Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Atascocita, TX to Grand Prairie, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 27m
Distance
246.8 mi
397 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 14m
★
6 AM
4h 28m
8 AM
4h 54m
10 AM
4h 37m
12 PM
4h 34m
3 PM
4h 38m
5 PM
4h 53m
8 PM
4h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Atascocita, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Grand Prairie, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Atascocita to Grand Prairie is 246.8 miles and takes about 4h 27m via I 45 and Tom Landry Freeway, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward journey across Texas. You'll primarily be on major highways, making it a practical choice for a quick trip. Consider this route if you need to get between these two points efficiently without much fuss. It's a solid option for a single-day transit.
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
123.4 miles from Atascocita, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 212 mi | 3h 38m |
| FM 1960 | 13.6 mi | 20m |
| Tom Landry Freeway | 10.7 mi | 11m |
| Hardy Toll Road | 6.3 mi | 7m |
| North Belt Line Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East R L Thornton Freeway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East Interstate 30 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Davis Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 45
— 212 mi, about 3h 38m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,927 veh/hr typical · worst 2,389
Quietest
2 AM
~288 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 45 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Atascocita, TX and Grand Prairie, TX.
1
Start on FM 1960
7.2 mi
·
11 min
·
FM 1960
Use the left lane.
2
Continue on FM 1960
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 1960
Use the left lane.
3
Turn slight right
0.5 mi
·
1 min
4
Turn right onto West Hardy Road
148 ft
·
2 sec
·
West Hardy Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward HTR Toll North
Use the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto HTR
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Hardy Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 45
212 mi
·
3 hr 38 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 284A
Toward I 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 30 West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 30; US 67
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East R L Thornton Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 30
11 mi
·
11 min
·
Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 34
Toward Belt Line Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn straight onto East Interstate 30
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
East Interstate 30
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
15
Turn left onto North Belt Line Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Belt Line Road
16
Continue on FM 1382
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
North Belt Line Road
17
Turn right onto Davis Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Davis Street
18
Turn slight right onto TX 180
15 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Main Street
19
Turn right
74 ft
·
5 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 27m estimated duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable pace. With only one recommended stop and such a large portion on I 45, plan your break strategically around the halfway point or where services are most convenient. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 212-mile stretch on I 45, as services can sometimes be spread out on interstates.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 123.4 miles from Atascocita, TX, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 212 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 54 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.4 miles or 2h 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 37m
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 Atascocita, 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 Atascocita, TX
This is one driving day of about 246.8 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Atascocita, 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 I 45 for about 212 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
123 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.4 miles from Atascocita, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 212 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
TA Express
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
1.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
2.4 mi from route
Candy Cane Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 9 am–11 pm
+19365223804
Visit websiteDennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
First break
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteRipley's Believe It or Not!
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Grand Prairie, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19722632391
Visit websiteLouis Tussaud's Palace of Wax
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Grand Prairie, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19722632391
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteCarl Barton Jr Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
First break
3.9 mi from route
~10 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm
+19365223000
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 14 and 245 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
14 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Take the ramp toward HTR Toll North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward HTR Toll North
7
232.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 30
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 284A
Toward I 30
7
232.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 30 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 30 West
6
233.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
245 mi into trip
|
~4h 24m in
Take the exit toward Belt Line Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 34
Toward Belt Line Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.80 one way
$67.61 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $37.76 | $75.52 |
| premium | $4.23 | $41.05 | $82.10 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $46.60 | $93.20 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.50
Hardy Toll Road
(6.3 mi)
$0.50
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
$34
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74 | 0 | $25.91 | $11.85 |
| Efficient EV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.60 | $9.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.7 | 1 | $34.55 | $15.80 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Atascocita, TX
Evening in Atascocita on Monday
Local time
6:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Clear
SW 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 19 at 11:05PM CDT until July 20 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 19 at 10:55PM CDT until July 20 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Destination
Grand Prairie, TX
Evening in Grand Prairie on Monday
Local time
6:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Clear
SSW 5 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 19 at 11:05PM CDT until July 20 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Fort Worth TX
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 19 at 10:55PM CDT until July 20 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
100°F
Italy, TX
123 mi in
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
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 27m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the route utilizing major roadways like I 45 and the Tom Landry Freeway. You'll experience long stretches of consistent driving, including one uninterrupted segment of 212 miles on I 45. Expect a steady pace for most of the journey, with the road primarily characterized by its efficient, high-speed nature. While not overly complex, the consistent highway profile means you’ll be covering ground quickly.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 212 mi on I 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and FM 1960. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 246.8 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 14 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 232.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
519 ft
69 ft
Total Climb
572 ft
Total Descent
122 ft
Highest Point
519 ft
~246.8 mi in
Elevation Range
450 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Atascocita, TX to Grand Prairie, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Htr Toll North along the way.
Htr Toll North
14 mi in
|
~22m
About the Cities
Starting in Atascocita, TX
Full guide →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 4h 27m. Total distance: 246.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 212 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.50 in tolls one way, starting with Hardy Toll Road. 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.
Yes — we found about 23 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 14 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 232.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Grand Prairie, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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