The Major Road Network

US Highway 75 — The County's Spine

US-75 (Central Expressway) is the most important road in Grayson County. It runs north-south through Sherman and Denison, connecting the county to McKinney and the DFW metro to the south and continuing into Oklahoma at the Red River crossing. For commuters, commercial traffic, and visitors arriving from Dallas, US-75 is the primary entry and exit point.

Sherman: US-75 passes through the west side of Sherman with several key interchanges. Rush hour congestion builds between 7–9 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM southbound toward McKinney.

Denison: US-75 continues north to Denison with exits connecting to the historic downtown, lake corridor, and the Red River bridge into Durant, Oklahoma.

US Highway 82 — East-West Corridor

US-82 runs east-west through Sherman, connecting Grayson County to Gainesville to the west and Bonham to the east. The primary cross-county route for residents in the eastern and western portions of the county who need to reach Sherman without using US-75.

State Highway 289 — Preston Road Extension

SH-289 (Preston Road) enters Grayson County from the south through Van Alstyne and continues north toward Sherman. The primary north-south route for Van Alstyne residents and a key commuter corridor for those working south in Collin County.

FM Roads and Rural Corridors

Grayson County's Farm-to-Market road network provides access to rural communities, lake areas, and agricultural properties. Key FM roads include FM 1417 connecting Sherman to Pottsboro and the lake corridor.

FM road caution: Many FM roads are two-lane with no shoulder. Watch for farm equipment especially during planting and harvest seasons, and expect occasional road damage after heavy rain.

Getting to Grayson County from DFW

From Dallas/Plano/McKinney: US-75 north directly to Sherman — approximately 65 to 75 miles. Allow 75 to 90 minutes during peak commute hours; 60 minutes off-peak.

From Fort Worth/Denton: US-377 north to Gainesville, then US-82 east to Sherman. Approximately 90 to 100 miles.

From far north Collin County: SH-289 north through Van Alstyne directly into Sherman — the most direct route from the county's fastest-growing southern edge.

Seasonal Road Hazards

Winter weather: Occasional ice storms significantly impact road conditions on bridge decks and FM roads. Monitor TxDOT road conditions at drivetexas.org before driving in winter weather events.

Spring flooding: Heavy rains can cause localized flooding on FM roads and creek crossings. Never drive through flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don't Drown.

Farm equipment: Wide and slow-moving farm equipment shares FM roads year-round. Be patient and wait for safe passing opportunities.

Vehicle Registration and Driver Services

Grayson County Tax Assessor-Collector (Sherman): Vehicle registration and title transfers at the courthouse on S. Crockett Street. Online renewal available at TxT.gov.

Texas DPS Driver License office (Sherman): Online appointment scheduling strongly recommended at dps.texas.gov. New Texas residents must transfer within 90 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle inspections: Required annually before registration renewal. Numerous state-certified inspection stations throughout Sherman and Denison.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Grayson County from Dallas?

Sherman is approximately 65 miles north of downtown Dallas via US-75 — about 60 to 75 minutes depending on DFW traffic. Denison is about 75 miles from Dallas, and Van Alstyne on the county's southern edge is only about 50 miles, roughly 50 to 60 minutes.

Is there public transportation in Grayson County?

Limited. TAPS (Transit Authority of Public Schools) provides demand-response transit for seniors and people with disabilities. Sherman and Denison have no fixed-route bus service. Rideshare services are available in Sherman and Denison but coverage thins in rural areas. For most trips, a personal vehicle is required.

Resources

1. TxDOT Road Conditions — Drive Texas

2. Grayson County Tax Assessor-Collector — Vehicle Registration

3. Texas DPS — Driver License Services