Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Rhode Island, TX to Natalia, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 15m
Distance
286.8 mi
462 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 2m
★
6 AM
5h 16m
8 AM
5h 43m
10 AM
5h 25m
12 PM
5h 22m
3 PM
5h 27m
5 PM
5h 41m
8 PM
5h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rhode Island, TX
Beth Fitzpatrick
Natalia, TX
Miguel Del Angel Villegas
Trip Overview
Rhode Island, TX to Natalia, TX is 286.8 miles and takes about 5h 15m via Purple Heart Trail, I 35, and I 45, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive will take you across the diverse landscapes of the Great Plains region of Texas. Expect a mixed driving experience with a significant portion on major interstates, making it a straightforward journey. Given its manageable duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace. It's a practical option if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points within Texas.
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
143.4 miles from Rhode Island, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 116.5 mi | 2h 3m |
| I 35 | 55.8 mi | 58m |
| I 45 | 19.9 mi | 19m |
| West State Highway 31 | 18.8 mi | 21m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 18.5 mi | 22m |
| State Highway 31 | 17.2 mi | 17m |
| South Pan Am Expressway | 10.4 mi | 12m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.2 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 116.5 mi, about 2h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rhode Island, TX and Natalia, 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
20 mi
·
19 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 227
Toward TX 31: Athens, Waco
9
Turn left onto South Interstate 45
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
South Interstate 45
10
Turn left onto TX 31
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
11
At end of road, turn left onto TX 31
19 mi
·
21 min
·
West State Highway 31
12
Continue on TX 31
5.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Hubbard Bypass
13
Continue on TX 31
17 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 31
14
Continue on US 84
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East US Highway 84
15
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Bellmead Drive
16
Turn straight onto US 84
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Waco Drive
17
Turn left onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
519 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the left / straight lanes.
18
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 35 South, US 77 South
19
Merge onto I 35; US 77
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
56 mi
·
58 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
50 mi
·
54 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Use the slight left lane.
23
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Use the slight left lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
10 mi
·
12 min
·
South Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street
Use the slight right lane.
29
Continue on I 35
17 mi
·
17 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
Toward FM 471: Natalia
31
Turn straight
418 ft
·
10 sec
32
Continue on County Road 6767
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
County Road 6767
33
Turn right onto FM 471
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
FM 471 South
34
Continue on FM 471
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Walton Street
35
At end of road, turn left onto TX 132; FM 471
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
2nd Street
36
Arrive at destination
TX 132; FM 471
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Rhode Island, TX, to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $43, pacing yourself on the 286.8-mile journey is straightforward. The longest stretch, 116.5 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, is a good point to assess your need for a break. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule, but keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always wise, especially before entering longer, less populated segments.
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 143.4 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.5 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 63 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.4 miles or 2h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Natalia, 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 286.8 miles and 5h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 116.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
143 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 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 143.4 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 Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116.5 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.
Medina County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Medina County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Marlstone Retail Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
2.4 mi from route
Morgan's Wonderland
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–3 pm
+12104955888
Visit websiteThe Sophienburg Museum & Archives
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
New Braunfels, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+18306291572
Visit websiteTube Chute
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
New Braunfels, Texas
+18302214000
Visit websiteChildren's Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~9 min detour
Final third
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
San Marcos, Texas
Hours: 6 am–11 pm
+15123938400
Visit websiteSAMSAT AREA 21
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+12108003110
Visit websiteCalaboose African American History Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~9 min detour
Final third
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
San Marcos, Texas
Hours: 10 am–2 pm
+15123938421
Visit websiteWonder Chamber
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~10 min detour
Home stretch
4.1 mi from route
~10 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 12–9 pm
+12104675504
Visit websiteBarton Creek Greenbelt
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Final third
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
+15129746700
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 22.3 and 257.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
22.3 mi into trip
|
~24m in
Take the exit toward TX 31: Athens, Waco
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 227
Toward TX 31: Athens, Waco
8
175.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
7
249.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 31m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 South
8
255.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 39m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
257.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 42m in
|
I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Housto...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.34 one way
$86.67 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $47.43 | $94.87 |
| premium | $4.54 | $51.21 | $102.41 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.32 | $126.64 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 86 | 1 | $30.11 | $13.77 |
| Efficient EV | 71.7 | 0 | $25.10 | $11.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.7 | 1 | $40.15 | $18.36 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Morning in Rhode Island on Tuesday
Local time
7:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
0 mph
65% chance
Live forecast
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 20 at 11:56PM CDT until April 22 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 20 at 11:56PM CDT until April 22 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Destination
Natalia, TX
Morning in Natalia on Tuesday
Local time
7:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°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
11 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
5h 15m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 79.1
View on nps.gov
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 257.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a mixed drive, with 54% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches on major interstates like I-35 and I-45, which provide efficient travel. However, the Purple Heart Trail accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch at 116.5 miles, suggesting a more scenic or less urban segment of the drive. The overall feel is likely a blend of open highway cruising and potentially some more localized road segments, especially on the Purple Heart Trail. Prepare for varied driving conditions as you transition between these road types.
54% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 116.5 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 22.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 286.8 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 22.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.7 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Natalia, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Laredo and Spur 536: Houston.
Waco
22.3 mi in
|
~24m
Laredo
255.5 mi in
|
~4h 39m
|
via I 35
Spur 536: Houston
257.6 mi in
|
~4h 42m
|
via I 10; US 87
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.
Arriving in Natalia, TX
Full guide →Founded 1912
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 5h 15m. Total distance: 286.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 116.5 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Natalia, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 22.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.7 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Natalia, TX before the return drive.
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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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