This 340-mile journey from Rhode Island, Texas, to Paducah, Texas, will take approximately 6 hours and 29 minutes of driving time. It's a manageable one-day trip, perfect for getting across the Great Plains region without needing an overnight stop. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $52. Expect a route that involves numerous turns, making it more of a local road experience than a high-speed highway cruise. This drive is best suited for those who don't mind navigating through smaller communities and enjoy a less direct, more engaging driving style.
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
170 miles from Rhode Island, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 81
103.4 mi
1h 49m
I 45
79.5 mi
1h 22m
US Highway 70 South
64.4 mi
1h 34m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
SH 183 TEXpress
16.5 mi
16m
I 820 TEXpress
6.2 mi
6m
Northwest Freeway
5.3 mi
5m
North Stemmons Freeway
4.1 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 103.4 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rhode Island, TX and Paducah, 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 286AToward Waco, DentonUse 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: DentonUse 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 433AToward TX 183: Irving, DFW AirportUse 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 TollUse 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: DentonUse 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: DecaturUse 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
102 mi·1 hr 47 min·US 81; US 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on US 281; US 287
0.8 mi·58 sec·Lloyd Ruby Overpass
26
Continue on US 277; US 281; US 287
2.4 mi·3 min·Central Freeway
Use the straight lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287
5.3 mi·5 min·Northwest Freeway
Exit 3AToward US 287 North: Vernon, AmarilloUse the slight left / straight lanes.
28
Continue on US 287
40 mi·42 min·US Highway 287 East
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
29
Continue on US 70; US 183; US 287
3.6 mi·3 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit onto US 70
0.2 mi·36 sec·US 70
Toward US 70 West: Crowell, PlainviewUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto US 70
1.4 mi·2 min·College Drive
Use the left / straight lanes.
32
Continue on US 70
64 mi·1 hr 34 min·US Highway 70 South
33
Turn left onto US 83
82 ft·1 sec·9th Street
34
Arrive at destination
US 83
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 29-minute duration, starting early from Rhode Island is advisable to make the most of daylight. While it's a one-day trip, plan for at least one stop to break up the drive and refuel. The turn-heavy nature of this route means you should stay extra vigilant with navigation, as missed turns could significantly extend your travel time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you get closer to Paducah, and consider topping off before leaving Rhode Island to ensure you have plenty for the $52 estimated cost.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 170 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.4 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 75 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 170 miles or 3h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Paducah, 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 340 miles and 6h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 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 103.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 81.9 and 224.7 — 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
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
9
224.7 mi into trip|~4h in|US 287 / Northwest Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 287 / Northwest Freeway toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward US 287 North: Vernon, Amarillo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.37 one way
$102.75 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg119 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.20
$56.23
$112.47
premium
$4.54
$60.70
$121.41
diesel
$5.61
$75.07
$150.14
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
102
1
$35.70
$16.32
Efficient EV
85
0
$29.75
$13.60
EV Truck/SUV
136
1
$47.60
$21.76
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Rhode Island, TX
Night
in Rhode Island on Saturday
Local time
11:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Paducah, TX
Night
in Paducah on Saturday
Local time
11:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
61°F
Saginaw, TX
170 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
13 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
6h 29m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as 'turn-heavy,' meaning you'll be encountering frequent changes in direction rather than long, straight stretches. With 0% highway share, you'll be on local roads for the entire 340 miles. The absence of a defined longest uninterrupted stretch suggests a continuous engagement with the road, requiring your attention throughout the 6 hours and 29 minutes of travel. This isn't a passive drive; it's one where you'll be actively steering and navigating through the Texas landscape.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.4 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 Effort10/10
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 21 significant decision points across 340 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 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; at 114.2 miles: 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.
Between Rhode Island, TX and Paducah, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton, Dfw Airport, Amarillo and Plainview.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 29m. Total distance: 340 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.4 miles on US 81. 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 Paducah, 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: at 81.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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; at 114.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Paducah, TX before the return drive.
