Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Rhode Island, TX to Lakeside City, 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
4h 8m
Distance
227.1 mi
365 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 55m
★
6 AM
4h 8m
8 AM
4h 34m
10 AM
4h 17m
12 PM
4h 15m
3 PM
4h 19m
5 PM
4h 33m
8 PM
4h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rhode Island, TX
Beth Fitzpatrick
Lakeside City, TX
Thiago Oliveira
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Rhode Island to Lakeside City, expect a straightforward 227.1-mile journey across the Texas Great Plains. You can comfortably complete this drive in about 4 hours and 8 minutes, making it a highly manageable day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes US 81, I 45, and SH 183 TEXpress to move you efficiently between these two points. Budgeting around $35 for fuel should cover your needs for the duration of the trip. Since both your start and end points are located within the Great Plains region, the landscape remains consistent throughout the drive. Overall, this is a practical, no-nonsense route for travelers looking to move quickly between these Texas locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
113.6 miles from Rhode Island, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 81 | 101.6 mi | 1h 47m |
| I 45 | 79.5 mi | 1h 22m |
| SH 183 TEXpress | 16.5 mi | 16m |
| I 820 TEXpress | 6.2 mi | 6m |
| North Stemmons Freeway | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| SH 121/183 TEXpress | 2.7 mi | 2m |
| I 35W TEXpress | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| Archer City Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 101.6 mi, about 1h 47m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,268 veh/hr typical · worst 2,709
Quietest
2 AM
~314 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 12 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rhode Island, TX and Lakeside City, 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
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
·
Farm-to-Market Road 833
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
7
Merge onto I 45
80 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 286A
Toward Waco, Denton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on Spur 366
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 35E North: Denton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 35E
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
North Stemmons Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 183
0.8 mi
·
48 sec
·
John W Carpenter Freeway
Exit 433A
Toward TX 183: Irving, DFW Airport
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 183 TEXpress
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 183 TEXpress
15 mi
·
14 min
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
16
Continue on TX 183 TEXpress
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
SH 183 TEXpress
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on TX 121 TEXpress; TX 183 TEXpress
0.7 mi
·
42 sec
·
SH 121/183 TEXpress
18
Continue on I 820 TEXpress
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
I 820 TEXpress
Toward I 820 Express West Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35W Express: Fort Worth, Denton
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 35W Express North: Denton
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 35W TEXpress
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
I 35W TEXpress
22
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto US 81; US 287
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on US 81; US 287
100 mi
·
1 hr 45 min
·
US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit onto TX 79
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 79
Toward US 281 South, TX 79 South: Jacksboro, Archer City
26
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 79
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
TX 79
Toward US 281 South, TX 79 South: Jacksboro, Archer City
27
Merge onto US 281; TX 79
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Henry S Grace Freeway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 79
0.6 mi
·
48 sec
·
Southwest Parkway
29
Take the exit onto TX 79
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
TX 79
Toward TX 79 South, Loop 473: Archer City
30
Turn left onto TX 79
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Archer City Highway
31
Continue on TX 79
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 79 South
32
Turn right onto Bowman Road
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Bowman Road
33
Turn right onto Shoreline Drive
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Shoreline Drive
34
Turn left onto Voyage Way
276 ft
·
16 sec
·
Voyage Way
35
Turn left onto Royal Road
0.1 mi
·
36 sec
·
Royal Road
36
Turn right onto Skyline Road
248 ft
·
10 sec
·
Skyline Road
37
Arrive at destination
Skyline Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day commitment, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, though planning for one strategic stop will help break up the 227.1-mile trek. Given that the route is heavily weighted toward highway driving, try to avoid peak commute hours when navigating the busier sections of I 45 or SH 183 TEXpress to ensure a smoother experience. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 101.6-mile stretch on US 81, as consistent highway speeds can deplete your tank faster than expected. Utilizing the $35 fuel budget effectively means topping off before hitting the major highway portions. Ultimately, pacing your single required stop around the halfway mark will keep you alert and refreshed for the final approach into Lakeside City.
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 113.6 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 2h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.6 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 50 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.6 miles or 2h 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakeside City, 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 227.1 miles and 4h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 US 81 for about 101.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 113.6 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 US 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 101.6 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
Wise County Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
TA
1.6 mi from route
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
2.4 mi from route
City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Early stretch
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Dallas, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+19724823055
Visit websiteFort Worth Herd
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Halfway reset
4.6 mi from route
~11 min detour
Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: 11:30 am–4 pm
+18173364373
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 285 decision points cluster between mile 81.9 and 117.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
81.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward Waco, Denton
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.
Exit 286A
Toward Waco, Denton
6
83.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
Take the exit toward I 35E North: Denton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E North: Denton
9
87.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
|
TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway toward TX 183: Irving, DFW Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 433A
Toward TX 183: Irving, DFW Airport
7
114.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W Express North: Denton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35W Express North: Denton
7
117.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
Take the exit toward US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
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 US 81 North, US 287 North: Decatur
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.11 one way
$62.21 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $34.74 | $69.49 |
| premium | $4.23 | $37.78 | $75.55 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $42.88 | $85.76 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.1 | 0 | $23.85 | $10.90 |
| Efficient EV | 56.8 | 0 | $19.87 | $9.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 90.8 | 1 | $31.79 | $14.53 |
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Evening in Rhode Island on Monday
Local time
6:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:27PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Lakeside City, TX
Evening in Lakeside City on Monday
Local time
6:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 to 14 mph
24% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:27PM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
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
4h 8m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 97% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend a significant portion of your time on major thoroughfares, including a notable 101.6-mile stretch on US 81 that represents the longest uninterrupted segment of the drive. The road environment is designed for efficiency rather than technical curves, favoring steady cruising over winding backroads. Because the drive is dominated by interstate and highway segments, you can maintain a consistent pace for the majority of the 4-hour duration. Be prepared for the steady, rhythmic pace of major Texas highways as you navigate the transition from Rhode Island to Lakeside City.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.6 mi on US 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 81 and I 45. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 227.1 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 81.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 87.8 miles (TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,064 ft
329 ft
Total Climb
1,035 ft
Total Descent
424 ft
Highest Point
1,064 ft
~178.4 mi in
Elevation Range
735 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 Lakeside City, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton and Dfw Airport.
Waco
81.9 mi in
|
~1h 26m
Denton
81.9 mi in
|
~1h 26m
Dfw Airport
87.8 mi in
|
~1h 35m
|
via TX 183
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 Lakeside City, 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 4h 8m. Total distance: 227.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.6 miles on US 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 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 Lakeside City, 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 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 81.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 87.8 miles (TX 183 / John W Carpenter Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Lakeside City, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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