This 459.8-mile journey from Tyler, Texas, to Amarillo, Texas, is a substantial drive, estimated to take around 8 hours and 15 minutes. Given its length and the recommended 2-day split, it's best approached as an overnight trip rather than a single-day endeavor. The route primarily utilizes US Highway 287, making up 81% of the drive, with some sections on I-20. You'll be traveling across the Great Plains region for the entire trip, so expect a consistent landscape. With an estimated fuel cost of $69 and two planned stops, this highway-focused drive offers a straightforward path across the state.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
229.9 miles from Tyler, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 7m into the drive
.
Tyler is the county seat of Smith County, in eastern Texas. It boasts the nation's largest municipal rose garden and hosts the Texas Rose Festival each October.
The personality of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 81% of the 459.8 miles spent on major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on US Highway 287, including a notable stretch of 75.4 miles without interruption. While there are some segments on I-20, the bulk of the experience will be on the U.S. Highway system, offering a consistent pace for most of the 8-hour-plus journey. Expect a straightforward driving experience designed for covering distance efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 47 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US Highway 287 is the longest continuous segment at about 75.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 287 and North US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 67.1 miles in near Spur 557.
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 17 significant decision points across 459.8 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 67.1 miles (Spur 557): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 86.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
67.1 mi into trip|~1h 10m in|Spur 557
Keep slight right at fork onto Spur 557 toward Dallas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 499A
Toward Dallas
6
86.8 mi into trip|~1h 31m in
Take the exit toward I 635 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 635 North
7
107.8 mi into trip|~1h 54m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North: Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 27B
Toward I 35E North: Denton
6
136.4 mi into trip|~2h 26m in
Take the exit toward US 380: University Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 469
Toward US 380: University Drive
9
237.9 mi into trip|~4h 16m in|US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
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 Tyler, TX to Amarillo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas along the way.
Dallas
67.1 mi in|~1h 10m|via Spur 557
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 287
75.4 mi
1h 17m
North US Highway 287
72.5 mi
1h 15m
I 20
56.4 mi
56m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
East 11th Street
28.7 mi
32m
North Stemmons Freeway
28.2 mi
30m
Boykin Drive
26.2 mi
28m
US Highway 287 West
25.7 mi
26m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 287
— 75.4 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tyler, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on North Broadway Avenue
0.6 mi·59 sec·North Broadway Avenue
2
Turn left onto Spur 147
2.8 mi·4 min·West Gentry Parkway
3
Continue on US 69
1.1 mi·1 min·Mineola Highway
4
Continue on US 69
5.8 mi·6 min·US Highway 69 North
5
Continue on US 69
363 ft·8 sec·South Main Street
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
7
Merge onto I 20
56 mi·56 min·I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto Spur 557
4.4 mi·4 min·Spur 557
Exit 499AToward DallasUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on US 80
15 mi·16 min·US 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward I 635 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 635
12 mi·12 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 635
4.1 mi·4 min·Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on I 635
4.6 mi·4 min·Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 27BToward I 35E North: DentonUse the right lane.
15
Merge onto I 35E
28 mi·30 min·North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi·9 sec·I 35; US 77
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Exit 469Toward US 380: University Drive
18
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.4 mi·47 sec·North Interstate 35
19
Turn left onto US 380
3.4 mi·4 min·West University Drive
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
Continue on US 380
22 mi·24 min·US Highway 380 West
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
22
Merge onto US 81; US 287
72 mi·1 hr 15 min·North US Highway 287
23
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
24
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
5.3 mi·5 min·Northwest Freeway
Exit 3AToward US 287 North: Vernon, AmarilloUse the slight left / straight lanes.
26
Continue on US 287
40 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on US 287
26 mi·26 min·US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on US 287
29 mi·32 min·East 11th Street
30
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northeast
31
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
32
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·1 min·Burnett Street
33
Continue on US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
34
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi·28 min·Boykin Drive
35
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi·1 min·East 2nd Street
36
Continue on US 287
28 mi·28 min·US Highway 287
37
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi·2 min·East 1st Street
38
Continue on US 287
20 mi·20 min·US Highway 287
39
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft·8 sec·East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
40
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi·3 min·Southeast 3rd Avenue
41
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
42
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi·1 min·North Lakeside Drive
43
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
44
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·East Amarillo Boulevard
45
Continue on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
46
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi·17 sec·East Amarillo Boulevard
47
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 8-hour, 15-minute drive, plan for an overnight stop to break up the 459.8 miles. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight driving and allow ample time for your two planned stops. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 75.4 miles on US Highway 287, so be sure to fuel up before embarking on these longer segments. Keeping track of your fuel expenses, estimated at $69, will help you budget effectively for this highway-focused route across Texas.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 229.9 miles from Tyler, TX, or about 4h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 101 miles or 1h 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 229.9 miles or 4h 7m 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 229.9 miles or 4h 7m
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 7h 9m
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 Tyler, 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 Tyler, TX
Aim for roughly 230 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Amarillo, TX
Aim for roughly 230 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 101 miles from Tyler, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 287 for about 75.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 229.9 mi from Tyler, TX
· 4h 7m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
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 459.8
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 459.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$69.48 one way
$138.95 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg161 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$76.05
$152.10
premium
$4.54
$82.09
$164.19
diesel
$5.61
$101.52
$203.04
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$69
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$199–$309
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 160.9 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 $48 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
137.9
1
$48.28
$22.07
Efficient EV
115
1
$40.23
$18.39
EV Truck/SUV
183.9
2
$64.37
$29.43
Gas CO2
161 kg
EV CO2
54 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 15, 2026
Origin
Tyler, TX
Late night
in Tyler on Saturday
Local time
12:41 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Amarillo, TX
Late night
in Amarillo on Saturday
Local time
12:41 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°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.
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
12 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
8h 15m 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 Tyler, TX to Amarillo, TX covers 459.8 miles and takes about 8h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US Highway 287, North US Highway 287, I 20. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
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 230 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 229.9 miles from Tyler, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $69.48 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 2 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 17 significant decision points across 459.8 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 67.1 miles (Spur 557): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 86.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Tyler, TX to Amarillo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
