi·1 hr 21 min·US 287
Exit 78Toward US 287 South: Fort Worth
12
Turn slight right onto US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
13
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·58 sec·Burnett Street
14
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
15
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northwest
16
Continue on US 287
54 mi·58 min·US Highway 287
17
Continue on US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
41 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·Northwest Freeway
20
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
21
Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287
2.5 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
1.8 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
25
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.
26
Continue on US 81; US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 35W; US 287
2.3 mi·2 min·North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·24 sec
Exit 57Toward I 820Use the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 820 EastUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 820
0.4 mi·24 sec·Northeast Loop
31
Take the exit
0.1 mi·7 sec
Toward I 820 Express East Toll
32
Merge onto I 820 TEXpress
3.3 mi·3 min·I 820 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Merge onto I 820
2.3 mi·2 min·Northeast Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto I 820; TX 121; TX 183
0.8 mi·56 sec·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto I 820
3.0 mi·3 min·I 820
Toward I 820 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 30 East: DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Merge onto I 30
4.8 mi·6 min·Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 27AToward Lamar Boulevard, Cooper StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Turn right onto North Cooper Street
0.7 mi·1 min·North Cooper Street
41
Turn left onto West Randol Mill Road
0.4 mi·49 sec·West Randol Mill Road
Use the left lane.
42
Turn right onto North Center Street
1.0 mi·2 min·North Center Street
Use the right lane.
43
Turn right onto West Abram Street
297 ft·8 sec·West Abram Street
44
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour duration, starting your drive from Dumas early in the morning is recommended to arrive in Arlington with daylight to spare. Plan your two stops strategically to stretch your legs and refuel, especially considering the longest stretch without a major change in road type is over 123 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as it's always wise on longer highway stretches. The $60 fuel estimate is a helpful guide for budgeting. This route is manageable in a single day, offering flexibility in your timing.
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 199 miles from Dumas, TX, or about 3h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.2 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 88 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 199 miles or 3h 31m 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
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 Dumas, 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 Dumas, TX
This is one driving day of about 397.9 miles and 7h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 88 miles from Dumas, 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 123.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 199 mi from Dumas, TX
· 3h 31m 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.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
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.
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 27.4
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
near mile 27.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.12 one way
$120.25 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg139 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$65.81
$131.62
premium
$4.54
$71.04
$142.08
diesel
$5.61
$87.85
$175.70
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 139.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
119.4
1
$41.78
$19.10
Efficient EV
99.5
1
$34.82
$15.92
EV Truck/SUV
159.2
1
$55.71
$25.47
Gas CO2
139 kg
EV CO2
47 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 15, 2026
Origin
Dumas, TX
Morning
in Dumas on Friday
Local time
8:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington, TX
Morning
in Arlington on Friday
Local time
8:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°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
32 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
7h 11m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Dumas, TX to Arlington, TX covers 397.9 miles and takes about 7h 11m 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 199 miles from Dumas, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $60.12 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 397.9 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 378.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 378.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 386.5 miles (I 820): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Dumas, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 335 along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets —
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap
for geometry@if($hasFuel),
EIA
for fuel prices@endif@if($hasWeather),
NOAA Climate Normals
for seasonal conditions@endif@if($hasElevation),
USGS 3DEP
for elevation@endif@if($hasEv),
NREL
for EV charging@endif@if($hasParks),
and NPS
for national parks@endif. See our
methodology
for refresh cadence and limitations.
