Origin
Amarillo, TX
Night in Amarillo on Saturday
Local time
11:42 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Amarillo, TX to Grand Prairie, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 27m
Distance
357.9 mi
576 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 15m
★
6 AM
6h 27m
8 AM
6h 52m
10 AM
6h 36m
12 PM
6h 33m
3 PM
6h 37m
5 PM
6h 51m
8 PM
6h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Amarillo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Grand Prairie, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Amarillo, TX to Grand Prairie, TX is 357.9 miles and takes about 6h 27m via US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $54 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that keeps you within the familiar landscape of the Great Plains. Expect a consistent journey primarily on US Highway 287, making it a practical choice for a single-day trip. The relatively short duration and clear route mean you won't need to plan for an overnight stay, allowing for a flexible departure time.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
178.9 miles from Amarillo, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 12m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Central East Freeway | 99.2 mi | 1h 46m |
| US Highway 287 | 81.8 mi | 1h 27m |
| US 287 | 77.2 mi | 1h 21m |
| US Highway 287 East | 40.5 mi | 42m |
| President George Bush Turnpike | 6 mi | 6m |
| I 820 TEXpress | 5.5 mi | 5m |
| Northwest Freeway | 5.2 mi | 5m |
| East Amarillo Boulevard | 5.1 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
Central East Freeway
— 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amarillo, TX and Grand Prairie, TX.
1
Start on I 40 Business; Original US Route 66; US 60
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
East Amarillo Boulevard
2
Turn right
194 ft
·
5 sec
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
4
Merge onto Loop 335
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
North Lakeside Drive
5
Turn left onto East Interstate Drive
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East Interstate Drive
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
7
Merge onto I 40; US 287
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40; US 287
8
Take the exit onto US 287
77 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
US 287
Exit 78
Toward US 287 South: Fort Worth
9
Turn slight right onto US 287
14 mi
·
13 min
·
US Highway 287
10
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi
·
58 sec
·
Burnett Street
11
Continue on US 287
14 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 287
12
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Avenue F Northwest
13
Continue on US 287
54 mi
·
58 min
·
US Highway 287
14
Continue on US 287
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
41 mi
·
42 min
·
US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 287
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Northwest Freeway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
Northwest Freeway
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
18
Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Central East Freeway
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
1.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Central East Freeway
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
97 mi
·
1 hr 43 min
·
Central East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on US 81; US 287
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 35W; US 287
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 57
Toward I 820
Use the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 820 East
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 820
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
·
Northeast Loop
28
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
Toward I 820 Express East Toll
29
Merge onto I 820 TEXpress
5.5 mi
·
5 min
·
I 820 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
4.4 mi
·
4 min
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Toward TX 183 Express East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
262 ft
·
6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
33
Merge onto TX 183
3.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Airport Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward PGBT, TX 161: President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward PGBT South: President George Bush Turnpike South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Merge onto PGBT
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
Toward TX 180: Main Street, Jefferson Street
Use the slight right lane.
38
Turn straight onto TX 161
448 ft
·
10 sec
·
North State Highway 161
39
Turn left onto Dalworth Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Dalworth Street
40
Turn slight left onto TX 180
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
West Main Street
41
Continue on TX 180
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Main Street
42
Turn left
74 ft
·
5 sec
43
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a drive time of around 6.5 hours, it's entirely feasible to complete this trip in one day. Consider an early morning departure from Amarillo to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. While there's only one suggested stop in the data, you'll likely want to plan for a brief break or two, especially during the 99.2-mile stretch on Central East Freeway. Keep an eye on your fuel levels; while the estimated cost is $54, it's always wise to fill up before embarking on longer stretches, particularly on US Highway 287.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 178.9 miles from Amarillo, TX, or about 3h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 79 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 178.9 miles or 3h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Grand Prairie, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Amarillo, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Amarillo, TX
This is one driving day of about 357.9 miles and 6h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Amarillo, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Central East Freeway for about 99.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
179 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 79 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 178.9 miles from Amarillo, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Central East Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 265 decision points cluster between mile 331.5 and 356 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
331.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 820
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 57
Toward I 820
7
332 mi into trip
|
~5h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 820 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 820 East
7
349.5 mi into trip
|
~6h 15m in
Take the exit toward PGBT, TX 161: President George Bush Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward PGBT, TX 161: President George Bush Turn...
7
349.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PGBT South: President George Bush Turnpike South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PGBT South: President George Bush Turnpi...
7
356 mi into trip
|
~6h 23m in
Take the exit toward TX 180: Main Street, Jefferson Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward TX 180: Main Street, Jefferson Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.08 one way
$108.16 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
125 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $59.19 | $118.39 |
| premium | $4.54 | $63.90 | $127.80 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $79.02 | $158.04 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.48
President George Bush Turnpike
(6 mi)
$0.48
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 107.4 | 1 | $37.58 | $17.18 |
| Efficient EV | 89.5 | 1 | $31.32 | $14.32 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 143.2 | 1 | $50.11 | $22.91 |
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Grand Prairie, TX
Night in Grand Prairie on Saturday
Local time
11:42 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
23 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 27m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with a 94% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on well-maintained, high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 99.2 miles along the Central East Freeway, offering a period of consistent travel. You'll be on US Highway 287 for the bulk of the journey, which generally provides a smooth and efficient driving experience. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, focusing on covering distance effectively rather than winding through diverse scenery.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.2 mi on Central East Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 331.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 357.9 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 331.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 332 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 349.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Starting in Amarillo, TX
Full guide →Amarillo, which means "yellow" in Spanish, is the center of the Texas Panhandle at the edge of the Great Plains.
Arriving in Grand Prairie, TX
Full guide →Founded 1863
Grand Prairie is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 27m. Total distance: 357.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 27m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.48 in tolls one way, starting with President George Bush Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Grand Prairie, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 331.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 332 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 349.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Grand Prairie, TX before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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