Origin
Gladewater, TX
Afternoon in Gladewater on Sunday
Local time
4:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Gladewater, TX to Arlington, TX
Drive Time
2h 26m
Distance
135.5 mi
218 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 17m
★
6 AM
2h 27m
8 AM
2h 47m
10 AM
2h 34m
12 PM
2h 32m
3 PM
2h 35m
5 PM
2h 46m
8 PM
2h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gladewater, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Arlington, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Traveling from Gladewater to Arlington covers 135.5 miles, a straightforward journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because this trip is entirely contained within the Great Plains region of Texas, you can easily complete the drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget approximately $21 for fuel, making this a budget-friendly option for a quick transit. Since there are no mandatory stops required, you have the flexibility to power through the distance or break it up as you see fit. Whether you are heading out for business or a weekend visit, the direct nature of this route makes it a practical choice for travelers looking to move efficiently between these two Texas hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
67.7 miles from Gladewater, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
This highway-focused drive relies heavily on major thoroughfares, with 92% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating I-20, US-80, and the Tom Landry Freeway, which keeps the pace consistent and predictable. The longest uninterrupted stretch lasts for 71.6 miles on I-20, offering a steady, rhythmic driving experience through the landscape. As you transition from the smaller roads near Gladewater toward the denser infrastructure of the Arlington area, the environment shifts from rural highway driving to a more urban interstate feel. Expect a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over winding, scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 71.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US 80. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 13 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 135.5 miles you will encounter 8 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 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 13.3 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85 miles (Spur 557): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
13 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
5
13.3 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 20
Merge onto I 20
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
85 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
Spur 557
Keep slight right at fork onto Spur 557 toward Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 499A
Toward Dallas
5
108.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
|
I 30; US 67 / East R L Thornton Freeway
Merge onto I 30; US 67 / East R L Thornton Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
132.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 20m in
Take the exit toward FM 157: Collins Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 28B
Toward FM 157: Collins Street
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Gladewater, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas along the way.
Dallas
85 mi in
|
~1h 26m
|
via Spur 557
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 71.6 mi | 1h 11m |
| US 80 | 18.9 mi | 20m |
| Tom Landry Freeway | 16.9 mi | 19m |
| US Highway 271 | 10 mi | 10m |
| East R L Thornton Freeway | 7.6 mi | 9m |
| Spur 557 | 4.4 mi | 4m |
| South Tyler Street | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| North Center Street | 1.8 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 71.6 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gladewater, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on US 271
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
North Main Street
2
Turn slight right onto US 271
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Tyler Street
3
Continue on US 271
10.0 mi
·
10 min
·
US Highway 271
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
5
Merge onto I 20
72 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
I 20
Use the none lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Spur 557
4.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Spur 557
Exit 499A
Toward Dallas
Use the slight right lane.
7
Continue on US 80
19 mi
·
20 min
·
US 80
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 30; US 67
7.6 mi
·
9 min
·
East R L Thornton Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 30
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Tom Landry Freeway
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 28B
Toward FM 157: Collins Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn straight onto Wet N Wild Way
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
·
Wet N Wild Way
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
12
Turn left onto North Center Street
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
North Center Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn right onto West Abram Street
297 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Abram Street
14
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth arrival in Arlington, consider timing your departure to avoid peak traffic hours when merging onto the Tom Landry Freeway. Since the drive is relatively short, you have the advantage of total flexibility; you can depart early to beat the heat or leave mid-day to maintain a relaxed pace. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Gladewater, as having a full tank will cover your $21 estimate and save you from hunting for stations during the longer 71.6-mile interstate stretches. Because this route lacks formal stops, pack your own refreshments and water to stay comfortable during the two-and-a-half-hour push. Staying alert on the interstate is key, especially as you approach the increased traffic density near your final destination.
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 67.7 miles from Gladewater, TX, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.6 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 80 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.7 miles or 1h 9m 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 55m
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 Gladewater, 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 Gladewater, TX
This is one driving day of about 135.5 miles and 2h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Gladewater, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 20 for about 71.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 67.7 mi from Gladewater, TX · 1h 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 67.7 miles from Gladewater, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.6 miles.
Arriving in Arlington, TX
The final approach into Arlington, 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 Arlington, TX.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.70 one way
$41.40 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $22.68 | $45.37 |
| premium | $4.59 | $24.49 | $48.98 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $30.10 | $60.21 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.7 | 0 | $14.23 | $6.50 |
| Efficient EV | 33.9 | 0 | $11.86 | $5.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.2 | 0 | $18.97 | $8.67 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% 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
Arlington, TX
Afternoon in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
4:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
49°F
Mesquite, TX
68 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
16 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
2h 26m 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 Gladewater, TX to Arlington, TX covers 135.5 miles and takes about 2h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 20, US 80, Tom Landry Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 67.7 miles from Gladewater, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.70 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 135.5 miles you will encounter 8 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 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 13.3 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85 miles (Spur 557): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Gladewater, TX to Arlington, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Arlington, TX
More from Gladewater, TX
More trips to Arlington, TX
Explore more options from Gladewater, TX or browse trips ending in Arlington, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.
Explore maps for Gladewater, TX or Arlington, TX on MapSof.net.