Major city · United States
Amarillo
Give Amarillo two nights with a car: one full day for Palo Duro Canyon, one half-day for Cadillac Ranch and Route 66, then drive on.
Amarillo is the hub of the Texas Panhandle and the practical base for Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States, 27 miles southeast. The city itself is a car town strung along I-40: Route 66 kitsch, a serious quarter-horse museum, steak and Tex-Mex. Two nights covers it; a car turns it from a fuel stop into a stop worth making.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (35°C (95°F)+ afternoons), late Dec–Feb ice stormsavoid Jul–Aug (95°F (35°C)+ afternoons), late Dec–Feb ice storms
- Airports
- AMA · TDW
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Amarillo911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Amarillo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyAmarillo is a normal mid-size US city: violent crime concentrates in a few pockets, so stay downtown or on the I-40 west motel strip and lock the car.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportAMA Rick Husband Amarillo International (Nonstop to Dallas, Houston, Denver and Las Vegas; about 11 km (6.8 mi) east of downtown…AMA Rick Husband Amarillo International (Nonstop to Dallas, Houston, Denver and Las Vegas; about 6.8 mi (11 km) east of downtown…
- Getting aroundA car is close to essential: sights sit 5–25 km (3.1–16 mi) apart along I-40 and Loop 335, and Amarillo City Transit runs limited routes with long waits.A car is close to essential: sights sit 3.1–16 mi (5–25 km) apart along I-40 and Loop 335, and Amarillo City Transit runs limited routes with long waits.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSteak dinner, mid-range steakhouse$28–55
- Street or quick mealBreakfast burrito or diner plate$10–18
- Beerdraught in a bar / six-pack at a store$6–9$9–14
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareRideshare coverage thins late at night.$12–18
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Museum or sight ticketPalo Duro Canyon day-use entry$8 per person
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$120
- Mid-range bedMid-range motel double room, a night, per roomUS$120
- High-end bedMid-range motel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$250
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AMA Rick Husband Amarillo International (Nonstop to Dallas, Houston, Denver and Las Vegas; about 11 km (6.8 mi) east of downtown, no public bus to the terminal.) · TDW Tradewind Airport (General aviation only, about 5 km (3.1 mi) south of downtown.)AMA Rick Husband Amarillo International (Nonstop to Dallas, Houston, Denver and Las Vegas; about 6.8 mi (11 km) east of downtown, no public bus to the terminal.) · TDW Tradewind Airport (General aviation only, about 3.1 mi (5 km) south of downtown.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
Avoid*
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest May (7 rain days), driest Jan (3). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Amarillo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
3 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
4 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
5 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
4 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
3 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is close to essential: sights sit 5–25 km apart along I-40 and Loop 335, and Amarillo City Transit runs limited routes with long waits. Downtown avenues are named for presidents west to east; most cross streets are numbered. Old Route 66 is Amarillo Boulevard, running just north of downtown and the airport.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45–60 min
US 87 south to Canyon, then Park Road 5; car only
Second-largest canyon in the US, about 120 miles long and up to 800 ft deep. Day-use entry fee per person; book timed entry online in peak season.
Cadillac Ranch
goDoor to door: About 20 min
I-40 west frontage road, exit 60
Ten half-buried Cadillacs in a field; free, open access, walk about 100 yards from the roadside. Bring your own spray paint.
Vega, Texas
goDoor to door: About 30 min
I-40 west, about 28 miles
Well-preserved Route 66 buildings and nearby ghost towns; pair with Cadillac Ranch on the same westbound run.
Borger and Alibates Flint Quarries
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
TX-136 north, about 35 miles to the monument
Quarry tours are ranger-led and by reservation only — check dates before you drive.
Pampa
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
US 60 east, about 55 miles
Route 66 and oil-boom heritage; a half-day if you are already heading east.
McLean, Texas
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
I-40 east, about 70 miles
Small Route 66 town with a restored filling station; combine with Shamrock and Adrian on a full eastbound day.
Shamrock
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
I-40 east, about 90 miles
Art Deco Route 66 main street; long for a return trip, better as a stop en route to Oklahoma.
Adrian, Texas
goDoor to door: About 1 h
I-40 west, about 55 miles
The midpoint of Route 66; a photo stop, not a day.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
US 287 south then US 83, about 100 miles
Too far for a day return from Amarillo.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Polk Street
Walkable bars and restaurants between 7th and 8th; the only area where you can leave the car parked.
I-40 West (Coulter and Soncy)
The motel strip: cheapest beds, Westgate Mall, 15–20 min drive from downtown.
East I-40 near the airport
One-night airport stopovers; nothing to walk to.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $130–200 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range motel double room1 × 2 nights × US$120 | US$240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$130 | US$520 |
| Compact car hire, one day1 × US$55 | US$55 |
| Palo Duro Canyon day-use entry, per person2 × US$8 | US$16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$86 |
| Trip total≈ US$237 per person per day, bed included | US$947 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; car hire and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Breakfast burrito or diner plate | $10–18 |
| Steak dinner, mid-range steakhouse | $28–55 |
| Beer: draught in a bar / six-pack at a store | $6–9 / $9–14 |
| 5 km taxi or rideshareRideshare coverage thins late at night. | $12–18 |
| Palo Duro Canyon day-use entry | $8 per person |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer afternoons hit 35°C (95°F)+; hike Palo Duro before 10:00 or after 17:00 and carry more water than you think you need.Summer afternoons hit 35°C (95°F)+; hike Palo Duro before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM and carry more water than you think you need.Summer afternoons hit 95°F (35°C)+; hike Palo Duro before 10:00 or after 17:00 and carry more water than you think you need.Summer afternoons hit 95°F (35°C)+; hike Palo Duro before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM and carry more water than you think you need.
- Spring brings hail, high wind and tornado watches; check the forecast before a canyon day.
- Distances are deceptive — Palo Duro's gate is 27 miles from downtown, so budget an hour each way with stops.
- Some Route 66 roadside stops and small museums keep short or seasonal hours: check before driving out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
AmarilloAmarillo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No consulates in Amarillo; nearest consulates-general are in Dallas, Houston and Denver — check your country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- AMA airport → downtown, taxi or rideshare: about $25–35, 15–20 min
- Downtown → Palo Duro Canyon gate: about 27 miles, 45–60 min by car
- Amarillo City Transit single ride: low fare, limited routes and hours
Say or show
- Where is the rental car return? — Where is the rental car return?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is Palo Duro Canyon? — How far is Palo Duro Canyon?
- Is there a fee to park here? — Is there a fee to park here?
- Thank you — Thank you
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Amarillo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (35°C+ afternoons), late Dec–Feb ice storms · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 9 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AMA: last flight arrivals, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four driving clusters with anchors: downtown and Polk Street, I-40 west (Cadillac Ranch, Vega), Palo Duro and Canyon, east I-40 (Big Texan, airport museums).
- Place pages with verified hours and fees (Palo Duro, Quarter Horse Museum, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Heat, hail and wind fixtures so canyon days can be flagged green or red.