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Trip from Rhode Island, TX to Markham, TX

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 49m

Distance

246.7 mi

397 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 36m ★
6 AM
4h 50m
8 AM
5h 17m
10 AM
4h 59m
12 PM
4h 56m
3 PM
5h 1m
5 PM
5h 15m
8 PM
4h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Rhode Island, TX, TX

Rhode Island, TX

Beth Fitzpatrick

Downtown Markham, TX, TX

Markham, TX

Thomas balabaud

Trip Overview

This 246.7-mile drive from Rhode Island, TX to Markham, TX is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes. With 93% of the route on highways, including I 45 and TX 35, you'll experience a consistent pace. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $37, making it an economical option. Both your origin and destination are situated within the Great Plains region, suggesting a drive through familiar agricultural and open landscapes. This route is ideal for those seeking efficiency and a direct path to their destination.

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

123.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 45 157.1 mi 2h 46m
TX 35 28.1 mi 42m
Nolan Ryan Expressway 24.6 mi 28m
TX 288 Toll 14.4 mi 16m
Jimmy Phillips Boulevard 11.3 mi 16m
Gulf Freeway 2.6 mi 3m
South 17th Street 2 mi 3m
East FM 833 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 45 — 157.1 mi, about 2h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rhode Island, TX and Markham, 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

157 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 45

2.6 mi · 3 min · Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 46B Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
12

Continue on TX 288

0.6 mi · 46 sec · South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

14 mi · 16 min · TX 288 Toll
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
14

Merge onto TX 288

0.2 mi · 17 sec · South Freeway
15

Continue on TX 288

25 mi · 28 min · Nolan Ryan Expressway
16

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 35
17

Turn right onto TX 35

11 mi · 16 min · Jimmy Phillips Boulevard
18

Continue on TX 35

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Brazos Avenue
19

Turn left onto TX 35 Business

2.0 mi · 3 min · South 17th Street
20

At end of road, turn left onto TX 35

28 mi · 42 min · TX 35
21

Turn right onto FM 1468

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Broadway
22

Arrive at destination

FM 1468

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 4 hour and 49-minute duration, this trip is best tackled as a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan for at least one stop to break up the 157.1-mile stretch on I 45, ensuring you stay refreshed. With a fuel cost estimated at $37, it's wise to fill up before leaving Rhode Island, TX, as highway services might be more spaced out on certain segments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer portions on I 45.

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 123.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.1 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 54 miles or 59m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 123.3 miles or 2h 13m 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 42m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, 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 246.7 miles and 4h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 I 45 for about 157.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown houston-tx

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Houston, TX

123 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.

Popular next leg

Houston, TX to Markham, TX

86.7 mi · 1h 59m

Pacing Suggestions

College Station, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Conroe, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 123.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Houston, Texas

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 158.6

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Houston, Texas

2.8 mi

Downtown Aquarium

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 158.6

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+17132233474

Visit website

Cidercade Houston

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 158.6

Houston, Texas

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+13462417524

Visit website

Children's Museum Houston

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 158.6

Houston, Texas

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17135221138

Visit website

Candy Cane Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 123.3

Conroe, Texas

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+19365223804

Visit website

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 158.6

Houston, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17137520314

Visit website

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 158.6

Houston, Texas

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17137520314

Visit website

Carl Barton Jr Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 123.3

Conroe, Texas

Hours: 6 am–8:30 pm

+19365223000

Visit website

Union Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 158.6

Houston, Texas

+17132598070

Visit website

Midtown Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 158.6

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+17135267577

Visit website

Crocodile Encounter

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 193.8

Angleton, Texas

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+12815952232

Visit website

Dennis Johnston Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 140.9

Spring, Texas

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17132740930

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 164.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | FM 833 / East FM 833

Turn left onto FM 833 / East FM 833

Navigation decision point

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.
8
162.3 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in

Take the exit toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria

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 46B Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: L...
6
163 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Keep slight left at fork toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
6
164.2 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | TX 288 Toll

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.28 one way

$74.55 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 86 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $40.80 $81.61
premium $4.54 $44.05 $88.09
diesel $5.61 $54.47 $108.94

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 86.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 74 0 $25.90 $11.84
Efficient EV 61.7 0 $21.59 $9.87
EV Truck/SUV 98.7 1 $34.54 $15.79

Gas CO2

86 kg

EV CO2

29 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Rhode Island, TX

Night in Rhode Island on Saturday

Local time

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Markham, TX

Night in Markham on Saturday

Local time

11:17 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

6 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 49m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this 246.7-mile trip, with 93% of your drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 157.1 miles along I 45, offering a period of consistent speed and minimal interruptions. While the primary roads are I 45 and TX 35, the inclusion of Nolan Ryan Expressway indicates some modern highway infrastructure. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficient travel rather than winding scenic detours.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.1 mi on I 45.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and TX 35. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near FM 833 / East FM 833.

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 246.7 miles you will encounter 15 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: near the start (FM 833 / East FM 833): Navigation decision point; at 2.6 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 162.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Markham, TX, road signs point toward Freeport and Victoria.

Freeport

162.3 mi in | ~2h 55m

Victoria

162.3 mi in | ~2h 55m

About the Cities

Starting in Rhode Island, TX

Full guide →

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.

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 49m. Total distance: 246.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 157.1 miles on I 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Markham, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (FM 833 / East FM 833): Navigation decision point; at 2.6 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 162.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Markham, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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