Origin
Okemah, OK
Evening in Okemah on Wednesday
Local time
6:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Okemah, OK to Norman, OK
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
1h 31m
Distance
78.7 mi
127 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 25m
★
6 AM
1h 32m
8 AM
1h 46m
10 AM
1h 36m
12 PM
1h 35m
3 PM
1h 37m
5 PM
1h 45m
8 PM
1h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Okemah, OK
Wasin Pirom
Norman, OK
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 78.7-mile drive from Okemah, OK to Norman, OK takes about 1 hour and 31 minutes and is a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. The route primarily utilizes the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway and Southeast Expressway, with some travel on South Sooner Road. With a fuel cost estimated at $12, this journey is budget-friendly for a quick excursion. You'll be traveling within the Great Plains region throughout your trip. The overall feel of this drive is more of a turn-heavy local experience rather than an open highway cruise.
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
39.4 miles from Okemah, OK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 42m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive characterized by numerous turns, as indicated by its "Turn-heavy local drive" profile. While only 10% of this route is on highways, you'll experience a longest continuous stretch of 56.4 miles on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway. This suggests a journey that transitions between faster highway segments and more winding local roads, requiring your attention. The road will likely feel like a local's commute, with frequent changes in speed and direction.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 56.4 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,264 ft
876 ft
Total Climb
453 ft
Total Descent
189 ft
Highest Point
1,264 ft
~67.5 mi in
Elevation Range
389 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near US 62; OK 27 / Woody Guthrie Boulevard.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.7 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.4 miles (US 62; OK 27 / Woody Guthrie Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 57.6 miles (I 240; OK 3 / Southeast Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 62; OK 27 / Woody Guthrie Boulevard
Turn right onto US 62; OK 27 / Woody Guthrie Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
57.6 mi into trip
|
~1h in
|
I 240; OK 3 / Southeast Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 240; OK 3 / Southeast Expressway toward OK 3 West, I 240 West: Lawton, Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward OK 3 West, I 240 West: Lawton, Dallas
8
65.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
Take the exit toward OK 77H South: Tinker Air Force Base, Sooner Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8
Toward OK 77H South: Tinker Air Force Base, Soo...
6
65.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
Southeast 74th Street
Turn left onto Southeast 74th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
65.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
OK 77H / South Sooner Road
Turn left onto OK 77H / South Sooner Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
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 Okemah, OK to Norman, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas along the way.
Dallas
57.6 mi in
|
~1h
|
via I 240; OK 3
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway | 56.4 mi | 57m |
| Southeast Expressway | 8 mi | 8m |
| South Sooner Road | 6.6 mi | 10m |
| 12th Avenue Northeast | 4.5 mi | 7m |
| East Robinson Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| North Porter Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Woody Guthrie Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West Broadway Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
— 56.4 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Okemah, OK and Norman, OK.
1
Start on West Atlanta Street
64 ft
·
4 sec
·
West Atlanta Street
2
Turn right onto North 4th Street
449 ft
·
24 sec
·
North 4th Street
3
Turn left onto OK 56
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
West Broadway Street
4
Turn right onto US 62; OK 27
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Woody Guthrie Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 40
56 mi
·
57 min
·
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 240; OK 3
8.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Southeast Expressway
Toward OK 3 West, I 240 West: Lawton, Dallas
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 8
Toward OK 77H South: Tinker Air Force Base, Sooner Road
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn left onto Southeast 74th Street
230 ft
·
12 sec
·
Southeast 74th Street
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left onto OK 77H
6.6 mi
·
10 min
·
South Sooner Road
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on OK 77H
4.5 mi
·
7 min
·
12th Avenue Northeast
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Turn right onto East Robinson Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Robinson Street
13
Turn left onto North Porter Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Porter Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto East Gray Street
464 ft
·
21 sec
·
East Gray Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn left onto North Crawford Avenue
403 ft
·
21 sec
·
North Crawford Avenue
16
Turn left onto East Main Street
355 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Main Street
17
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 1 hour and 31-minute duration, this 78.7-mile trip is best tackled in one go, offering flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak traffic and allow for a relaxed pace. With no designated stops, you can easily make spontaneous breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before heading out, as the estimated cost is $12 and there aren't many services on the highway sections. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to the frequent turns, as this is a defining characteristic of the drive.
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 39.4 miles from Okemah, OK, or about 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.4 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 78.7 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.4 miles or 42m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norman, OK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Okemah, OK 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 Okemah, OK
This is one driving day of about 78.7 miles and 1h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Okemah, OK.
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 Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway for about 56.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 39.4 mi from Okemah, OK · 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
39 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 78.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 39.4 miles from Okemah, OK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Norman, OK
The final approach into Norman, OK 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 Norman, OK.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.95 one way
$23.91 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
28 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $13.18 | $26.36 |
| premium | $4.80 | $14.86 | $29.71 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $17.48 | $34.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.6 | 0 | $8.26 | $3.78 |
| Efficient EV | 19.7 | 0 | $6.89 | $3.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31.5 | 0 | $11.02 | $5.04 |
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 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.
Destination
Norman, OK
Evening in Norman on Wednesday
Local time
6:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°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
15 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
1h 31m 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 Okemah, OK to Norman, OK covers 78.7 miles and takes about 1h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway, Southeast Expressway, South Sooner Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 39.4 miles from Okemah, OK. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.95 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 78.7 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.4 miles (US 62; OK 27 / Woody Guthrie Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 57.6 miles (I 240; OK 3 / Southeast Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Okemah, OK to Norman, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas along the way.
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