Is El Paso in a different time zone?

Yes, El Paso is in the Mountain Time Zone.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 9 hours.

Yes, Southwest and American offer direct flights.

What is the best route?

Interstate 20 West is the most direct driving route.

Yes, the route is well-traveled and safe for motorists.

Dallas

El Paso

Flight Driving

Dallas to El Paso

Updated: 28 May 2026

The drive from Dallas to El Paso covers approximately 900 kilometers across the vast landscape of West Texas. The primary route is via Interstate 20 West, which transitions into Interstate 10 West near Kent. The drive takes about 9 hours of pure transit time. Alternatively, you can fly from Dallas Love Field (DAL) or DFW to El Paso International Airport (ELP). This route showcases the changing geography from the piney woods of East Texas to the high desert of the borderlands.

Total Distance: Driving distance: 900 km. Air distance: 880 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from DAL to ELP, taking 1 hour 45 minutes.

Cheapest Way

Driving via I-20, costing roughly $100 in fuel.

Compare Dallas to El Paso Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 45 mins	9 hours
Avg Price	$150 - $300	$100 (gas)
Operator	Southwest Airlines	N/A
Route	DAL to ELP	I-20 W to I-10 W
Tip	Southwest offers frequent direct flights from Dallas Love Field.	Stop in Fort Stockton for a break and to see the historic fort.

Travel Tips

Time Zone
El Paso is in the Mountain Time Zone, one hour behind Dallas.
Hydration
The desert climate is very dry; carry extra water in your car.
Fuel
Fill up in larger towns like Midland or Odessa to avoid high prices in remote stretches.
Road Conditions
Check for construction on I-20 before departing.
Dining
Try authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a staple of the El Paso region.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
The long, straight roads can cause driver fatigue; take regular breaks.
Heat
Keep an emergency kit with water and snacks in your vehicle.
Speed
Observe speed limits strictly, especially in small towns along the route.
Communication
Cell service can be spotty in remote West Texas; download offline maps.