Origin
Vernon, TX
Afternoon in Vernon on Sunday
Local time
3:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Vernon, TX to Amarillo, TX
Drive Time
3h 13m
Distance
176 mi
283 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 1m
★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 23m
5 PM
3h 36m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Vernon, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Amarillo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 176 miles across the Texas Great Plains, this drive between Vernon and Amarillo typically takes about 3 hours and 13 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this route works perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $27 for fuel, making it a relatively affordable excursion. The journey keeps you within the same region, ensuring a consistent landscape as you travel across the state. Whether you are commuting or road-tripping, the straightforward nature of this path makes it a reliable choice for travelers looking to move efficiently between these two Texas hubs.
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
88 miles from Vernon, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a mixed driving profile, balancing local roads with major thoroughfares. You will spend roughly 58% of your time on highways, primarily relying on US Highway 287 to make steady progress. Be prepared for a significant 75.4-mile stretch on US Highway 287, which serves as the longest uninterrupted segment of the drive. The transition from local streets like East 11th Street and Boykin Drive onto the main highway creates a varied experience behind the wheel. Expect a practical, no-nonsense road experience that shifts from urban navigation to open-road cruising as you progress toward your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 27 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 route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Commerce Street.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 176 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 0.1 miles (Commerce Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.2 miles (US Highway 287 East): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: 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.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Commerce Street
At end of road, turn right onto Commerce Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
7
1.2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US Highway 287 East
At end of road, turn left onto US Highway 287 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
1.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 70; US 183; US 287 / Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Merge onto US 70; US 183; US 287 / Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
166.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m in
|
East Interstate Drive
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive toward East 3rd Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward East 3rd Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 287 | 75.4 mi | 1h 17m |
| East 11th Street | 28.7 mi | 32m |
| Boykin Drive | 26.2 mi | 28m |
| US Highway 287 West | 25.7 mi | 26m |
| East Amarillo Boulevard | 4.5 mi | 5m |
| Avenue F Northeast | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| Southeast 3rd Avenue | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway | 2.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 287
— 75.4 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vernon, TX and Amarillo, TX.
1
Start on this road
0.1 mi
·
58 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto Commerce Street
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Commerce Street
3
Turn right onto US 287 Bus
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
Wilbarger Street
4
Turn right onto Laurie Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Laurie Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto US Highway 287 East
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
US Highway 287 East
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Merge onto US 70; US 183; US 287
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 287
26 mi
·
26 min
·
US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 287
29 mi
·
32 min
·
East 11th Street
10
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue F Northeast
11
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 287
12
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Burnett Street
13
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 287
14
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi
·
28 min
·
Boykin Drive
15
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East 2nd Street
16
Continue on US 287
28 mi
·
28 min
·
US Highway 287
17
Continue on US 287; FM 1151
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East 1st Street
18
Continue on US 287
20 mi
·
20 min
·
US Highway 287
19
Keep slight right at fork onto East Interstate Drive
329 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Interstate Drive
Toward East 3rd Avenue
20
Keep slight right at fork onto Southeast 3rd Avenue
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Southeast 3rd Avenue
21
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
22
Merge onto Loop 335
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Lakeside Drive
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 60, I 40 Business: Amarillo Boulevard
24
Turn left onto I 40 Business; US Historic 66; US 60
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
25
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
26
Continue on I 40 Business
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
27
Arrive at destination
I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time to avoid heavy traffic. Planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the drive and keep you alert behind the wheel. Since fuel costs for the trip are estimated at $27, consider filling your tank in Vernon before heading out to ensure you have plenty of range for the longest highway stretches. Keep an eye on your speed as you transition between local roads and the main highway to stay consistent with changing limits. Using this single-stop strategy will help you maintain a comfortable pace throughout your journey to Amarillo.
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 88 miles from Vernon, TX, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 80 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88 miles or 1h 37m 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 36m
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 Vernon, 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 Vernon, TX
This is one driving day of about 176 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Vernon, 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 287 for about 75.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88 mi from Vernon, TX · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
88 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 88 miles from Vernon, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 287 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.4 miles.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.89 one way
$53.77 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $29.46 | $58.93 |
| premium | $4.59 | $31.81 | $63.62 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $39.10 | $78.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.8 | 0 | $18.48 | $8.45 |
| Efficient EV | 44 | 0 | $15.40 | $7.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 70.4 | 0 | $24.64 | $11.26 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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
Amarillo, TX
Afternoon in Amarillo on Sunday
Local time
3:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°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
9 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 13m 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 Vernon, TX to Amarillo, TX covers 176 miles and takes about 3h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US Highway 287, East 11th Street, Boykin Drive. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 88 miles from Vernon, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.89 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 176 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 0.1 miles (Commerce Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.2 miles (US Highway 287 East): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Vernon, TX to Amarillo, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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