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Trip from Denison, TX to Grand Prairie, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 40m

Distance

87.8 mi

141 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 33m ★
6 AM
1h 40m
8 AM
1h 55m
10 AM
1h 46m
12 PM
1h 44m
3 PM
1h 46m
5 PM
1h 55m
8 PM
1h 36m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Grayson County, Texas, United States

Denison, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis counties in Texas, United States

Grand Prairie, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Denison, TX to Grand Prairie, TX is 87.8 miles and takes about 1h 40m via North Central Expressway, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip, making it a convenient option for a quick hop between these two locations. Given the relatively short duration and minimal stops, this route is ideal for a same-day excursion, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination. Plan for a familiar driving experience, as the majority of the journey utilizes major freeways.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.9 miles from Denison, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Central Expressway 44.7 mi 48m
North Sam Rayburn Freeway 12 mi 12m
North Collins Freeway 10.1 mi 10m
Tom Landry Freeway 9.9 mi 10m
South Eisenhower Parkway 2 mi 2m
Texoma Parkway 1.6 mi 2m
Grayson Drive 1.2 mi 1m
North Austin Avenue 1.1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: North Central Expressway — 44.7 mi, about 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Denison, TX and Grand Prairie, TX.

1

Start on this road

61 ft · 9 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto US 69

1.1 mi · 1 min · North Austin Avenue
3

Continue on Spur 503

2.0 mi · 2 min · South Eisenhower Parkway
4

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward TX 91: Texoma Parkway
5

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward TX 91 South: Sherman
6

Turn straight onto TX 91

1.6 mi · 2 min · Texoma Parkway
7

Turn right onto FM 691

1.2 mi · 1 min · Grayson Drive
8

Turn left onto North Sam Rayburn Freeway

0.1 mi · 15 sec · North Sam Rayburn Freeway
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward US 75 South
10

Merge onto US 75

12 mi · 12 min · North Sam Rayburn Freeway
11

Continue on US 75

10 mi · 10 min · North Collins Freeway
12

Continue on US 75

45 mi · 48 min · North Central Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec
Exit 1A Toward Waco, Denton Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Saint Paul Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on Spur 366

1.1 mi · 1 min · Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 51 sec
Toward I 35E South: Waco Use the right lane.
17

Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway

0.1 mi · 10 sec · North Stemmons Freeway
18

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 35E South, I 30 Use the slight left lane.
19

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 50 sec
Toward I 30 West: Fort Worth Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
20

Merge onto I 30

9.9 mi · 10 min · Tom Landry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 23 sec
Exit 34 Toward Belt Line Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Turn straight onto East Interstate 30

0.5 mi · 50 sec · East Interstate 30
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
23

Turn left onto North Belt Line Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Belt Line Road
24

Continue on FM 1382

0.1 mi · 13 sec · North Belt Line Road
25

Turn right onto Davis Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Davis Street
26

Turn slight right onto TX 180

15 ft · 2 sec · East Main Street
27

Turn right

74 ft · 5 sec
28

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a duration of just 1h 40m and a fuel cost estimated at $13, this is a very manageable drive. You have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, as it’s easily completed within a single day. Since there are no recommended stops and the longest stretch is under 45 miles, you won't need to plan for extensive breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the 87.8-mile distance means you'll likely be able to complete the entire trip on a single tank of gas, but it's always wise to start with a full one, especially when relying on major freeways where services can be spread out.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.9 miles from Denison, TX, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 44.7 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 19 miles or 23m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 43.9 miles or 49m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 23m

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 Denison, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Denison, TX

This is one driving day of about 87.8 miles and 1h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Denison, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on North Central Expressway for about 44.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Collin and Denton counties in Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Plano, TX

44 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

Howe, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Plano, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.9 miles from Denison, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Cultivar Coffee Roasting Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour Inexpensiv

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+14693876289

Visit website

Dark Hour Haunted House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Plano, Texas

+14692980556

Visit website

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 website

Louis 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 website

Heritage Farmstead Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Plano, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19728810140

Visit website

City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Dallas, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19724823055

Visit website

11th Hour Escape

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Plano, Texas

Hours: 12–5:30 pm

+14692095978

Visit website

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

McKinney, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19725625566

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 73.3 and 86.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
73.3 mi into trip | ~1h 20m in

Take the exit toward Waco, Denton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 1A Toward Waco, Denton
7
73.7 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Saint Paul Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Saint Paul Street
7
75.5 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Take the ramp toward I 35E South, I 30

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 35E South, I 30
7
75.7 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 30 West: Fort Worth

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 30 West: Fort Worth
7
86.1 mi into trip | ~1h 36m 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

$13.27 one way

$26.53 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $14.52 $29.04
premium $4.54 $15.68 $31.35
diesel $5.61 $19.39 $38.77

Estimated Tolls: $3.57

Central Expressway (44.7 mi) $3.57

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

$13

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.3 0 $9.22 $4.21
Efficient EV 22 0 $7.68 $3.51
EV Truck/SUV 35.1 0 $12.29 $5.62

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (68% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Denison, TX

Late night in Denison on Tuesday

Local time

5:38 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Grand Prairie, TX

Late night in Grand Prairie on Tuesday

Local time

5:38 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°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

8 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

1h 40m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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 a highway-focused drive, with 93% of the journey on major roads. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the North Central Expressway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 44.7 miles. Expect a consistent pace for most of the trip, as you'll primarily be navigating the North Central Expressway, North Sam Rayburn Freeway, and North Collins Freeway. The profile suggests a drive where the focus is on efficient travel rather than varied scenery, so be prepared for a steady, high-speed experience.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 44.7 mi on North Central Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Central Expressway and North Sam Rayburn Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 73.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.8 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 73.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 75.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Denison, TX and Grand Prairie, TX, road signs point toward Waco and Denton.

Waco

73.3 mi in | ~1h 20m

Denton

73.3 mi in | ~1h 20m

About the Cities

Starting in Denison, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1872

Denison is in the Blackland Prairie region.

Top landmarks

  • • Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site — building in Denison, Grayson County, Texas

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 1h 40m. Total distance: 87.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 44.7 miles on North Central Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.57 in tolls one way, starting with Central Expressway. 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.

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.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 73.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 75.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Grand Prairie, TX before heading back.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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