If you're sitting in a coffee shop in the Blue Dome District of Tulsa and thinking about heading to a Thunder game in OKC, you've probably already pulled up Google Maps. It tells you the same thing it tells everyone: about 106 miles.
But honestly? That number is kinda deceiving.
Depending on whether you’re a "get there as fast as possible" person or a "let's see the world's largest soda bottle" person, that drive can take anywhere from 90 minutes to four hours. Most people just see a straight line on a map, but the distance between Tulsa and Oklahoma City is as much about your budget and your tolerance for tolls as it is about the odometer.
Breaking Down the Miles: The Fast Route vs. The Mother Road
Basically, you have two real choices. You can jump on Interstate 44 (the Turner Turnpike) or you can meander down Historic Route 66.
The distance is roughly the same—105 to 110 miles—but the vibe is worlds apart.
On the Turner Turnpike, you’re looking at a 1 hour and 40 minute trek if traffic plays nice. It’s a toll road, though, so you’re paying for that speed. On the other hand, Route 66 (State Highway 66) parallels the turnpike but takes you through every small town between the two hubs. It’s slower. Way slower. But if you have the time, it’s how you actually see Oklahoma.
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The Turner Turnpike: What It Costs in 2026
The Turner Turnpike is the oldest turnpike in the state, opened way back in 1953. It’s also one of the most efficient stretches of pavement in the country, but as of early 2026, it isn't exactly "cheap" compared to the old days.
Since the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority went fully cashless a couple of years ago, you can't just toss quarters into a bin anymore. It’s all PikePass or PlatePay.
- PikePass Users: You're looking at about $5.40 for the full trip between Tulsa and OKC.
- PlatePay (License Plate Billing): This is where they get you. If you don't have a tag, they snap a photo of your plate and mail you a bill. That same trip will cost you roughly $10.50 because the rates for non-tag holders are nearly double.
If you're a regular traveler, honestly, just get the PikePass. It works in Texas and Kansas too.
Stop Counting Miles and Start Counting Stops
The actual "how far" question usually disappears once you realize what’s sitting in the middle of these two cities. If you just drive straight through, you’re missing out on the character of the state.
Stroud: The Halfway Point
Roughly 50 miles into the trip, you’ll hit Stroud. If you’re on the turnpike, there’s a service plaza, but if you hop off for ten minutes, you can visit the Rock Cafe.
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This place is legendary. It was built in 1939 using the rocks dug up when they first paved Route 66. The owner, Dawn Welch, was actually the inspiration for the character Sally Carrera in the movie Cars. You’ve gotta try the Jagerschnitzel—it’s weird to find world-class German food in the middle of Oklahoma, but here we are.
Arcadia: The Neon Beacon
As you get closer to Oklahoma City, specifically about 15 miles out, you’ll pass through Arcadia. You cannot miss Pops 66 Soda Ranch. It has a 66-foot tall neon soda bottle out front.
They have over 700 types of soda. I’m talking everything from classic root beer to "bacon" flavored stuff that nobody should actually drink but everyone buys anyway. Just down the road is the Arcadia Round Barn, which is exactly what it sounds like—a perfectly circular barn built in 1898 that’s basically a miracle of carpentry.
Alternative Travel: Can You Get There Without a Car?
Not everyone wants to deal with the I-44 traffic, which can get hairy around Sapulpa or as you merge into the OKC metro.
Greyhound and FlixBus are the primary lifelines here. They usually run twice a day. The tickets usually hover around $25 to $55, and the trip takes about the same time as driving—roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s surprisingly comfy with Wi-Fi and outlets, though you’re at the mercy of their schedule.
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As of right now, there is no passenger rail (Amtrak) directly between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. People have been talking about the "Eastern Flyer" or some kind of rail connection for decades, but for now, the Heartland Flyer only runs from OKC down to Fort Worth. You’re stuck on rubber tires for this leg of the journey.
Survival Tips for the Drive
- Watch the Speed Traps: Towns like Wellston and Kellyville are notorious. If the sign says 45, do 45.
- The Wind is Real: This stretch of I-44 is wide open. If you’re driving a high-profile vehicle like a van or a truck, be ready for those Oklahoma crosswinds to give you a workout.
- Timing the OKC Entry: If you hit the I-35/I-44 junction in Oklahoma City at 5:15 PM on a Tuesday, add 30 minutes to your "how far" calculation. It’s a bottleneck.
- Gas Up in the Cities: Gas prices at the turnpike service plazas are usually 15-20 cents higher per gallon than what you'll find just a mile off the highway in Tulsa or OKC.
Making the Most of the Trip
If you’re coming from Tulsa, you’re likely ending up in Bricktown or the Paycom Center area. Once you hit the city limits, the streetcar system in OKC is actually pretty great for getting around the downtown core without having to park your car five different times.
On the flip side, if you're heading to Tulsa, you’re probably aiming for the Gathering Place (the massive park on the river) or the BOK Center. The drive into Tulsa is generally a bit "prettier" as you transition from the flat plains into the "Green Country" rolling hills.
Your next move: Download the PikePass app or check the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) real-time map before you leave. Construction on I-44 is a constant reality, and a single lane closure can turn that 106-mile sprint into a two-hour crawl. If the turnpike is backed up, take the exit for Highway 66 at Chandler and enjoy the scenery instead.