December 4, 2025
Moving to Frisco often starts with one big question: what will my daily drive look like? You want the space, schools, and amenities that fit your life, but the commute still sets your rhythm. In this guide, you’ll learn how Frisco’s tollways and arterials shape travel times, which routes people use, what transit projects are coming, and how to choose a neighborhood that makes your mornings easier. Let’s dive in.
The DNT is the north–south spine through Frisco and a go-to route toward Plano and Dallas. It divides several neighborhoods and offers the most direct path to major employment centers. Because it is tolled, it often moves faster and more reliably during peak periods compared to non-toll alternatives.
Running east–west along southern Frisco, SH 121 links the northern suburbs and connects to I-35E and other expressways. Many commuters use it for cross-suburb trips and airport runs. Like the DNT, key segments are tolled and can save time when traffic is heavy.
On Frisco’s east side, Preston Road serves retail corridors and local commuting. It carries steady daily traffic and offers a non-toll option parallel to the DNT, but peak-hour signals can slow travel.
SH 380 sits north of central Frisco and handles growing east–west volumes, including freight. It is important for residents in northern neighborhoods and can be a chokepoint during rush hour.
Eldorado Parkway, Main Street, Lebanon Road, Warren Parkway, and Stonebrook Parkway connect neighborhoods to the highways. These arterials handle school traffic and daily errands and can back up near key intersections during peak times.
Most intra-city trips such as school drop-off, shopping, or a short cross-town drive range from about 5 to 20 minutes, depending on your start and end points.
If you work in Plano or north-central business parks, plan for roughly 10 to 25 minutes in typical conditions. Routes that use DNT or SH 121 tend to be more consistent.
Expect about 25 to 45 or more minutes, depending on departure time, route, and whether you use tolled segments. Testing the drive during your actual commute window is the best predictor.
Most drives run about 20 to 40 minutes, influenced by SH 121 volumes and time of day. If you fly often, consider proximity to SH 121 and your preferred airport route.
Morning inbound traffic toward Dallas and major job clusters usually builds from about 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. Evening outbound traffic typically runs 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Congestion is common on DNT, SH 121, and SH 380 during these windows.
Tollways are a major part of Frisco commuting. They help many residents trade dollars for reliability and a shorter drive. If you expect to use DNT or SH 121 often, make a quick estimate before you buy.
Tip: Keep a non-toll backup route in mind. On days with incidents or construction, an alternate can make the difference.
Frisco has limited fixed-route local transit today, so most commuters drive. Rideshare is widely available for last-mile connections or occasional trips. Program-based on-demand services can change year to year, so check the City of Frisco transportation pages or Collin County transit links for current offerings.
The regional project to watch is the DART Silver Line. This planned commuter rail will run across the northern suburbs, connecting DFW Airport to Richardson, Plano, and the DART rail network. When it opens, it will offer a non-auto option for certain trips, including airport access. Station locations, phasing, and timelines are set by DART and partner agencies, so confirm details on the DART Silver Line project before making commute assumptions.
DFW International Airport is the region’s primary international gateway and is commonly accessed via SH 121 and tollways. If you travel often, factor airport access into your neighborhood search. Review parking and ground transportation options on the DFW Airport official transportation information. Dallas Love Field is farther south and typically a longer drive for Frisco residents.
Frisco’s neighborhoods often provide ample residential parking, and most retail and office areas include large surface lots. Mixed-use centers closer to Dallas and Plano may include structured or pay parking.
Trails and shared-use paths are expanding, and several areas are walkable for errands and recreation. For most work commutes to regional job centers, private vehicles remain the primary mode. Biking is growing but may be limited for longer commutes. Frisco’s climate is generally mild; ice events can occur and may temporarily affect highways and arterials. Keep an alternate route plan for weather days.
Use this checklist to align your home search with your day-to-day:
For current data and project updates, rely on official sources:
Choosing a home in Frisco is about fitting your daily life into a network of corridors. The DNT and SH 121 often provide the quickest path to work and errands. Arterials like Eldorado and Main help you move inside the city, while SH 380 and Preston cover key north–south and east–west non-toll options. Transit is limited today, but the Silver Line will expand choices in the coming years. If you plan ahead, test your routes, and budget for tolls when it makes sense, your new routine can be smooth from day one.
If you would like personalized guidance to match neighborhoods with your commute, school routes, and travel schedule, connect with Teona Harris for a private, concierge-level consultation tailored to your move.
Teona Harris is dedicated to helping you find your dream home and assisting with any selling needs you may have. Contact Teona today to start your home searching journey!