The drive from Raymondville, TX to Amarillo, TX covers 733.8 miles and takes about 13h 12m behind the wheel.
It usually feels better as a 2-day road trip than as one long push.
The route leans on US 281, Marshall Formby Memorial Highway, I 10 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is long-distance drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 122.7 miles on US 281.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $112.10 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
366.9 miles from Raymondville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 6h 45m into the drive
.
Drive Character
At 733.8 miles and 13h 12m of driving, this is a route where fuel stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single turn. The main roads are US 281 and Marshall Formby Memorial Highway.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 57 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 281 is the longest continuous segment at about 122.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
At 13h 12m, this is a long-haul route where pacing matters more than any single turn. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 225.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 43 significant decision points across 733.8 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 225.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 227.5 miles (I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.4 miles (I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 43 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
225.7 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward Cesar Estrada Chavez Boulevard, Alamodome
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 140B
Toward Cesar Estrada Chavez Boulevard, Alamodom...
8
227.5 mi into trip|~4h 23m in|I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway
Take the exit onto I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway toward I 10 West, US 87 North: El Paso
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 156
Toward I 10 West, US 87 North: El Paso
6
228.4 mi into trip|~4h 24m in|I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
243 mi into trip|~4h 41m in|I 10; US 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
732.2 mi into trip|~13h 8m in|US 87
Keep slight left at fork onto US 87 toward US 87 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 87 North
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Raymondville, TX and Amarillo, TX, road signs point toward Alamodome, Menard and Lubbock.
Alamodome
225.7 mi in|~4h 18m
Menard
341.7 mi in|~6h 18m|via US 83
Lubbock
495.2 mi in|~9h 5m|via US 84
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 281
122.7 mi
2h 12m
Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
109.9 mi
1h 51m
I 10
98.7 mi
1h 37m
US 84
74.5 mi
1h 14m
U.S. Highway 77
66.3 mi
1h 15m
Frisco Avenue
41.9 mi
44m
State Highway 153
29.5 mi
33m
North Main Street
29.3 mi
30m
Longest stretch:
US 281
— 122.7 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Raymondville, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on this road
142 ft·14 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto US 77 Business
149 ft·6 sec·South 7th Street
3
Turn right onto TX 186
0.9 mi·1 min·East Hidalgo Avenue
4
Turn left onto Interstate 69E Frontage Road
0.2 mi·16 sec·Interstate 69E Frontage Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
6
Merge onto I 69E; US 77
66 mi·1 hr 15 min·U.S. Highway 77
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·8 sec
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
9
Turn left onto FM 772
0.2 mi·17 sec·FM 772
10
Turn straight onto US 77 Business
4.4 mi·7 min·South 6th Street
11
Turn left onto TX 141
14 mi·17 min·West King Avenue
12
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
13
Merge onto US 281
54 mi·1 hr 1 min·US 281
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
15 mi·18 min·Nueces Street
15
Continue on US 281
0.2 mi·15 sec·US 281
16
Take the exit onto US 281
68 mi·1 hr 10 min·US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 140BToward Cesar Estrada Chavez Boulevard, AlamodomeUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn left onto East César E. Chávez Boulevard
1.4 mi·3 min·East César E. Chávez Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 10 West, I 35 North
20
Merge onto I 10; I 35; US 87
93 ft·1 sec·South Pan Am Expressway
21
Take the exit onto I 10; US 87
0.9 mi·1 min·McDermott Freeway
Exit 156Toward I 10 West, US 87 North: El PasoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10; US 87
15 mi·17 min·McDermott Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
99 mi·1 hr 37 min·I 10; US 87
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Take the exit onto US 83
0.3 mi·44 sec·US 83
Exit 456Toward US 83 North, US 377: Junction, Menard
25
Turn right onto US 83; US 377
29 mi·30 min·North Main Street
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on US 83
42 mi·44 min·Frisco Avenue
27
Continue on US 83
17 mi·18 min·Roberts Avenue
28
Turn right onto US 67; US 83
387 ft·18 sec·Hutchings Avenue
Use the right lane.
