Car Rental Grand Prairie, TX

A midsize sedan works well for most visitors because it offers good comfort, saves gas and is easy to park. If you're visiting during summer or traveling as a family, think about renting an SUV for more space and comfort, especially if you plan to visit outdoor spots like Joe Pool Lake.

You can use I-30, the main highway that runs east and west through Grand Prairie to connect Dallas and Fort Worth. To get to Dallas, you should head east on I-30. For Fort Worth, you'll want to head west. You can also take other routes like SH-183 (Airport Freeway) to the north or I-20 to the south, depending on where you're going.

If you're just visiting for a short time, you can probably use the rental car's toll program, but they do charge extra fees. If you plan to be in the area for a longer time or will use toll roads a lot, you should ask your rental company about their unlimited toll packages. Those can save you money.

Most big attractions have plenty of parking, but you usually have to pay a fee. At AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, you'll find large lots where fees are about $25 to $60, depending on the event. Six Flags Over Texas has general parking and premium spots. Many places let you buy parking online ahead of time, which can save you time.

You should plan to leave at least 3 hours before your flight. You'll need about 30 minutes to drive from Grand Prairie to DFW, another 30 minutes to return the rental car and take the shuttle to your terminal and 2 hours for check-in and security. If you're driving east on I-30 during the morning rush hour, you should give yourself extra time.

If you're driving during a thunderstorm, you should slow down and leave more space between you and the car in front of you. If there are hail or tornado warnings, find a strong building for shelter. You should never stay in your car if there is a tornado threat. When you see flash flood warnings, stay away from low-lying roads and remember the safety motto: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

Grand Prairie is mostly a suburban area, but you can find pleasant views on the roads around Joe Pool Lake. If you're looking for more scenic driving, you can head southwest to Cleburne State Park (about a 45-minute drive) or west to Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. The Bluebonnet Trail near Ennis (about 30 miles/48 km southeast) is spectacular in the spring.

To avoid the worst traffic near Arlington attractions, you should try to arrive early. For major sporting events, that means at least 1-2 hours before the game starts. You can also take other routes like Division Street instead of I-30. For Cowboys or Rangers games, you should check the team websites for the best routes to the parking lots. If you visit Six Flags on a weekday, you'll miss the big weekend crowds.