Hereford, TX to Grand Prairie, TX is 402.1 miles and takes about 7h 16m via US Highway 287, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Texas, beginning in the Great Plains region and ending in the same area. Most of the drive is on highway, making it a straightforward trip. It's a good option if you need to get from the Texas Panhandle to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex efficiently, with two planned stops to break up the 400-plus miles.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
201.1 miles from Hereford, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Central East Freeway
99.2 mi
1h 46m
US Highway 287
81.8 mi
1h 27m
US 287
77.2 mi
1h 21m
West 1st Street
46 mi
50m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
I 40
7.6 mi
9m
President George Bush Turnpike
6 mi
6m
I 820 TEXpress
5.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Central East Freeway
— 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hereford, TX and Grand Prairie, TX.
1
Start on this road
242 ft·23 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto US 60
46 mi·50 min·West 1st Street
3
Take the exit
0.1 mi·11 sec
Exit 123BToward I 40, US 287 South: Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Fort WorthUse the straight / right lanes.
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Exit 123BToward I 40 East, US 287 South: Oklahoma City, Fort WorthUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto I 40; US 287
7.6 mi·9 min·I 40; US 287
6
Take the exit onto US 287
77 mi·1 hr 21 min·US 287
Exit 78Toward US 287 South: Fort Worth
7
Turn slight right onto US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
8
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·58 sec·Burnett Street
9
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
10
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northwest
11
Continue on US 287
54 mi·58 min·US Highway 287
12
Continue on US 287
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
41 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·Northwest Freeway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 287
0.6 mi·42 sec·Northwest Freeway
Toward I 44 West, US 277 South, US 281 South, US 287 South: Wichita Falls
16
Merge onto I 44; US 277; US 281; US 287
2.5 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.9 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
1.8 mi·1 min·Central East Freeway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 82; US 287
97 mi·1 hr 43 min·Central East Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on US 81; US 287
4.6 mi·4 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 35W; US 287
2.3 mi·2 min·North Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·24 sec
Exit 57Toward I 820Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 820 EastUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 820
0.4 mi·24 sec·Northeast Loop
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·7 sec
Toward I 820 Express East Toll
27
Merge onto I 820 TEXpress
5.5 mi·5 min·I 820 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
4.4 mi·4 min·SH 121/183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
2.5 mi·2 min·SH 183 TEXpress
Toward TX 183 Express EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
262 ft·6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
31
Merge onto TX 183
3.6 mi·3 min·Airport Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward PGBT, TX 161: President George Bush TurnpikeUse the straight / right lanes.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward PGBT South: President George Bush Turnpike SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Merge onto PGBT
6.0 mi·6 min·President George Bush Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi·27 sec
Toward TX 180: Main Street, Jefferson StreetUse the slight right lane.
36
Turn straight onto TX 161
448 ft·10 sec·North State Highway 161
37
Turn left onto Dalworth Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Dalworth Street
38
Turn slight left onto TX 180
0.4 mi·51 sec·West Main Street
39
Continue on TX 180
0.3 mi·45 sec·East Main Street
40
Turn left
74 ft·5 sec
41
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 16m estimated drive time, leaving Hereford, TX in the morning will allow you to reach Grand Prairie, TX well before evening. With two recommended stops, aim to take one about halfway through your longest stretch of 99.2 miles to refuel and stretch your legs. The $58 fuel cost is an estimate, so keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the longer highway segments. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility in timing your stops based on your personal comfort level.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 201.1 miles from Hereford, TX, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 88 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 201.1 miles or 3h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 9m
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 Hereford, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hereford, TX
This is one driving day of about 402.1 miles and 7h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 88 miles from Hereford, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Central East Freeway for about 99.2 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 46 and 393.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
46 mi into trip|~51m in
Take the exit toward I 40, US 287 South: Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth
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 123B
Toward I 40, US 287 South: Albuquerque, Oklahom...
10
46.2 mi into trip|~51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, US 287 South: Oklahoma City, Fort Worth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 123B
Toward I 40 East, US 287 South: Oklahoma City,...
7
375.8 mi into trip|~6h 45m in
Take the exit toward I 820
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 57
Toward I 820
7
376.2 mi into trip|~6h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 820 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 820 East
7
393.7 mi into trip|~7h 4m in
Take the exit toward PGBT, TX 161: President George Bush Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward PGBT, TX 161: President George Bush Turn...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.08 one way
$110.15 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg141 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$61.52
$123.04
premium
$4.23
$66.88
$133.77
diesel
$4.80
$75.92
$151.85
Estimated Tolls: $0.48
President George Bush Turnpike
(6 mi)$0.48
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
$55
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 140.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
120.6
1
$42.22
$19.30
Efficient EV
100.5
1
$35.18
$16.08
EV Truck/SUV
160.8
2
$56.29
$25.73
Gas CO2
141 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Hereford, TX
Morning
in Hereford on Sunday
Local time
9:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Cloudy
S 10 to 15 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Grand Prairie, TX
Morning
in Grand Prairie on Sunday
Local time
9:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 to 10 mph33% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:36PM CDT until July 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
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
7h 16m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
National Monument
13,000 years ago, Alibates Flint was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 55.5
Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands. Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 2...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 55.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 85% of the 402.1 miles on major roads like Central East Freeway and US Highway 287. You'll experience a longest stretch of 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway, offering extended periods of consistent cruising. Beyond the highway sections, expect to transition to surface roads for portions of the trip. The high percentage of highway driving suggests ample opportunities for steady travel.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.2 mi on Central East Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Central East Freeway and US Highway 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 46 miles in.
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 24 significant decision points across 402.1 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 46 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 375.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,817 ft519 ft
Total Climb
205 ft
Total Descent
3,504 ft
Highest Point
3,817 ft
Elevation Range
3,298 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hereford, TX and Grand Prairie, TX, road signs point toward Oklahoma City and Fort Worth.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 16m. Total distance: 402.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.2 miles on Central East Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.48 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.
Yes — we found about 34 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 46 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 375.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Grand Prairie, TX before the return drive.
