Trip from Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK

Drive Time

1h 53m

Distance

106.3 mi

171 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

Downtown Oklahoma City, OK, OK

Oklahoma City, OK

An Vuong

Trip Overview

Connecting Tulsa and Oklahoma City via local roads creates a 106.2-mile journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. Since this route avoids the interstate system entirely, it is best suited for a single-day trip where you have the flexibility to navigate city streets. You can expect to spend about $16 in fuel for the trek across the Great Plains. Because the entire route remains within Oklahoma, the scenery offers a consistent look at the regional landscape. While it is a manageable distance for a quick getaway, the turn-heavy nature of the path means you should be prepared for a more active driving experience than a standard 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

53.2 miles from Tulsa, OK

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a very different experience than the usual interstate commute, as this route relies on local thoroughfares like West 3rd Street South, South Frisco Avenue, and West 6th Street. With a highway share of 0%, this is a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. You will find no long, uninterrupted stretches on this path, as the longest segment occurs on West 3rd Street South. Navigating these local roads provides a unique perspective on the urban corridors between the two cities. Be ready for frequent maneuvers and a steady pace that keeps you engaged throughout the 106.2-mile trip.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 86.6 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,196 ft 665 ft

Total Climb

719 ft

Total Descent

245 ft

Highest Point

1,196 ft

~106.3 mi in

Elevation Range

532 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike and Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 106.3 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 0.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.4 miles (I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.3 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
0.9 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 244 West, US 75 South

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward I 244 West, US 75 South
7
3.4 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway toward I 244 West: Oklahoma City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 244 West: Oklahoma City
7
93.3 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | I 44

Take the exit onto I 44 toward I 35 South, I 44 West, OK 66 West: Dallas, Lawton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward I 35 South, I 44 West, OK 66 West: Dalla...
7
97.9 mi into trip | ~1h 41m in | I 35 / World War II Veterans Memorial Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / World War II Veterans Memorial Highway toward I 35 South: Dallas

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 35 South: Dallas
9
104.5 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in | I 40; US 270 / Crosstown Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 270 / Crosstown Expressway toward I 235 North, US 77 North, I 40 West, US 270 West: Oklahoma Health Center, State Capitol, Edmond, Amarillo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Exit 126 Toward I 235 North, US 77 North, I 40 West, US...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Lawton along the way.

Lawton

93.3 mi in | ~1h 36m | via I 44

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike 86.6 mi 1h 25m
Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway 4.8 mi 5m
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway 4.5 mi 5m
Honorable Hannah Diggs Atkins, Secretary of State, Memorial Highway 2.9 mi 3m
Representative Opio Toure Memorial Highway 2.5 mi 3m
Crosstown Expressway 1.2 mi 1m
Skelly Bypass 0.7 mi <1m
Oklahoma City Boulevard 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike — 86.6 mi, about 1h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tulsa, OK and Oklahoma City, OK.

1

Start on South Boulder Avenue West

0.3 mi · 1 min · South Boulder Avenue West
Use the straight / left lanes.
2

Turn right onto West 6th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · West 6th Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
3

Continue on West 7th Street

0.3 mi · 54 sec · West 7th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 244 West, US 75 South Use the straight lane.
5

Merge onto I 244

2.3 mi · 2 min · Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
Use the straight lane.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 244

2.6 mi · 2 min · Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway
Toward I 244 West: Oklahoma City Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 44; OK 66

0.7 mi · 55 sec · Skelly Bypass
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on I 44

87 mi · 1 hr 25 min · Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike
Toward I 44 West: Oklahoma City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit onto I 44

0.5 mi · 58 sec · I 44
Toward I 35 South, I 44 West, OK 66 West: Dallas, Lawton Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10

Merge onto I 35; I 44; OK 66

4.2 mi · 4 min · World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

0.4 mi · 26 sec · World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Toward I 35 South: Dallas Use the slight left lane.
12

Continue on I 35

2.9 mi · 3 min · Honorable Hannah Diggs Atkins, Secretary of State, Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on I 35

2.5 mi · 3 min · Representative Opio Toure Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on I 35; I 40; US 62; US 270

0.9 mi · 1 min · Crosstown Expressway
15

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 270

0.4 mi · 26 sec · Crosstown Expressway
Exit 126 Toward I 235 North, US 77 North, I 40 West, US 270 West: Oklahoma Health Center, State Capitol, Edmond, Amarillo Use the straight lane.
16

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 39 sec
Exit 151A Toward Oklahoma City Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Turn straight onto Oklahoma City Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Oklahoma City Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Turn right onto South Edward King Gaylord Boulevard

0.3 mi · 41 sec · South Edward King Gaylord Boulevard
Use the right lane.
19

Turn left onto West Sheridan Avenue

0.2 mi · 26 sec · West Sheridan Avenue
Use the left lane.
20

Turn right onto North Robinson Avenue

416 ft · 14 sec · North Robinson Avenue
Use the straight lane.
21

Arrive at destination

North Robinson Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the lack of highway miles and the turn-heavy nature of the route, plan for a steady, focused drive rather than a high-speed sprint. Since the trip is relatively short at 1 hour and 33 minutes, you have the advantage of total scheduling flexibility; leaving mid-morning can help you avoid the densest local traffic. Budgeting $16 for fuel is a safe baseline, but keep in mind that local stop-and-go driving can fluctuate your actual efficiency. With zero scheduled stops provided, you should plan your own breaks along the local streets to stretch your legs. A helpful tip is to keep your navigation system updated, as relying on local roads requires more frequent turns than a simple interstate route.

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 53.2 miles from Tulsa, OK, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.6 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 80 miles or 1h 22m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 53.2 miles or 56m 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 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oklahoma City, OK than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, OK

This is one driving day of about 106.3 miles and 1h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Tulsa, 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 Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike for about 86.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 53.2 mi from Tulsa, OK · 56m into the drive

Downtown Denison, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Denison, TX

53 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

Denison, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Denison, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 53.2 miles from Tulsa, OK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.6 miles.

Arriving in Oklahoma City, OK

The final approach into Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City, 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

$16.15 one way

$32.29 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $17.80 $35.60
premium $4.80 $20.07 $40.13
diesel $5.64 $23.62 $47.23

Estimated Tolls: $4.33

Turner Turnpike (86.6 mi) $4.33

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

$16

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 37.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.9 0 $11.16 $5.10
Efficient EV 26.6 0 $9.30 $4.25
EV Truck/SUV 42.5 0 $14.88 $6.80

Gas CO2

37 kg

EV CO2

12 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Tulsa, OK

Afternoon in Tulsa on Sunday

Local time

2:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Oklahoma City, OK

Afternoon in Oklahoma City on Sunday

Local time

2:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

1h 53m 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 Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK covers 106.3 miles and takes about 1h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Governor Roy Joseph Turner Turnpike, Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway, World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 53.2 miles from Tulsa, OK. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.15 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 is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 106.3 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 0.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.4 miles (I 244 / Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.3 miles (I 44): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK, road signs begin pointing toward Lawton along the way.

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Return Trip

Oklahoma City, OK to Tulsa, OK

Plan the drive back the other way.

105.9 mi 1h 54m

Explore more options from Tulsa, OK or browse trips ending in Oklahoma City, OK.

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