Origin
Mathis, TX
Evening in Mathis on Thursday
Local time
6:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mathis, TX to Montopolis, TX
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 11m
Distance
160.7 mi
259 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 0m
★
6 AM
3h 11m
8 AM
3h 35m
10 AM
3h 20m
12 PM
3h 17m
3 PM
3h 21m
5 PM
3h 34m
8 PM
3h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mathis, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
This 160.7-mile drive from Mathis, TX to Montopolis, TX will take you about 3 hours and 11 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey primarily on US Highway 181 South and State Highway 80. With 87% of the route on highways, this is easily manageable as a single-day trip, and you can expect to spend around $24 on fuel. The drive takes you through the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a consistent landscape throughout. This route is a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
80.3 miles from Mathis, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 11m. Total distance: 160.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this 160.7-mile trip, with 87% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 40.2 miles on US Highway 181 South, offering a good opportunity for steady progress. While the majority is highway, the transition to State Highway 80 North and then State Highway 80 signifies a shift in the road's character as you approach your destination. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US Highway 181 South is the longest continuous segment at about 40.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 181 South and State Highway 80 North. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near TX 359 / North State Highway 359.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 160.7 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.8 miles (TX 359 / North State Highway 359): Navigation decision point; at 136.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.6 miles (TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.8 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
TX 359 / North State Highway 359
At end of road, turn left onto TX 359 / North State Highway 359
Navigation decision point
6
136.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
5
136.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
|
TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway
Merge onto TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
146.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 52m in
Take the exit toward US 183 North: Austin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 460
Toward US 183 North: Austin
7
159.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
Take the exit toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Stree...
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 Mathis, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
136.1 mi in
|
~2h 43m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 181 South | 40.2 mi | 45m |
| State Highway 80 North | 30.8 mi | 35m |
| State Highway 80 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| North State Highway 359 | 13.1 mi | 17m |
| US Highway 183 South | 11.8 mi | 15m |
| US 183 | 10.1 mi | 11m |
| Pickle Parkway | 9.8 mi | 8m |
| Helena Road | 8.4 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 181 South
— 40.2 mi, about 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mathis, TX and Montopolis, TX.
1
Start on TX 359 Bus
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Front Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto TX 359
13 mi
·
17 min
·
North State Highway 359
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 181
0.8 mi
·
55 sec
·
South 8th Street
4
Continue on US 181
40 mi
·
45 min
·
US Highway 181 South
5
Continue on US 181
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
South Sunset Strip Drive
6
Turn right onto TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
7
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 72; TX 239
233 ft
·
3 sec
·
East Main Street
8
Continue on FM 792
8.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Helena Road
9
Turn straight onto TX 80
24 mi
·
25 min
·
State Highway 80
10
Continue on TX 80
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Nixon Avenue
11
Continue on TX 80; TX 97
31 mi
·
35 min
·
State Highway 80 North
12
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
13
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
South Colorado Street
14
Continue on US 183
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
United States Highway 183
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Toward TX 130 Toll North: Austin, Waco
16
Merge onto TX 130 Toll
9.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Pickle Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 460
Toward US 183 North: Austin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 183
12 mi
·
15 min
·
US Highway 183 South
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on 183 Toll
0.7 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bergstrom Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward Loop 111: Cesar Chavez Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, Airport Boulevard
Use the right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto Loop 111
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
22
Continue on Loop 111
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Airport Boulevard
23
Continue on US 183
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
Ed Bluestein Boulevard
24
Take the ramp
486 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
25
Arrive at destination
Toward 183 Toll South: Lockhart
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3-hour duration, this 160.7-mile trip is best suited for a single day. You'll have ample flexibility with your timing, but departing earlier in the morning can help you avoid any potential afternoon traffic. Plan for one stop to break up the journey, perhaps after covering the initial 40.2-mile stretch on US Highway 181 South. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, to ensure you have enough to reach Montopolis without needing an unscheduled stop. The fuel cost is estimated at $24.
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 80.3 miles from Mathis, TX, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.2 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 35 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.3 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montopolis, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mathis, 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 Mathis, TX
This is one driving day of about 160.7 miles and 3h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Mathis, 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 US Highway 181 South for about 40.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 80.3 mi from Mathis, TX · 1h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 80.3 miles from Mathis, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Montopolis, TX
The final approach into Montopolis, 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 Montopolis, 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
$24.28 one way
$48.56 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $26.58 | $53.16 |
| premium | $4.54 | $28.69 | $57.38 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.48 | $70.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.2 | 0 | $16.87 | $7.71 |
| Efficient EV | 40.2 | 0 | $14.06 | $6.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.3 | 0 | $22.50 | $10.28 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Montopolis, TX
Evening in Montopolis on Thursday
Local time
6:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Luling, TX
80 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
4 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
3h 11m 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 Mathis, TX to Montopolis, TX covers 160.7 miles and takes about 3h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US Highway 181 South, State Highway 80 North, State Highway 80. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 80.3 miles from Mathis, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.28 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 160.7 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.8 miles (TX 359 / North State Highway 359): Navigation decision point; at 136.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.6 miles (TX 130 Toll / Pickle Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Mathis, TX to Montopolis, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Montopolis, TX
More trips to Montopolis, TX
Explore more options from Mathis, TX or browse trips ending in Montopolis, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.
Explore maps for Mathis, TX or Montopolis, TX on MapSof.net.