Road Trip from Dallas to El Paso
If you’re seeking a short but entertaining road travel from Dallas to El Paso, look no further. Explore various landscapes, customs, and important historical sites during this exciting trip westward through Texas and New Mexico.
Driving 690 miles by car from Dallas to El Paso takes around 11 hours, with the fast route visiting Lubbock and Carlsbad Caverns and the longer route going to Austin, Big Bend National Park, and Marfa.
Travel across seven Southern states to see the ever-changing histories, stunning natural wonders, small-town charms, and big-city charms. The best routes, convenient places to stop, tasks to do, and the best moment for setting out on the trip have been highlighted below.
How long will the road trip take from Dallas to El Paso?
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
| The Direct Route | 690 miles | 11 hours |
| The Big Bend Detour | 1,000 miles | 16 hours |
Without stops, the short 690-mile trip from Dallas to El Paso via The Direct Route takes over 11 hours.
Take the Big Bend Detour for a leisurely drive through the Lone Star State. It spans 1000 miles in 16 hours without stopping.
We advise you to plan on taking at least three to four days on this road trip so that you may fully enjoy the trip and explore the route without being tired.
We’ve selected two excellent routes for this Dallas to El Paso drive below. Whichever route you pick, the trip through Texas will be fascinating.
The shortest and easiest route to El Paso is using the Direct Route. You will pass by some amazing cities and landmarks as you travel across the diverse landscapes of Texas and New Mexico.
You will proceed through the heart of Texas if you select The Big Bend Detour. If you have additional time, you can take a diversion from Austin to San Antonio.
Big Bend National Park, a stunning natural wonder with striking geological formations, wide stretches of desert, and the magnificent Chisos Mountains, is beyond a doubt the best part of this tour.
The Direct Route
After leaving Dallas, continue west on I-30, through Arlington and Fort Worth. Once you’ve crossed Fort Worth, turn onto I-20 and take notice of the shift in the landscape from the cities to the rural areas.
Once you arrive at Sweetwater, the Texas wind turbine capital, turn right onto US-84 to Lubbock. As you join US-62, take notice of the surrounding ranches and rough terrain.
Traveling on this route will take you to New Mexico. See how the landscape shifts and the deserts approach your horizons. Explore the amazing cavern network by traveling by the Carlsbad Caverns.
Continue on US-62 to El Paso, the final stop of your last leg of the trip.
The Big Bend Detour
Travel south on I-35E to move out of Dallas. Continue to Waxahachie and turn onto I-35S. Follow the Waco route to get to Austin.
Once you’ve explored all that Austin has to offer, drive west on I-10 via Fredericksburg. Heading west, delight in the culture and beautiful landscape.
Take an alternate route on US-385 southward at Fort Stockton to Great Bend National Park. Enjoy the magnificent peaks and trees. After seeing the exceptional, continue north on US-385.
Once you arrive to Marathon, follow US-90 to your left and stop at Marfa. Explore a historic town famous for its cultural heritage and return to I-10.
To finally arrive in El Paso, drive west from Van Horn along the Texas–Mexico border.
The best places for a stop between El Paso and Dallas
We suggest stopping in fascinating towns along the way to get an idea of local Texas life as it has so much to see along the way.
Explore Lubbock’s Hub City
Lubbock, one of the main cities along The Direct Route, is conveniently located approximately halfway into the route. There is usually something enjoyable to do, a place to eat, and anywhere to stay.
The South Plains region’s cultural capital is Lubbock, which offers an abundance of cultural attractions to explore. Find more about the life and music of the renowned rock ‘n roll musician Buddy Holly by visiting the Buddy Holly Center.
The American Wind Power Centre, one of the largest windmill collections in the world, is also located in Lubbock. Explore more about the history and development of wind power by touring this remarkable museum.
Cotton Court Hotel is recommended to stay as nearly all of the city’s attractions are conveniently accessible from the hotel due to its downtown location.
The hotel offers modern industrial designs with a Texas authority, and the guest rooms are furnished with locally produced furniture and artwork. The fact that dogs are welcome at this house is one of our favorite features.
