Spanning 147.5 miles across the Great Plains of Texas, this drive from Grand Prairie to Burkburnett is a straightforward journey that typically takes 2 hours and 41 minutes. Because the route is compact, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $23 for fuel to complete the trip comfortably. Navigating the path involves utilizing a combination of the Central Freeway, I-820 TEXpress, and US 81. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, the route offers a reliable connection between these two North Texas locations.
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
73.7 miles from Grand Prairie, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 81
103.4 mi
1h 49m
Central Freeway
9.5 mi
10m
I 820 TEXpress
6.2 mi
6m
President George Bush Turnpike
5.8 mi
6m
Airport Freeway
4.6 mi
4m
South Red River Expressway
2.9 mi
3m
SH 121/183 TEXpress
2.7 mi
2m
SH 183 TEXpress
2.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 103.4 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Prairie, TX and Burkburnett, TX.
1
Start on this road
219 ft·21 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Northeast 5th Street
189 ft·10 sec·Northeast 5th Street
3
Turn right onto TX 180
0.3 mi·36 sec·East Main Street
4
Continue on TX 180
0.4 mi·53 sec·West Main Street
5
Turn slight right onto Dalworth Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Dalworth Street
6
Turn right onto TX 161
0.1 mi·11 sec·North State Highway 161
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward PGBT Toll North
8
Merge onto PGBT
5.8 mi·6 min·President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
Toward TX 183 West: DFW AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto TX 183
4.6 mi·4 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto Airport Freeway TEXpress
0.3 mi·16 sec·Airport Freeway TEXpress
Toward TX 121 Express South, TX 183 Express West: Airport Freeway TEXpress WestUse the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto TX 183 TEXpress
2.5 mi·2 min·SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
2.0 mi·2 min·SH 121/183 TEXpress
14
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
0.1 mi·7 sec·SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
0.7 mi·42 sec·SH 121/183 TEXpress
16
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
6.2 mi·6 min·I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express West TollUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 35W Express: Fort Worth, Denton
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·50 sec
Toward I 35W Express North: DentonUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
2.3 mi·2 min·I 35W TEXpress
20
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: DecaturUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto US 81; US 287
1.7 mi·1 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on US 81; US 287
102 mi·1 hr 47 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
24
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; US 277; US 281
7.0 mi·7 min·Central Freeway
Toward I 44 East, US 277 North, US 281 North: Burkburnett, LawtonUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Continue on I 44; US 277; US 281
2.7 mi·2 min·South Red River Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 12Toward TX 240: BurkburnettUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on South Red River Expressway
0.2 mi·26 sec·South Red River Expressway
29
Turn slight left onto TX 240
0.9 mi·1 min·Sheppard Road
30
Continue on Loop 267
0.7 mi·1 min·South Avenue D
31
Turn right onto TX 240
70 ft·1 sec·East 3rd Street
32
Arrive at destination
TX 240
Trip Plan
Since the drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though planning for one strategic stop will help break up the 2-hour and 41-minute duration. Given the high percentage of highway driving, ensure your vehicle is road-ready for sustained speeds before you leave Grand Prairie. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge when entering the 103.4-mile segment on US 81, as this is your longest stretch without significant changes in road type. By pacing yourself and utilizing that single planned stop effectively, you can arrive in Burkburnett feeling refreshed rather than fatigued. Aim to avoid peak traffic hours in the Grand Prairie area to ensure your departure is as smooth as the rest of the trip.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.7 miles from Grand Prairie, TX, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.4 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 32 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.7 miles or 1h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Burkburnett, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Grand Prairie, 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 Grand Prairie, TX
This is one driving day of about 147.5 miles and 2h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Grand Prairie, 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 US 81 for about 103.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 13.3 and 145.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
13.3 mi into trip|~17m in|Airport Freeway TEXpress
Take the exit onto Airport Freeway TEXpress toward TX 121 Express South, TX 183 Express West: Airport Freeway TEXpress West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward TX 121 Express South, TX 183 Express Wes...
7
25.3 mi into trip|~29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W Express North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35W Express North: Denton
7
28.4 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the exit toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
8
135.8 mi into trip|~2h 28m in|I 44; US 277; US 281 / Central Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 44; US 277; US 281 / Central Freeway toward I 44 East, US 277 North, US 281 North: Burkburnett, Lawton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 44 East, US 277 North, US 281 North: B...
7
145.5 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward TX 240: Burkburnett
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward TX 240: Burkburnett
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.29 one way
$44.58 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg52 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$24.40
$48.79
premium
$4.54
$26.34
$52.67
diesel
$5.61
$32.57
$65.13
Estimated Tolls: $0.46
President George Bush Turnpike
(5.8 mi)$0.46
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
$22
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44.3
0
$15.49
$7.08
Efficient EV
36.9
0
$12.91
$5.90
EV Truck/SUV
59
0
$20.65
$9.44
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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 15, 2026
Origin
Grand Prairie, TX
Late night
in Grand Prairie on Sunday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Burkburnett, TX
Late night
in Burkburnett on Sunday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
59°F
Aurora, TX
74 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
12 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 41m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 95% of your travel time will be spent on major roads. The journey is defined by a significant, uninterrupted 103.4-mile stretch along US 81, which serves as the backbone of your drive. You will navigate a mix of high-speed freeway infrastructure and standard highway segments that keep the pace steady throughout the Great Plains landscape. While the road is efficient and geared toward rapid transit, the consistent highway environment makes for a predictable ride. Stay alert during these long stretches, as the road character remains largely uniform until you reach the Burkburnett area.
95% 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: 103.4 mi on US 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 81 and Central Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.3 miles in near Airport Freeway TEXpress.
Driving Effort10/10
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 18 significant decision points across 147.5 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 13.3 miles (Airport Freeway TEXpress): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Grand Prairie, TX and Burkburnett, TX, road signs point toward Denton and Lawton.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 41m. Total distance: 147.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.4 miles on US 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.46 in tolls one way, starting with President George Bush Turnpike. 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 Burkburnett, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.3 miles (Airport Freeway TEXpress): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Burkburnett, TX before heading back.
