Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Channelview, TX to Grand Prairie, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 45m
Distance
264.1 mi
425 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 32m
★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 55m
12 PM
4h 52m
3 PM
4h 56m
5 PM
5h 11m
8 PM
4h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Channelview, TX
Thomas balabaud
Grand Prairie, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Channelview, TX to Grand Prairie, TX is 264 miles and takes about 4 hours 45 minutes via I-45 and Hardy Toll Road, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, mostly sticking to major arteries connecting two Texas population centers. You'll spend the bulk of your time on the highway, making this a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With only one recommended stop, it's designed for a quick transit, suitable for a single day of travel.
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
132.1 miles from Channelview, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 45 | 212 mi | 3h 38m |
| Hardy Toll Road | 21.8 mi | 25m |
| Tom Landry Freeway | 10.7 mi | 11m |
| East Freeway | 7.3 mi | 9m |
| East Loop North | 5.9 mi | 7m |
| North Belt Line Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East R L Thornton Freeway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Pemberton Street | 0.7 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
~1,985 veh/hr typical · worst 2,601
Quietest
2 AM
~289 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 88 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 Channelview, TX and Grand Prairie, TX.
1
Start on 1st Street
234 ft
·
16 sec
·
1st Street
2
Turn left onto Pemberton Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Pemberton Street
3
Turn right onto Sheldon Road
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Sheldon Road
4
Turn left onto East Freeway Frontage Road
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
East Freeway Frontage Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward I 10 West
6
Merge onto I 10
7.3 mi
·
9 min
·
East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 775A
Toward I 610 South, I 610 North
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 610 North
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 610
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
East Loop North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 19B
Toward Hardy Toll Road North
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on HTR
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Hardy Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 45
212 mi
·
3 hr 38 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 284A
Toward I 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 30 West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 30; US 67
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East R L Thornton Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 30
11 mi
·
11 min
·
Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 34
Toward Belt Line Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto East Interstate 30
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
East Interstate 30
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto North Belt Line Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Belt Line Road
21
Continue on FM 1382
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
North Belt Line Road
22
Turn right onto Davis Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Davis Street
23
Turn slight right onto TX 180
15 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Main Street
24
Turn right
74 ft
·
5 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 45 minute duration, starting your drive in Channelview in the morning is ideal to avoid the worst of any potential traffic, especially as you approach the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. You can comfortably complete this trip in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider a brief stop around the halfway point, though only one is officially recommended. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I-45 is 212 miles, and plan your refueling accordingly. The $38 estimated fuel cost is based on current prices, so adjust your budget if needed.
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 132.1 miles from Channelview, TX, or about 2h 25m 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 58 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.1 miles or 2h 25m 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 52m
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 Channelview, 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 Channelview, TX
This is one driving day of about 264.1 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Channelview, 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
132 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 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 132.1 miles from Channelview, 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
Love's Travel Stop
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
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Rest Area
0.8 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
Love's Travel Stop
1.6 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.8 mi from route
Ripley'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 websiteDennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteCandy Cane Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~9 min detour
Early stretch
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Conroe, Texas
Hours: 9 am–11 pm
+19365223804
Visit websiteThe Woodlands Waterway
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
First break
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
The Woodlands, Texas
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Home stretch
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 8.8 and 250.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
8.8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 610 South, I 610 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 775A
Toward I 610 South, I 610 North
7
9 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 610 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 610 North
7
15.5 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Take the exit toward Hardy Toll Road North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 19B
Toward Hardy Toll Road North
7
250 mi into trip
|
~4h 27m 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
250.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 27m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.44 one way
$80.87 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
92 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.29 | $44.63 | $89.25 |
| premium | $4.64 | $48.22 | $96.45 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $64.25 | $128.49 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.74
Hardy Toll Road
(21.8 mi)
$1.74
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
$40
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.2 | 0 | $27.73 | $12.68 |
| Efficient EV | 66 | 0 | $23.11 | $10.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105.6 | 1 | $36.97 | $16.90 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 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
Channelview, TX
Afternoon in Channelview on Saturday
Local time
2:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Sunny
N 10 to 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 2:37AM CDT until October 20 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
Destination
Grand Prairie, TX
Afternoon in Grand Prairie on Saturday
Local time
2:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
N 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:25AM CDT until October 18 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued October 17 at 2:37AM CDT until October 20 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Norman OK
65°F
Italy, TX
132 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
2 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
4h 45m 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 route is predominantly highway driving, with 88% of the 264 miles on high-speed roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 212 miles on I-45, offering a consistent cruising experience. Be prepared for frequent exits and merges as you pass through various Texas towns and cities. The transition to surface roads will occur towards the end of your drive as you approach Grand Prairie.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and Hardy Toll Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.8 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 19 significant decision points across 264.1 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 8.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
519 ft
24 ft
Total Climb
741 ft
Total Descent
247 ft
Highest Point
519 ft
~264.8 mi in
Elevation Range
495 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 Channelview, TX to Grand Prairie, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Hardy Toll Road North along the way.
Hardy Toll Road North
15.5 mi in
|
~21m
About the Cities
Starting in Channelview, 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 45m. Total distance: 264.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). 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 $1.74 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 30 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 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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