After an exciting day of exploring, relax by the lovely fireplace in the lobby or take a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool. In addition, the hotel has a fantastic on-site restaurant serving innovative drinks and meals with a Texas touch.
Discover the wonders of nature at Big Bend National Park.
Lajitas is the perfect diversion to the park necessary, located just over halfway across The Big Bend Detour. Offering alternatives for hiking, camping, birdwatching, and astronomy, this park is a sanctuary for nature lovers.
Tourists wishing to experience the wild beauty of the Big Bend region, including the Chihuahuan Desert, will discover Lajitas, Texas, to be an interesting location because of its beautiful resort, beautiful surroundings, and access to Big Bend National Park and Ranch State Park.
The small town is located just along the Rio Grande, which serves as Mexico’s and the United States’ natural border. River rafting, canoeing, and kayaking are just a few of the water sports you may engage in while taking in the beautiful Big Bend region scenery from another perspective.
Lajitas Golf Resort is located amid the Rio Grande, the Chihuahuan Desert, and nearby mountains, providing an extremely amazing environment. Lanny Wadkins designed an 18-hole championship golf course that is enjoyed by both professional and amateur players.
For guided tours and activities like off-roading, river rafting, and hiking in the neighboring Big Bend National Park, you can ask the resort to make the necessary arrangements. Alternatively, you can take part in on-resort archaeological explorations and horseback riding.
After exploring the park for the day, relax at this amazing full-service spa, which offers a variety of treatments like massages, facials, and body treatments that are driven by the local flora and culture.
Enjoy delicious West Texan food at the excellent on-site restaurant when you’re here.
Where to stay around El Paso when traveling
The beautiful boutique hotel Stanton House El Paso is our choice among the many hotels in El Paso for your visit.
After a long trip, relax on the hotel’s magnificent terrace and bar, which are only a few steps away from the El Paso Museum of Art.
You won’t have to travel far if you don’t want to because you may enjoy delicious meals at the hotel’s restaurant. In addition, take full advantage of their daily breakfast and fill yourself before exploring the vibrant city.
Ciudad Juarez and the Benito Juarez Olympic Stadium are two of the nearest attractions to the hotel.
Sights when traveling from Dallas to El Paso
You’ll visit a lot of historical, cultural, and natural sites along the way because you’ll be driving through Texas and parts of New Mexico. Here are a few places you simply must see while on this road trip:
On The Direct Route
1-The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District: is a remarkable historic district in Fort Worth, Texas, which offers live entertainment, dining options, and retail stores that provide a window into the Old West.
2-Palo Duro Canyon State Park: With incredible views and great hiking and biking options, this is the second-largest canyon in the United States.
3-Joyland Amusement Park: is a family-run theme park with lots of games, rides, and entertainment in Lubbock. perfect for a family trip.
4-Caprock Canyons State Park: is a state park with stunning canyons, bison, and a range of activities that is located in Quitaque, Texas.
5-Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge: This Texas wildlife refuge, which serves as a habitat for migratory birds and other species, is breathtaking in its diversity and beauty.
6-Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge: This Texas wildlife refuge, which serves as a habitat for migratory birds and other species, is breathtaking in its diversity and beauty.
7-New Mexico’s Roswell: A worthwhile detour from the route is Roswell, which is well-known for the 1947 Roswell UFO incident. This remarkable location offers a unique International UFO Museum and Research Centre, among other attractions.
8-National Park of Carlsbad Caverns: Discover the unique network of tunnels at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has an underground cave system with stunning limestone formations. Get lost in the system.
9-Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park: is a stunning sight and must-see attraction in Carlsbad. It includes a zoo and botanical garden with natural plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert.
10-Guadalupe Mountains National Park: There are a lot of national parks along this route, so there will be a lot to explore. Guadalupe Peak, Texas’ highest peak, hiking paths, and a wide variety of plant and animal life can all be found in this national park.
The Big Bend Diversion
1-Texas State Capitol: The state capitol of Texas is located in this remarkable structure, which is also a famous architectural monument, in Austin. To discover more about this famous building’s history, design, and legislative steps, you can go on guided tours.
