Lake Kiowa to Arlington is 87.5 miles and takes about 1 hour 54 minutes via I 35 and President George Bush Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you across the heart of Texas, moving from the generally flat terrain of the Great Plains region in Lake Kiowa to a similar landscape as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It's a straightforward trip, primarily on well-traveled highways, making it a solid choice for a single-day journey. Expect a practical, no-frills drive that gets you where you need to go efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.8 miles from Lake Kiowa, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 3m into the drive
.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 54m. Total distance: 87.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 80% of the journey utilizing major freeways. You'll spend a good portion of your time on I 35, including a continuous stretch of 28.6 miles. The drive will feel familiar to anyone who has navigated Texas highways, characterized by smooth asphalt and consistent speed limits. As you approach Arlington, the landscape will remain consistent with the Great Plains profile, meaning the focus is on efficient travel rather than dramatic scenic shifts.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 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 28.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and President George Bush Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.4 miles in near FM 51 / East California Street.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.5 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 11.4 miles (FM 51 / East California Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 61.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 63 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
11.4 mi into trip|~28m in|FM 51 / East California Street
Turn left onto FM 51 / East California Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
61.8 mi into trip|~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 445
Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush Turnpik...
8
63 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E, PGBT Toll South: President George Bush Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E, PGBT Toll South: President George...
7
63.4 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PGBT Toll South: President George Bush Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PGBT Toll South: President George Bush T...
7
84.9 mi into trip|~1h 48m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lake Kiowa, TX and Arlington, TX, road signs point toward Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike and Pgbt Toll South: President George Bush Turnpike.
Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike
61.8 mi in|~1h 22m
Pgbt Toll South: President George Bush Turnpike
63 mi in|~1h 24m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
28.6 mi
29m
President George Bush Turnpike
17.3 mi
18m
South Stemmons Freeway
10.5 mi
11m
I 35E
9.8 mi
10m
Farm-to-Market Road 902
5.4 mi
9m
Tom Landry Freeway
3.3 mi
4m
North Center Street
1.8 mi
4m
East California Street
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 28.6 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Kiowa, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on Blackfoot Trail
0.5 mi·1 min·Blackfoot Trail
2
Turn left onto Kiowa Drive North
0.3 mi·1 min·Kiowa Drive North
3
Continue on Kiowa Drive North
0.3 mi·1 min·Kiowa Drive North
4
Continue on Kiowa Drive West
0.7 mi·2 min·Kiowa Drive West
5
Turn right onto Navajo Trail
0.4 mi·1 min·Navajo Trail
6
Turn right onto San Chez Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·San Chez Drive
7
Turn right onto Kiowa Drive West
0.1 mi·33 sec·Kiowa Drive West
8
Turn right
0.1 mi·43 sec
9
Turn straight onto County Road 224
0.7 mi·2 min·County Road 224
10
Turn left onto County Road 219
267 ft·17 sec·County Road 219
11
Turn sharp right onto FM 902
5.4 mi·9 min·Farm-to-Market Road 902
12
At end of road, turn right onto FM 372
0.6 mi·59 sec·Farm-to-Market Road 372
13
Continue on FM 372
0.4 mi·51 sec·Burns City Road
14
Turn left onto FM 372
0.4 mi·43 sec·Anthony Street
15
Turn right onto FM 372
1.1 mi·2 min·South Grand Avenue
16
Turn left onto FM 51
1.1 mi·2 min·East California Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left
351 ft·9 sec
18
Continue on South Interstate 35
0.1 mi·19 sec·South Interstate 35
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·22 sec
20
Merge onto I 35
29 mi·29 min·I 35
Use the slight right lane.
21
Continue on I 35E; US 77
9.8 mi·10 min·I 35E; US 77
Toward I 35E South: DallasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35E
10 mi·11 min·South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 445Toward PGBT Toll: President George Bush TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 35E, PGBT Toll South: President George Bush TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward PGBT Toll South: President George Bush TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto PGBT
17 mi·18 min·President George Bush Turnpike
Use the slight right lane.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 30 West: Fort WorthUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto I 30
3.3 mi·4 min·Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 28BToward FM 157: Collins StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn straight onto Wet N Wild Way
0.5 mi·59 sec·Wet N Wild Way
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
31
Turn left onto North Center Street
1.8 mi·4 min·North Center Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
32
Turn right onto West Abram Street
297 ft·8 sec·West Abram Street
33
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of just under two hours, this trip is easily accomplished in a single day. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the earliest rush hour traffic around Lake Kiowa and allow for a relaxed start. With only 87.5 miles, you won't need to worry about extensive fuel stops, but it's always wise to keep an eye on your gauge, especially before embarking on the 28.6-mile stretch on I 35. The President George Bush Turnpike is a toll road, so be prepared for potential toll charges beyond the estimated $13 fuel cost.
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 Lake Kiowa, TX, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.6 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 19 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.8 miles or 1h 3m 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 36m
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 Lake Kiowa, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lake Kiowa, TX
This is one driving day of about 87.5 miles and 1h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Lake Kiowa, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 28.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43.8 mi from Lake Kiowa, TX
· 1h 3m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.22 one way
$26.44 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$14.47
$28.94
premium
$4.54
$15.62
$31.25
diesel
$5.61
$19.32
$38.64
Estimated Tolls: $1.39
President George Bush Turnpike
(17.3 mi)$1.39
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
$9.19
$4.20
Efficient EV
21.9
0
$7.66
$3.50
EV Truck/SUV
35
0
$12.25
$5.60
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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Lake Kiowa, TX
Late night
in Lake Kiowa on Saturday
Local time
5:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington, TX
Late night
in Arlington on Saturday
Local time
5:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 15 mph64% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 12:44AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 18 at 12:34AM CDT until April 18 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 54m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Lake Kiowa, TX to Arlington, TX covers 87.5 miles and takes about 1h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, President George Bush Turnpike, South Stemmons 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 43.8 miles from Lake Kiowa, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.22 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 87.5 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 11.4 miles (FM 51 / East California Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 61.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 63 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Lake Kiowa, TX and Arlington, TX, road signs point toward Pgbt Toll: President George Bush Turnpike and Pgbt Toll South: President George Bush Turnpike.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
