Origin
Live Oak, TX
Night in Live Oak on Thursday
Local time
10:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Live Oak, TX to Arlington, TX
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
4h 46m
Distance
264.2 mi
425 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 33m
★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 56m
12 PM
4h 53m
3 PM
4h 57m
5 PM
5h 12m
8 PM
4h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Live Oak, TX
Phil Evenden
Arlington, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 264.2-mile journey from Live Oak, TX, to Arlington, TX, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes of driving time. You'll primarily navigate on the Purple Heart Trail, I-35W, and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway. With a projected fuel cost of around $40, this drive is budget-friendly. The route, characterized by a turn-heavy local feel for 22% of its length, offers a varied driving experience. Both your starting and ending points are situated within the Great Plains region, so expect a consistent landscape throughout this Texas-bound adventure.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
132.1 miles from Live Oak, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 46m. Total distance: 264.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a dynamic driving experience on this route, which features a significant 22% on highways. While much of the drive is on the Purple Heart Trail, you'll encounter a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for a portion of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans an impressive 188.3 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, offering a chance to settle in. As you progress, the character of the road will shift, moving from more localized sections to the broader interstate corridors.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Purple Heart Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 188.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 264.2 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.2 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 247.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the exit toward Judson Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 170
Toward Judson Road
7
202.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 35m in
|
I 35W
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W toward I 35W: Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth
7
247.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East: Dallas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 45B
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
7
247.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 East: Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
8
258.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield
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 449A
Toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 188.3 mi | 3h 18m |
| I 35W | 45.1 mi | 47m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway | 10.3 mi | 11m |
| South Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.6 mi | 7m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| South Cooper Street | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Interstate Highway 35 | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| South Center Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 188.3 mi, about 3h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Live Oak, TX and Arlington, TX.
1
Start on I 35
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
2
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 170
Toward Judson Road
Use the slight right lane.
3
Turn straight onto Interstate 35 North
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Interstate 35 North
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Turn left onto Judson Road
249 ft
·
12 sec
·
Judson Road
5
Turn left onto Interstate 35 North
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
Interstate 35 North
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 35 North
7
Merge onto I 35
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 35
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 35
48 mi
·
52 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35; US 290
96 mi
·
1 hr 40 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 35
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35; US 77
33 mi
·
33 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W
45 mi
·
47 min
·
I 35W
Toward I 35W: Fort Worth
Use the slight left lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 45B
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
Use the right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 20
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 20
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
Toward I 20 East: Dallas
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 449A
Toward FM 157 South: UT Arlington, Mansfield
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on West Interstate 20
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
West Interstate 20
21
Turn left onto FM 157
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Cooper Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto FM 157
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
South Cooper Street
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto Spur 303
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
West Pioneer Parkway
Use the right lane.
24
Turn left onto South Center Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
South Center Street
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on South Mesquite Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Mesquite Street
26
Turn left onto East Abram Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
East Abram Street
27
Arrive at destination
West Abram Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 46-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning from Live Oak will allow you to reach Arlington with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer stretches on the Purple Heart Trail, with an estimated cost of $40 for the trip. Consider breaking up the 188.3-mile longest stretch on the Purple Heart Trail if needed, though it's well within reach for most drivers in a single day.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 132.1 miles from Live Oak, TX, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 188.3 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 58 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.1 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 50m
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 Live Oak, 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 Live Oak, TX
This is one driving day of about 264.2 miles and 4h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Live Oak, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Purple Heart Trail for about 188.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 132.1 mi from Live Oak, TX · 2h 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
132 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 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 132.1 miles from Live Oak, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 188.3 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.
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
$39.92 one way
$79.84 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
92 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $43.70 | $87.39 |
| premium | $4.54 | $47.17 | $94.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $58.33 | $116.66 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.3 | 0 | $27.74 | $12.68 |
| Efficient EV | 66.1 | 0 | $23.12 | $10.57 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105.7 | 1 | $36.99 | $16.91 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Night in Arlington on Thursday
Local time
10:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
60°F
Troy, TX
132 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
19 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
4h 46m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Live Oak, TX to Arlington, TX covers 264.2 miles and takes about 4h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, I 35W, Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 132.1 miles from Live Oak, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.92 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break 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 17 significant decision points across 264.2 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 202.2 miles (I 35W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 247.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Live Oak, TX to Arlington, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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