2-Zilker Park: Playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic spots are just a few of the attractions available at Texas’ large urban parking, Additionally, it is the location of the well-known Barton Springs Pool, a naturally spring-fed swimming area ideal for relaxing.
3-Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre: Native Texas plants are preserved and on display in this lovely botanical garden near Austin. You can take part in educational events and seminars, walk through the lovely gardens, and take guided tours.
4-Hamilton Pool Preserve: this is a gorgeous natural pool with a 50-foot waterfall that is situated in Dripping Springs. This lovely cave is the perfect place for swimming and having a picnic in the middle of nature because it is surrounded by magnificent lush vegetation and limestone cliffs.
5-Pedernales Falls State Park: Situated along the Pedernales River, this spectacular state park in Johnson City is home to breathtaking waterfalls. In nature, You may swim, hike, watch birds, and relax in nature.
6-Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: a huge pink granite rock structure rising 425 feet above the ground. Hiking trails around the rock allow you to reach the peak for amazing views.
7-The Fort Davis National Historic Site: is a well-preserved 19th-century military post that provides a fascinating peek into frontier life. Discover the fort’s role in protecting settlers and tourists by exploring the historic structures and taking in live history performances.
8-McDonald Observatory: This renowned astronomical observatory near Fort Davis is open for visits during the day and hosts star parties at night. Discover the secrets of the universe take in the beauty of the night sky, and look through large telescopes.
9-State Park of Balmorhea: This Toyahvale park is a great place to swim, scuba dive, and take in the unique underwater ecosystems. It is home to the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.
10-Fort Leaton State Historic Site: Explore the area’s history through interpretive displays and take in the breathtaking sights of the surrounding desert.
11-Marfa Lights Viewing Area: This spot is specifically meant to provide an overview of the fascinating and unexplained Marfa Lights events, which have confused scientists and residents together for decades.
12-Chinati Foundation: Donald Judd, a modern artist, established this Marfa Museum of Art. It focuses on integrating art, architecture, and the surrounding landscape and showcases huge art projects housed in converted military structures.
13-Prada Marfa: Take a look at this eye-catching art that resembles a Prada store in the desert, suitable for an artistic afternoon or as a picture backdrop.
The ideal time to travel from Dallas to El Paso
While El Paso, Texas, is a year-round destination, the experience varies with the season. It has typical desert weather, with hot summers and mild to cool winters. Because of the Chihuahuan Desert surrounding it, the weather is usually dry and vibrant all year round.
El Paso’s summertime highs typically range from the mid-90s to the low 100s Fahrenheit, reflecting a hot desert climate. This happens between June and August. Due to the city’s abundance of sunshine and little humidity, the heat can feel oppressive, especially during the hottest times of the day. Still, nights are great for experiencing the city’s nightlife.
Tourists expecting pleasant temperatures often choose to travel in the fall and spring.The usual high temperatures in spring and fall are in the upper 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit and the mid-70s to mid-80s, accordingly. During this changeover period, El Paso has fewer tourists than in the summer, making for a more relaxed and pleasant experience. In addition, you may be able to find cheaper airfare and lodging rates.
Throughout the year, El Paso does have a few amazing events and festivals that are well worth seeing. If you plan this vacation for the spring, you should try to attend the Texas Country Music Fest in March or the multi-day Neon Desert Music Festival in late May.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do between Dallas and El Paso?
The Fort Worth Stockyards, AT&T Stadium, and Six Flags Over Texas are the main attractions on the route from Dallas to El Paso (with brief detours). The Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the Historic Downtown Grapevine Association are a few more popular attractions.
How long is the drive from Dallas to El Paso?
How many hours does it take by road to get from Dallas to El Paso? Plan for a 12-hour trip.
Is El Paso a good place to travel?
Travelers wanting meaningful experiences will find Sun City to be an open and accepting city with much to do, from long hikes and local cuisine to yoga and street art.
What time of year is best to visit El Paso?
El Paso is most pleasant in mild, dry weather, which frequently happens in April and May and in October and November. You should expect 70-degree temperatures and little to no rain all through the time.
For further details you can visit,https://www.nps.gov/
