Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Frisco, TX to Parker, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 44m
Distance
205.6 mi
331 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 31m
★
6 AM
3h 44m
8 AM
4h 9m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 50m
3 PM
3h 54m
5 PM
4h 8m
8 PM
3h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Frisco, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Parker, TX
Thomas balabaud
Trip Overview
Frisco, TX to Parker, TX is 205.6 miles and takes about 3h 44m via South R L Thornton Freeway and Dallas North Tollway, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, primarily traversing Texas. Expect a route that is mostly highway driving, making it a straightforward trip. With just one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
102.8 miles from Frisco, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 89.9 mi | 1h 32m |
| East State Highway 6 | 46.6 mi | 46m |
| Dallas North Tollway | 22.9 mi | 25m |
| South State Highway 6 | 11.4 mi | 12m |
| West Old San Antonio Road | 8 mi | 10m |
| North State Highway 6 | 6.2 mi | 6m |
| TX 21 | 3 mi | 3m |
| Marlin Highway | 2.7 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
South R L Thornton Freeway
— 89.9 mi, about 1h 32m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,086 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~837 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 79 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 Frisco, TX and Parker, TX.
1
Start on Main Street
87 ft
·
9 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn left onto 5th Street
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
5th Street
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on Parkwood Boulevard
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Parkwood Boulevard
4
Turn right onto Stonebrook Parkway
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Stonebrook Parkway
Use the right lane.
5
Turn left onto Dallas Parkway
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Dallas Parkway
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
Toward DNT Toll South
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Merge onto DNT
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Dallas North Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 35E South
Use the right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
329 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 35E South
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
North Stemmons Freeway
11
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 35E South
12
Merge onto I 35E
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
North Stemmons Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 35E
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
14
Continue on I 35E
89 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Exit 426
Toward Dallas Zoo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 35; US 77
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 337
Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
18
Turn left onto US 77 Bus
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Loop Drive
19
Continue on Loop 484
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Marlin Highway
20
Continue on TX 6
9.1 mi
·
9 min
·
East State Highway 6
21
Continue on TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Memorial Street
22
Continue on TX 6
37 mi
·
37 min
·
East State Highway 6
23
Continue on TX 6
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
24
Continue on TX 6
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
North State Highway 6
25
Continue on US 79; TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Market Street
26
Continue on US 190; TX 6
11 mi
·
12 min
·
South State Highway 6
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward TX OSR
28
Continue on South State Highway 6
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
South State Highway 6
29
Turn right onto TX OSR
8.0 mi
·
10 min
·
West Old San Antonio Road
30
Turn right onto TX 21
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
TX 21
31
Turn left onto FM 50
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Farm to Market Road 50
32
Arrive at destination
FM 50
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 44m estimated duration, leaving Frisco in the morning will allow ample time to reach Parker without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $29, this is a manageable one-day trip. The drive is mostly highway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly during the 89.9-mile stretch on South R L Thornton Freeway. Planning your single stop around the halfway point could break up the drive nicely.
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 102.8 miles from Frisco, TX, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 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 45 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.8 miles or 1h 51m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Parker, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Frisco, 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 Frisco, TX
This is one driving day of about 205.6 miles and 3h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Frisco, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 89.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.8 miles from Frisco, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 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.
Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.5 mi from route
Doris D Miller Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Waco, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteCity Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteVisit Frisco
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Frisco, Texas
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+19722925250
Visit websiteKids Colony
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~12 min detour
4.8 mi from route
~12 min detour
The Colony, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
+19726251106
Visit websiteHistoric Downtown Carrollton
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~12 min detour
First break
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Carrollton, Texas
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+19728809855
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 117.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
5th Street
Turn left onto 5th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
1.2 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Stonebrook Parkway
Turn right onto Stonebrook Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
24.8 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 35E South
7
25.3 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E South
7
117.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 337
Toward US 77 Business: Elm Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.86 one way
$61.73 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $34.15 | $68.30 |
| premium | $4.57 | $36.95 | $73.90 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $50.80 | $101.60 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.83
Dallas North Tollway
(22.9 mi)
$1.83
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
$31
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.59 | $9.87 |
| Efficient EV | 51.4 | 0 | $17.99 | $8.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.2 | 1 | $28.78 | $13.16 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Origin
Frisco, TX
Morning in Frisco on Thursday
Local time
7:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Parker, TX
Morning in Parker on Thursday
Local time
7:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Partly Sunny
E 0 to 5 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
76°F
Italy, TX
103 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 44m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 113.4
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 on highways, with 78% of the 205.6 miles covered on high-speed roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 89.9 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. Most of the route involves highway cruising, but be prepared for the transition to surface roads as you near your destination. The high percentage of highway driving suggests a consistent pace for most of the trip.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.9 mi on South R L Thornton Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and East State Highway 6. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 5th Street.
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 15 significant decision points across 205.6 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: near the start (5th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.2 miles (Stonebrook Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
696 ft
243 ft
Total Climb
325 ft
Total Descent
778 ft
Highest Point
696 ft
Elevation Range
453 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.
Between Frisco, TX and Parker, TX, road signs point toward Dallas Zoo and Tx Osr.
Dallas Zoo
28 mi in
|
~34m
|
via I 35E
Tx Osr
192.1 mi in
|
~3h 26m
About the Cities
Starting in Frisco, TX
Full guide →Founded 1904
Frisco is a suburb of Dallas and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Top landmarks
- • Universal Kids Resort — resort in Frisco, Texas
- • Videogame History Museum — computer museum in Texas, USA
Arriving in Parker, TX
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Southfork Ranch — conference and event center located in Parker, Texas, U.S.
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 3h 44m. Total distance: 205.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 89.9 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.83 in tolls one way, starting with Dallas North Tollway. 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 14 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 Parker, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (5th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.2 miles (Stonebrook Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Parker, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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