Origin
McKinney, TX
Afternoon in McKinney on Sunday
Local time
2:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from McKinney, TX to Carrollton, TX
Drive Time
37m
Distance
27.6 mi
44 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
McKinney, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Carrollton, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from McKinney to Carrollton, expect a quick, 27.6-mile trip that typically takes about 37 minutes. Because this is a short journey within the Great Plains region of Texas, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stop. You will navigate primarily via the Sam Rayburn Tollway, the Dallas North Tollway, and the President George Bush Turnpike. Budgeting roughly $4 for fuel should be sufficient for this direct drive. Since there are no required stops, the trip offers a straightforward way to reach your destination efficiently. It is a practical choice for those who value speed and direct navigation over leisurely sightseeing.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
13.8 miles from McKinney, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 17m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that balances high-speed transit with typical suburban navigation. Approximately 17 miles of this route consist of highway driving, giving you a mix of fast-paced stretches and more technical maneuvering through local interchanges. You will spend your longest uninterrupted period on the Sam Rayburn Tollway, covering a 10.6-mile stretch. As you transition between the three major tollways, the road character shifts from open highway flow to more dense, turn-intensive segments. Staying alert is essential, as the route requires frequent adjustments to navigate the interchange system effectively.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Sam Rayburn Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 10.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near TX 5 / South McDonald Street.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 27.6 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: at 0.3 miles (TX 5 / South McDonald Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
TX 5 / South McDonald Street
Turn right onto TX 5 / South McDonald Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / none lanes.
7
14.2 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit toward Parkwood Boulevard, Dallas Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Parkwood Boulevard, Dallas Parkway
6
15.4 mi into trip
|
~19m in
Take the ramp toward DNT Toll South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward DNT Toll South
7
20.5 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PGBT West: President George Bush Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PGBT West: President George Bush Turnpik...
7
24.6 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Take the exit toward Josey Lane, McCoy Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Josey Lane, McCoy Road
Towns Along This Route
Between McKinney, TX and Carrollton, TX, road signs point toward Dnt Toll South, Pgbt: President George Bush Turnpike and Pgbt West: President George Bush Turnpike.
Dnt Toll South
15.4 mi in
|
~19m
Pgbt: President George Bush Turnpike
19.8 mi in
|
~24m
Pgbt West: President George Bush Turnpike
20.5 mi in
|
~26m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Rayburn Tollway | 10.6 mi | 11m |
| Dallas North Tollway | 4.3 mi | 4m |
| President George Bush Turnpike | 3.7 mi | 3m |
| South McDonald Street | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| North Josey Lane | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Spur 399 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| State Highway 121 | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Dallas Parkway | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Sam Rayburn Tollway
— 10.6 mi, about 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McKinney, TX and Carrollton, TX.
1
Start on North Tennessee Street
119 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Tennessee Street
2
Turn left onto East Virginia Street
228 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Virginia Street
3
Turn left onto North Kentucky Street
236 ft
·
15 sec
·
North Kentucky Street
4
Turn left onto East Louisiana Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
East Louisiana Street
5
Turn right onto TX 5
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
South McDonald Street
Use the left / none lanes.
6
Continue on Spur 399
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 399
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on SRT
11 mi
·
11 min
·
Sam Rayburn Tollway
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward Parkwood Boulevard, Dallas Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn straight onto TX 121
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 121
Use the none lane.
10
Turn left onto Dallas Parkway
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Dallas Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward DNT Toll South
Use the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto DNT
4.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dallas North Tollway
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward PGBT: President George Bush Turnpike
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward PGBT West: President George Bush Turnpike
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto PGBT
3.7 mi
·
3 min
·
President George Bush Turnpike
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward Josey Lane, McCoy Road
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto TX 190
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
East Trinity Mills Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto North Josey Lane
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Josey Lane
Use the left / none lanes.
19
Turn left onto East Belt Line Road
320 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Belt Line Road
Use the left lane.
20
Turn slight left
271 ft
·
17 sec
21
Turn sharp left onto East Belt Line Road
507 ft
·
14 sec
·
East Belt Line Road
22
Arrive at destination
East Belt Line Road
Trip Plan
Because this drive is only 37 minutes long, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, given the reliance on major tollways, keeping an eye on real-time traffic conditions before you head out is your best strategy for a smooth arrival. Since there are zero planned stops along the way, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you depart to avoid unnecessary detours. You should be prepared to navigate multiple toll road transitions, so keep your toll pass handy to maintain your momentum. Taking advantage of the short travel time allows you to maximize your day in Carrollton without the fatigue of a long-haul journey.
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 13.8 miles from McKinney, TX, or about 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 10.6 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 27.6 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 13.8 miles or 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carrollton, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving McKinney, 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 McKinney, TX
This is one driving day of about 27.6 miles and 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from McKinney, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Sam Rayburn Tollway for about 10.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 13.8 mi from McKinney, TX · 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
14 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 27.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 13.8 miles from McKinney, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Carrollton, TX
The final approach into Carrollton, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Carrollton, TX.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$4.22 one way
$8.43 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
10 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $4.62 | $9.24 |
| premium | $4.59 | $4.99 | $9.98 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $6.13 | $12.26 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.49
Sam Rayburn Tollway
(10.6 mi)
$0.85
Dallas North Tollway
(4.3 mi)
$0.34
President George Bush Turnpike
(3.7 mi)
$0.30
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
$4
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 9.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 8.3 | 0 | $2.90 | $1.32 |
| Efficient EV | 6.9 | 0 | $2.42 | $1.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 11 | 0 | $3.86 | $1.77 |
Gas CO2
10 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (70% 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.
Destination
Carrollton, TX
Afternoon in Carrollton on Sunday
Local time
2:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°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
2 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
37m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from McKinney, TX to Carrollton, TX covers 27.6 miles and takes about 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Sam Rayburn Tollway, Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 13.8 miles from McKinney, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.22 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 27.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (TX 5 / South McDonald Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Between McKinney, TX and Carrollton, TX, road signs point toward Dnt Toll South, Pgbt: President George Bush Turnpike and Pgbt West: President George Bush Turnpike.
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