Road Trip from Ashley, IN to Dallas, TX: Drive Time and Best Routes

Are you planning a road trip from Ashley, Indiana to Dallas, Texas? This long journey of over 1,000 miles should take about 16-18 hours of driving time. But it all depends on the route you choose and the traffic patterns on the roads. Here's a breakdown of the best and worst routes, the distance covered, and the estimated drive time.

Route Options

Let's start by looking at the different routes you can take from Ashley to Dallas. The most direct route takes you through Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, and Little Rock before reaching Dallas. This route is about 1,060 miles long and takes around 16 hours in normal traffic. However, it can take much longer if you hit major traffic snarls in any of the cities along the way.

Another option is to head south from Ashley and take I-65 south, and then I-55 south. You'll pass through Chicago, St. Louis, and Memphis, before getting to your destination. This route is longer, at about 1,220 miles, but it may take less time depending on traffic. You can also add a detour to see scenic spots like the Gateway Arch, Graceland, or Bourbon Street if you have extra time.

Finally, you could take the western route, which follows I-70 west, then I-44 south, before heading through Oklahoma City and into Dallas. This route is the longest of all, but it has plenty to see and do along the way. You'll pass through cities like Indianapolis, St. Louis, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City before hitting Dallas. This route is about 1,300 miles long and takes around 18 hours, again depending on traffic.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

So which route is the fastest and which is the slowest? In ideal conditions, the direct route through Louisville and Memphis is the fastest, covering 1,060 miles and taking around 16 hours. However, if you're traveling in peak traffic times, this route can take much longer, especially around major cities.

The southern route through St. Louis and Memphis is slightly longer, at about 1,220 miles, but it may take the same or less time depending on traffic patterns. This route offers more opportunities for sightseeing and detours, so it can be a good choice if you're taking a leisurely trip and want to explore some new places along the way.

The western route through Indianapolis, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City is the longest, at around 1,300 miles, but it can be a good option if you want to avoid major cities and have a more scenic drive. This route can take around 18 hours in normal traffic, but it may be more enjoyable than the other two routes.

Timing your Drive

When planning your journey, keep in mind that the drive can take much longer if you hit peak traffic or road congestion. To avoid this, try to avoid driving through major metropolitan areas during rush hour or on weekends. You can also use traffic apps and other resources to plan ahead and avoid busy sections of the road.

At the end of the day, the route you take from Ashley to Dallas will depend on your personal preference and how much time you have to spare. Whether you take the direct route, southern route, or western route, be sure to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and entertainment. With a bit of planning and a positive attitude, you can enjoy a fun and memorable road trip from Ashley, Indiana to Dallas, Texas!