Rhode Island, TX to Perryton, TX is 498.5 miles and takes about 9h 1m via US 81 and I 45, with a fuel budget near $72 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route spans the Great Plains, staying within Texas for its entirety. It's a predominantly highway drive, making it a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With only 2 recommended stops, it’s designed for a swift transit rather than an extended exploration. Consider this trip if you prioritize a direct path and are comfortable with a full day of driving.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
249.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 81
103.4 mi
1h 49m
I 45
79.5 mi
1h 22m
TX 70
55.2 mi
55m
US Highway 287 East
40.5 mi
42m
State Highway 70
38.9 mi
51m
East 11th Street
28.7 mi
32m
US Highway 287
27.3 mi
28m
Boykin Drive
26.2 mi
28m
Longest stretch:
US 81
— 103.4 mi, about 1h 49m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 10 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
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Perryton, 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
4.1 mi·4 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on US 287
26 mi·26 min·US Highway 287 West
Use the straight lane.
31
Continue on US 287
29 mi·32 min·East 11th Street
32
Continue on US 287
2.8 mi·3 min·Avenue F Northeast
33
Continue on US 287
14 mi·14 min·US Highway 287
34
Continue on US 287
0.7 mi·1 min·Burnett Street
35
Continue on US 287
14 mi·13 min·US Highway 287
36
Turn straight onto US 287
26 mi·28 min·Boykin Drive
37
Continue on US 287
1.6 mi·1 min·East 2nd Street
38
Turn right onto TX 70
17 mi·25 min·State Highway 70
39
Continue on TX 70
0.3 mi·26 sec·I 40 Service Road
40
Take the ramp onto TX 70
2.7 mi·2 min·TX 70
Toward I 40 West: Amarillo
41
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 121Toward TX 70 North: Pampa
42
Continue on TX 70
0.5 mi·53 sec·I 40 Service Road
43
Turn right onto TX 70
22 mi·25 min·State Highway 70
44
Turn right onto Loop 171
2.9 mi·2 min·Loop 171
45
Continue on TX 273; Loop 171
0.1 mi·13 sec·State Highway 273
46
Turn left onto Loop 171
6.2 mi·6 min·Loop 171
47
At end of road, turn right onto TX 70
53 mi·52 min·TX 70
48
At end of road, turn left onto US 83
3.5 mi·3 min·US Highway 83
49
Continue on US 83
3.2 mi·5 min·South Main Street
50
Turn right onto TX 15
22 ft·0 sec·East Brillhart Avenue
51
Arrive at destination
TX 15
Trip Plan
Given the 9-hour duration, leaving Rhode Island, TX early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. You'll want to plan for your 2 stops strategically, perhaps one around the halfway point to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches like the 103.4 miles on US 81, as services can be spread out in this region. With a fuel cost estimated at $72, budget accordingly and consider filling up before embarking on extended highway segments.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 249.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 4h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.4 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 110 miles or 1h 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 249.3 miles or 4h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 249.3 miles or 4h 26m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Perryton, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Rhode Island, TX
Aim for roughly 249 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Perryton, TX
Aim for roughly 249 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 110 miles from Rhode Island, TX.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks 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 27
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
$68.28 one way
$136.56 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg174 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$76.27
$152.53
premium
$4.23
$82.92
$165.84
diesel
$4.80
$94.13
$188.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$68
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$198–$308
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 174.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $52 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
149.6
1
$52.34
$23.93
Efficient EV
124.6
1
$43.62
$19.94
EV Truck/SUV
199.4
2
$69.79
$31.90
Gas CO2
174 kg
EV CO2
58 kg (67% 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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Rhode Island, TX
Morning
in Rhode Island on Sunday
Local time
10:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 5 mph33% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:35PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:31PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Destination
Perryton, TX
Morning
in Perryton on Sunday
Local time
10:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny
SSE 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:35PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 5:31PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
3 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
9h 1m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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 drive is mostly highway, with 84% of the 498.5 miles on high-speed roads. You'll encounter a 103.4-mile stretch on US 81 without needing to exit, offering sustained cruising. The transition from interstate to state highways will be apparent as you approach your destination. Expect a consistent pace for most of your drive, with fewer complex intersections compared to a more urban route.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
51 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 27 significant decision points across 498.5 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.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,201 ft393 ft
Total Climb
3,194 ft
Total Descent
644 ft
Highest Point
3,201 ft
~427.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,808 ft
Notable High Points
3,201 ft at ~427.3 miles+548 ft prominence
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 Perryton, TX, road signs point toward Waco, Denton, Dfw Airport and Amarillo.
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.
The longest stretch is about 103.4 miles on US 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 249 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 32 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 Perryton, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 32 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 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 9.0 hours each way, a round trip means 18.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Perryton, TX before the return drive.
