Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Rhode Island, TX to Brownsboro, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 52m
Distance
201.2 mi
324 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 39m
★
6 AM
3h 52m
8 AM
4h 18m
10 AM
4h 1m
12 PM
3h 59m
3 PM
4h 2m
5 PM
4h 17m
8 PM
3h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rhode Island, TX
Beth Fitzpatrick
Brownsboro, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 201.2 miles across the Texas Great Plains, this route from Rhode Island to Brownsboro is a straightforward journey that typically takes 3 hours and 52 minutes. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, you likely won't need an overnight stay, making it a perfect one-day excursion. You will primarily navigate via TX 21, Main Street, and I-45, with roughly 68% of the route consisting of highway driving. With fuel costs estimated at around $31, it remains an affordable trek for most travelers. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick change of scenery, this highway-focused drive offers a reliable connection between these two Texas locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
100.6 miles from Rhode Island, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| TX 21 | 63.8 mi | 1h 11m |
| Main Street | 51.1 mi | 58m |
| I 45 | 26.6 mi | 26m |
| FM 86 | 15 mi | 17m |
| FM 20 | 13.3 mi | 16m |
| South State Highway 6 | 11.4 mi | 12m |
| West Old San Antonio Road | 8 mi | 10m |
| State Highway 71 East | 2.3 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
TX 21
— 63.8 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rhode Island, TX and Brownsboro, TX.
1
Start on County Road 161
10 ft
·
7 sec
·
County Road 161
2
Turn left onto FM 833
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East FM 833
3
Turn right onto TX 75; FM 833
52 ft
·
2 sec
·
North State Highway 75
4
Turn left onto FM 833
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West FM 833
5
Continue on FM 833
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 833
6
Turn left onto North Interstate 45
159 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Interstate 45
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
8
Merge onto I 45
27 mi
·
26 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward US 79: Buffalo, Jewett
10
Turn straight onto North Craig Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Craig Street
11
Turn right onto US 79
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
West Commerce Street
Use the right lane.
12
Continue on US 79
51 mi
·
58 min
·
Main Street
13
Continue on US 79; TX 6
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Market Street
14
Continue on US 190; TX 6
11 mi
·
12 min
·
South State Highway 6
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward TX OSR
16
Continue on South State Highway 6
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
South State Highway 6
17
Turn right onto TX OSR
8.0 mi
·
10 min
·
West Old San Antonio Road
18
Turn right onto TX 21
64 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
TX 21
19
Turn left onto TX 95
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
State Highway 95
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Turn right onto TX 21
409 ft
·
10 sec
·
State Highway 71 East
Use the right lane.
21
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward TX 21 West, TX 71 West
22
Merge onto TX 21; TX 71
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 71 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on TX 71; TX 21
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
TX 71; TX 21
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward FM 969 West, FM 20 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn straight onto State Highway 71 West
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 71 West
26
Turn left onto FM 20
13 mi
·
16 min
·
FM 20
27
Turn left onto FM 86
15 mi
·
17 min
·
FM 86
28
Turn right onto FM 1322
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 1322
29
Turn left
120 ft
·
8 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Planning for this 3-hour and 52-minute journey is simple, as you only need to build in one main stop to keep your energy levels up. Aim to depart early in the morning to avoid any potential congestion on I-45, which can fluctuate depending on the time of day. Since your fuel budget is roughly $31, filling up before you leave Rhode Island allows you to maximize your efficiency without worrying about pricing variations along the way. Use your single planned stop to stretch your legs after the longest 63.8-mile stretch on TX 21 to ensure you arrive in Brownsboro feeling refreshed. Because this is a flexible one-day trip, feel free to adjust your departure time to suit your personal schedule.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 100.6 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.8 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 44 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.6 miles or 1h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brownsboro, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island, TX
This is one driving day of about 201.2 miles and 3h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Rhode Island, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on TX 21 for about 63.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
101 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 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 100.6 miles from Rhode Island, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before TX 21 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 2.6 and 170.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.6 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 45
Merge onto I 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
29.2 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Take the exit toward US 79: Buffalo, Jewett
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 79: Buffalo, Jewett
5
30.1 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
US 79 / West Commerce Street
Turn right onto US 79 / West Commerce Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
167 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
|
TX 95 / State Highway 95
Turn left onto TX 95 / State Highway 95
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
170.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 13m in
Take the exit toward FM 969 West, FM 20 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FM 969 West, FM 20 South
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.56 one way
$55.12 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $30.78 | $61.56 |
| premium | $4.23 | $33.47 | $66.93 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $37.99 | $75.98 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60.4 | 0 | $21.13 | $9.66 |
| Efficient EV | 50.3 | 0 | $17.61 | $8.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 80.5 | 1 | $28.17 | $12.88 |
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Rhode Island, TX
Late night in Rhode Island on Monday
Local time
1:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Brownsboro, TX
Late night in Brownsboro on Monday
Local time
1:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:55PM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:33PM CDT until July 18 at 10:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
96°F
Somerville, TX
101 mi in
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 52m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive presents a distinct shift in pace, blending high-speed interstate travel with more localized transit. You will spend the majority of your time on major thoroughfares, though you should prepare for a longest uninterrupted stretch of 63.8 miles along TX 21. The 68% highway share ensures you can maintain a steady rhythm for most of the trip, but the transition onto Main Street will require a shift in your driving style as you enter tighter, slower-moving sections. Expect a functional, efficient experience rather than a winding backroads adventure, as the route is clearly optimized for speed and directness. Staying alert during those long highway miles is essential, even when the road feels predictable.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.8 mi on TX 21.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on TX 21 and Main Street. You will hit about 20 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in near I 45.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 201.2 miles you will encounter 20 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.1 miles (US 79 / West Commerce Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
545 ft
304 ft
Total Climb
448 ft
Total Descent
384 ft
Highest Point
545 ft
~186.8 mi in
Elevation Range
241 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rhode Island, TX and Brownsboro, TX, road signs point toward Jewett, Tx Osr, Fm 969 West and Fm 20 South.
Jewett
29.2 mi in
|
~31m
Tx Osr
94.7 mi in
|
~1h 46m
Fm 969 West
170.2 mi in
|
~3h 13m
Fm 20 South
170.2 mi in
|
~3h 13m
About the Cities
Starting in Rhode Island, TX
Full guide →“The Ocean State” · Founded 1790
Rhode Island (RI) is the smallest state of the United States of America, tucked between Massachusetts and Connecticut in New England. Nonetheless, it has over 400 mi (640 km) of coastline, courtesy of Narragansett Bay and islands such as Aquidneck Island, home to Newport, the "City by the Sea". While Rhode Island contains the name "island" in its name, most of its area is not on an island.
Arriving in Brownsboro, TX
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 52m. Total distance: 201.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.8 miles on TX 21. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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 Brownsboro, 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.1 miles (US 79 / West Commerce Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Brownsboro, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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