29
Turn left onto TX 158
6.3 mi·7 min·North Broadway Street
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto FM 2111
12 mi·13 min·FM 2111
31
Turn left onto TX 153
29 mi·33 min·State Highway 153
32
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 153
19 ft·0 sec·State Highway 153
33
Turn right onto TX 70
10 mi·10 min·State Highway 70
34
Continue on TX 70
0.8 mi·1 min·Lamar Street
35
Turn left onto Northwest Georgia Avenue
0.1 mi·16 sec·Northwest Georgia Avenue
36
Take the ramp
340 ft·8 sec
Toward I 20 West: Midland
37
Merge onto I 20; US 84
6.0 mi·5 min·I 20; US 84
38
Take the exit onto US 84
0.3 mi·19 sec·US 84
Exit 238AToward US 84 West: Snyder, Lubbock
39
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
74 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 84
40
Turn right onto Loop 46
1.0 mi·1 min·South Avenue F
41
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 207
0.1 mi·10 sec·North Avenue F
42
Turn straight onto TX 207
0.4 mi·38 sec·Ralls Road
43
Turn left onto Spur 575
0.1 mi·17 sec·East 15th Street
44
Turn right onto US 84
1.0 mi·1 min·North US Highway 84
45
Continue on US 84
20 mi·19 min·Highway 84
46
Continue on US 84
4.6 mi·4 min·Trooper Jerry Don Davis Memorial Highway
47
Continue on US 84
6.8 mi·6 min·East Highway 84
48
Continue on US 84
4.5 mi·5 min·Slaton Road
49
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
50
Turn slight right onto Interstate 27
321 ft·6 sec·Interstate 27
51
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
52
Merge onto I 27; US 87
110 mi·1 hr 51 min·Marshall Formby Memorial Highway
53
Continue on I 27; US 60; US 87
13 mi·15 min·Canyon Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
54
Keep slight left at fork onto US 87
0.9 mi·2 min·US 87
Toward US 87 NorthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
55
Keep slight right at fork onto US 87; Original US Route 66
0.7 mi·1 min·South Fillmore Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
56
Turn right onto I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
105 ft·1 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
57
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 366.9 miles from Raymondville, TX, or about 6h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.7 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 161 miles or 3h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 366.9 miles or 6h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 366.9 miles or 6h 45m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 12h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amarillo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Raymondville, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Raymondville, TX
Aim for roughly 367 miles and 6.6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Amarillo, TX
Aim for roughly 367 miles and 6.6 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 161 miles from Raymondville, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 281 for about 122.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 366.9 mi from Raymondville, TX
· 6h 45m into the drive
The midpoint is around 366.9 miles from Raymondville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 122.7 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stop
For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 367 miles or 6.6 hours on the road.
Arriving in Amarillo, TX
The final approach into Amarillo, 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 Amarillo, TX.
On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Amarillo, TX with some flexibility left in the schedule.
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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 227.7
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 733.8
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
27 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 278.3
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline...
28 mi from route
~71 min detour
$25
near mile 50.6
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 733.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$112.10 one way
$224.21 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg260 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$122.71
$245.41
premium
$4.54
$132.46
$264.92
diesel
$5.61
$163.80
$327.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$112
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$242–$352
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 259.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
12 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: good
Tesla Supercharger
Amarillo, Texas
Tesla
1 DCFC
Universal EV Charging Station
Amarillo, Texas
Other
1 DCFC
Universal Charging Station
Amarillo, Texas
Other
1 DCFC
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Amarillo, Texas
Other
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Amarillo, Texas
Blink
1 DCFC
Universal EV Charging Station
Amarillo, Texas
Other
1 DCFC
Universal EV Charging Station
Amarillo, Texas
Other
1 DCFC
Universal EV Charging Station
Amarillo, Texas
Other
1 DCFC
Other: 9
Tesla: 1
Blink: 1
Tesla Destination: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $77 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
220.1
2
$77.05
$35.22
Efficient EV
183.5
2
$64.21
$29.35
EV Truck/SUV
293.5
3
$102.73
$46.96
Gas CO2
257 kg
EV CO2
86 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Raymondville, TX
Afternoon
in Raymondville on Thursday
Local time
3:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Afternoon
in Amarillo on Thursday
Local time
3:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
SW 10 to 20 mph0% chanceLive forecast
59°F
Sweetwater, TX
484 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
13h 12m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Raymondville, TX to Amarillo, TX covers 733.8 miles and takes about 13h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 281, Marshall Formby Memorial Highway, I 10. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 367 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 366.9 miles from Raymondville, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $110.88 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 3 meaningful breaks 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 43 significant decision points across 733.8 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 225.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 227.5 miles (I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.4 miles (I 10; US 87 / McDermott Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Raymondville, TX and Amarillo, TX, road signs point toward Alamodome, Menard and Lubbock.
