This 10-hour route has a lot to offer, like modern art installations in the desert and Route 66 memorabilia. Let’s plan your Dallas to Albuquerque road trip!

Written by Bonnie Stinson

Reviewed by Carrie Adkins

Updated on Jun 27, 2022

Table of Contents

Key trip details
Day 1—Dallas to Amarillo
Day 2—Amarillo to Albuquerque
Why you need roadside assistance
Finding cheap car insurance
FAQs

Load full table of contents

This Dallas to Albuquerque drive offers ten hours of reveling in the desert’s best attractions. From modern art installations to vintage Route 66 monuments, this trip is a definite treat for the eyes.

If you prefer real treats, don’t worry.

Texas

knows how to satisfy your sweet tooth!

As for

New Mexico

, get ready to experience some of the world’s best natural beauty.

But, New Mexico also happens to have one of the highest percentages of uninsured drivers in the nation. Check your

car insurance

to make sure you have enough protection.

Roadside assistance

is another smart way to keep your road trip stress-free and safe.

Okay, ready to hit the road?

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Key trip details

Distance: 653 miles

Driving time: 9 hours and 54 minutes

Suggested length of trip: 2 to 3 days

Day 1—Dallas to Amarillo

365 miles, 5 hours 36 minutes

This leg of your route is a lovely drive along the Oklahoma border on US-287N. You’ll pass through homey small towns and

odd roadside attractions

that are well worth a quick stopover.

You’ll want to follow US-287 N to get to Amarillo.

Where to eat from Dallas to Amarillo

Turquoise Coffee Stop

($): The most special stop along your route is the nondescript Pecan Valley in Chillicothe. If you need a strong cup of coffee, go to Turquoise Coffee Shop and enjoy your cup of Joe near the enormous Rubik’s cube mounted outside.

Big Texan Steak Ranch

($$): In Amarillo, you can enjoy a touristy but enjoyable meal at Big Texan Steak Ranch.

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant

($$): Head Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant for something a little more low-key while sticking to a favorite cuisine of the region.

What to do from Dallas to Amarillo

Texaco Petrified Wood Gas Station

: In Decatur, check out the Texaco Petrified Wood Gas Station. You can’t fill your tank here as it’s no longer operating, but it’s a hell of a photo op.

See the World’s Littlest Skyscraper: In Wichita Falls you can see the World’s Littlest Skyscraper and stretch your legs at

Lucy Park

nearby.

Cadillac Ranch art installation

: Once you reach Amarillo, head to the Cadillac Ranch art installation (BYO spray paint!).

Key Takeaway It’s only five and a half hours to Amarillo but there’s a lot to see!

MORE:

11 must-visit American diners for your next road trip

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Day 2—Amarillo to Albuquerque

288 miles, 4 hours 14 minutes

From Amarillo onward, you’ll be traveling the old Mother Road (historic Route 66). It’s now known as I-40, but keep your eyes peeled for vintage gas stations and quaint vistas along the way.

Follow I-40 W to get to Albuquerque.

Where to eat in Albuquerque

Ye Olde Pancake Station

($): Hit this spot in Amarillo for traditional American breakfast foods. Can’t go wrong with pancakes.

Kix on 66

($): In Tucumcari, hit up Kix on 66 for a diner-style meal with memorabilia everywhere.

Get a taste of Albuquerque: Once you reach Albuquerque, indigenous and Spanish flavors fuse into incredibly delicious eats! Try

The Jealous Fork

Artichoke Cafe

, for a slightly classier option.

What to do in Albuquerque

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

: Just outside Amarillo is Palo Duro Canyon State Park for hiking if you have some time (the

Lighthouse Trail

is iconic). It’s great for a morning hike before you hop in the car.

Hit the museums: Stop in Santa Rosa to experience the

Route 66 Auto Museum

and grab a few postcards and souvenirs. No American road trip would be complete without a dinosaur-themed attraction, right? In Tucumcari, you can meet the brief at the

Mesalands Dinosaur Museum

Petroglyph National Monument

: You don’t need to be a history buff to find these ancient carvings fascinating. Stop here to see petroglyphs from times long past.

Albuquerque Old Town

: Stroll the old town and check out an authentic panaderia before visiting art galleries. You could easily spend weeks exploring this part of New Mexico, so don’t be afraid to plan another trip!

Pro tips

Vintage road trip memorabilia can be hidden in plain sight. Follow your instincts!

Don’t sleep on the food scene in New Mexico—the incredible fusion cuisine will blow your mind.

Key Takeaway Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to follow your gut if you see an interesting stop on the side of the road.

MORE:

New Mexico car insurance laws

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Why you need roadside assistance

No matter how safely you drive, desert roads can be hazardous. Potholes, windstorms, or freak tumbleweeds—you’re at risk whenever you get behind the wheel.

Luckily, you can protect yourself from the unexpected with the roadside assistance program with

Jerry

. For $6.99, you get access to towing help, flat tire replacement, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and more.

Even if you fancy yourself a

Jack Kerouac

type, there’s no need to let adventure get the best of you. Get the best of both worlds with roadside assistance, so you can adventure boldly knowing that help is just a phone call away.

MORE:

Can you leave your car on the side of the road overnight if you have a flat tire?

Finding cheap car insurance

An intelligent AI-based tool like

Jerry

is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?

"Love it! Jerry found me cheaper insurance, I am saving about $23/month! Plus they did all the work for me! I didn’t have the time-consuming task of doing multiple quotes with several different companies, they did everything! I also loved that I didn’t have to talk to anyone over the phone. Everything was done on the app or by text. They will even cancel your old policy for you!"ーSatisfied Jerry user

FAQs

When is the best time of year to road trip in Texas?

It depends on what you plan to do and see on your trip. Texas typically has mild, warm weather year-round, although the summer can be a bit more extreme. However, recent extreme weather patterns are changing everything we know about the climate in Texas. Our best advice is to pay attention to the weather reports, plan your trip for the off-season, and drive carefully no matter when you go.

Does Route 66 still exist?

No. Unfortunately, the road was decommissioned in the 1980s as the new U.S. highway system was built. The good news is that the new roads retrace the original Route 66 in many places. So while you can’t drive the full original route, you can definitely spend some time on the Mother Road.

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