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Trip from Forest Hill, TX to Irving, 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

2h 1m

Distance

102.8 mi

165 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 53m ★
6 AM
2h 1m
8 AM
2h 19m
10 AM
2h 7m
12 PM
2h 6m
3 PM
2h 8m
5 PM
2h 18m
8 PM
1h 56m

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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Downtown Forest Hill, TX, TX

Forest Hill, TX

Eddie O.

Trip Overview

This straightforward 102.8-mile drive from Forest Hill, TX, to Irving, TX, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 76% of it on major roads like Central Expressway, US Highway 82 West, and South State Highway 121. Expect a fuel cost of around $16 for this journey. Since both your origin and destination are within the Great Plains region of Texas, the scenery will likely remain consistent. This drive offers a practical way to get from point A to point B without significant logistical planning.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

51.4 miles from Forest Hill, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Central Expressway 25.2 mi 27m
US Highway 82 West 21.1 mi 23m
South State Highway 121 16.9 mi 18m
Sam Rayburn Highway 15.2 mi 17m
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway 4.8 mi 5m
North Walton Walker Boulevard 4.3 mi 4m
FM 38 3.5 mi 8m
Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway 2.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Central Expressway — 25.2 mi, about 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Forest Hill, TX and Irving, TX.

1

Start on County Road 35050

231 ft · 15 sec · County Road 35050
2

Turn left onto FM 38

3.5 mi · 8 min · FM 38
3

Turn right onto US 82

21 mi · 23 min · US Highway 82 West
4

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Exit 670 Toward TX 121: Randolph, Trenton
5

Turn straight onto West US Highway 82

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West US Highway 82
6

Turn left onto TX 121

2.0 mi · 2 min · North State Highway 121
7

Turn right onto TX 56; TX 121

0.5 mi · 37 sec · West Sam Rayburn Drive
8

Turn slight left onto TX 121

17 mi · 18 min · South State Highway 121
9

Continue on TX 121

15 mi · 17 min · Sam Rayburn Highway
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward US 75 South, TX 121 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto US 75; TX 121

25 mi · 27 min · Central Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 21 Toward I 635 Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.9 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 635 West Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 635

2.4 mi · 2 min · Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 635

4.8 mi · 5 min · Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 31 sec
Exit 27C Toward I 35E South: Dallas Use the left / straight lanes.
17

Merge onto I 35E

2.2 mi · 2 min · South Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight right at fork onto North Walton Walker Boulevard

4.3 mi · 4 min · North Walton Walker Boulevard
Exit 436A Toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Toward TX 356 Use the slight right lane.
20

Turn straight onto South Loop 12

0.1 mi · 17 sec · South Loop 12
21

Turn right onto TX 356

0.3 mi · 45 sec · East State Highway 356
Use the right lane.
22

Continue on TX 356

1.2 mi · 2 min · East Irving Boulevard
23

Continue on West Irving Boulevard

0.1 mi · 26 sec · West Irving Boulevard
24

Turn right onto North Ohio Street

58 ft · 2 sec · North Ohio Street
25

Arrive at destination

North Ohio Street

Trip Plan

Given this drive's 2-hour duration, it's perfect for a single day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave either early in the morning to beat potential traffic or mid-day if you prefer a more relaxed start. With no designated stops in the data, plan your own breaks as needed, especially during the 25.2-mile stretch on Central Expressway. The estimated fuel cost is $16, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart to avoid unnecessary detours for gas.

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 51.4 miles from Forest Hill, TX, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.2 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 23 miles or 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 51.4 miles or 1h 1m 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 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Irving, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Forest Hill, 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 Forest Hill, TX

This is one driving day of about 102.8 miles and 2h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Forest Hill, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Central Expressway for about 25.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Collin County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

McKinney, TX

51 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.

Popular next leg

McKinney, TX to Irving, TX

38.9 mi · 47m

Pacing Suggestions

Boyd, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Melissa, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51.4 miles from Forest Hill, 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.

Dark Hour Haunted House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Plano, Texas

+14692980556

Visit website

11th Hour Escape

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.5 mi from route ~4 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

Final third 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

McKinney, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19725625566

Visit website

Heritage Farmstead Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Plano, Texas

Hours: Closed

+19728810140

Visit website

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Grand Prairie, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19722632391

Visit website

Historic Downtown Carrollton

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Carrollton, Texas

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+19728809855

Visit website

Louis Tussaud's Palace of Wax

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Grand Prairie, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19722632391

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 59.6 and 96.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
59.6 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 75 South, TX 121 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 75 South, TX 121 South
7
85.6 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Take the exit toward I 635

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 21 Toward I 635
7
85.9 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 635 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 635 West
7
93.9 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in

Take the exit toward I 35E South: Dallas

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes. Exit 27C Toward I 35E South: Dallas
9
96.6 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in | North Walton Walker Boulevard

Keep slight right at fork onto North Walton Walker Boulevard toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 436A Toward Loop 12 South: Irving, Dallas Fort Worth...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.53 one way

$31.07 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $17.00 $34.00
premium $4.54 $18.35 $36.71
diesel $5.61 $22.70 $45.39

Estimated Tolls: $2.02

Central Expressway (25.2 mi) $2.02

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

$16

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.8 0 $10.79 $4.93
Efficient EV 25.7 0 $9.00 $4.11
EV Truck/SUV 41.1 0 $14.39 $6.58

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (67% 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

Forest Hill, TX

Morning in Forest Hill on Tuesday

Local time

10:24 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Irving, TX

Morning in Irving on Tuesday

Local time

10:24 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

3 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

2h 1m 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?

You'll encounter a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 76% of the route utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 25.2 miles on Central Expressway, indicating a good pace for much of the journey. While the data doesn't specify dramatic shifts, the progression through Central Expressway, US Highway 82 West, and South State Highway 121 suggests a consistent driving experience. This profile means you can anticipate relatively fast travel speeds with fewer interruptions.

76% 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: 25.2 mi on Central Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central Expressway and US Highway 82 West. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 59.6 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 16 significant decision points across 102.8 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 59.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Forest Hill, TX and Irving, TX, road signs point toward Trenton, Loop 12 South: Irving and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Trenton

24.6 mi in | ~31m

Loop 12 South: Irving

96.6 mi in | ~1h 52m | via North Walton Walker Boulevard

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

96.6 mi in | ~1h 52m | via North Walton Walker Boulevard

About the Cities

Starting in Forest Hill, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1860

Arriving in Irving, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1903

Irving is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Irving has experienced exponential growth over the past fifty years, and is home to a multitude of attractions of all types, from modern art to major sporting events. Founded in 1902 out of the remnants of the small community of Kit, Irving is now a bustling city of approximately 197,000 residents. Rather like Dallas, it is divided into a highly affluent northern half and less affluent but highly diverse southern half. It is bounded to the east by the northern fork (Elm Fork) of the Trinity River and to the northwest by the sprawling D/FW International Airport.

Top landmarks

  • • Ruth Paine Home — house in Irving, Texas, United States

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 2h 1m. Total distance: 102.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 25.2 miles on Central Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.02 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 Irving, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 59.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Irving, 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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