Origin
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Evening in Fair Oaks Ranch on Thursday
Local time
5:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX to Rhode Island, TX
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
5h 1m
Distance
262.9 mi
423 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 48m
★
6 AM
5h 2m
8 AM
5h 29m
10 AM
5h 11m
12 PM
5h 9m
3 PM
5h 13m
5 PM
5h 27m
8 PM
4h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Robert So
Rhode Island, TX
Beth Fitzpatrick
Trip Overview
Embarking from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, this 262.9-mile journey to Rhode Island, TX, is achievable in about 5 hours and 1 minute, making it a feasible day trip. The drive will cost an estimated $40 in fuel and primarily utilizes the Purple Heart Trail, State Highway 31, and East US Highway 290. With 55% of the drive on highways, expect a mixed driving experience as you traverse the Great Plains region of Texas. Given its manageable length, this route offers flexibility for when you choose to depart and how you pace your single recommended stop.
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
131.4 miles from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 1m. Total distance: 262.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This route presents a mixed drive, with 55% of the total mileage on highways. You'll experience stretches of faster travel interspersed with more local road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is approximately 80 miles along the Purple Heart Trail, offering a substantial period of consistent driving. As you progress, the character of the road will shift, moving between efficient highway segments and the more varied pace of state highways.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 43 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Purple Heart Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 80 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 78.6 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 26 significant decision points across 262.9 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 78.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.9 miles (Express 1 Toll): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
78.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward Loop 1 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Loop 1 North
6
83.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
|
Express 1 Toll
Keep slight left at fork onto Express 1 Toll
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
98.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward TX 45 Toll East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward TX 45 Toll East
8
186.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 84: Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive
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 338
Toward US 84: Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive
7
260.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m in
Take the exit toward FM 833
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 206
Toward FM 833
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fair Oaks Ranch, TX and Rhode Island, TX, road signs point toward Loop 1 North and Toll 45 East.
Loop 1 North
78.6 mi in
|
~1h 39m
Toll 45 East
98.9 mi in
|
~2h 2m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 80 mi | 1h 22m |
| State Highway 31 | 35.8 mi | 38m |
| East US Highway 290 | 30.9 mi | 38m |
| I 45 | 19.8 mi | 19m |
| FM 3351 | 16.5 mi | 21m |
| Express 1 Toll | 10.2 mi | 10m |
| South US Highway 281 | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Ranch Road 473 | 7.5 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 80 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fair Oaks Ranch, TX and Rhode Island, TX.
1
Start on Cibolo Valley
479 ft
·
26 sec
·
Cibolo Valley
2
Turn left onto Battle Intense
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
Battle Intense
3
Turn right onto Keeneland Drive
1.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Keeneland Drive
4
At end of road, turn left onto FM 3351
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Ralph Fair Road
5
Continue on FM 3351
17 mi
·
21 min
·
FM 3351
6
At end of road, turn right onto RM 473
7.5 mi
·
9 min
·
Ranch Road 473
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 281; RM 473
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
South US Highway 281
8
Continue on US 281
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
9
Continue on US 281
6.7 mi
·
7 min
·
North US Highway 281
10
Turn right onto US 290
31 mi
·
38 min
·
East US Highway 290
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 290
0.3 mi
·
18 sec
·
West US Highway 290
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
13
Continue on West US Highway 290
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West US Highway 290
14
Continue on US 290; TX 71
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 290; TX 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward Loop 1 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto Loop 1
4.6 mi
·
5 min
·
South Mopac Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto Express 1 Toll
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Express 1 Toll
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Merge onto Loop 1
4.3 mi
·
4 min
·
North Mopac Expressway
Use the straight lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 45 Toll East
Use the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward I 35 North, Toll 45 East
21
Merge onto TX 45 Toll
0.6 mi
·
35 sec
·
State Highway 45 North
22
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 35 North: Waco
Use the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto I 35
80 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 35
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
South Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 338
Toward US 84: Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn straight onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
27
Turn right onto US 84
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
East Waco Drive
28
Continue on US 84
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Bellmead Drive
29
Continue on US 84
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
East US Highway 84
30
Continue on TX 31
17 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 31
31
Continue on TX 31
5.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Hubbard Bypass
32
Continue on TX 31
19 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 31
33
Turn right onto TX 31
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Corsicana Bypass
Use the straight lane.
34
Turn right onto South Interstate 45
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
South Interstate 45
35
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
36
Merge onto I 45
20 mi
·
19 min
·
I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 206
Toward FM 833
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Turn left onto North Interstate 45
307 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Interstate 45
39
Turn left onto FM 833
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
FM 833
40
At end of road, turn right onto TX 75; FM 833
52 ft
·
1 sec
·
North State Highway 75
41
Turn left onto FM 833
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East FM 833
42
Turn right onto County Road 161
10 ft
·
0 sec
·
County Road 161
43
Arrive at destination
County Road 161
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your day and avoid potential midday heat. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $40, planning your fuel fill-up strategically is key, especially during the 80-mile stretch on the Purple Heart Trail. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the advantage of flexibility; however, be mindful of the road type changes, as the transition from highway to state roads can alter your average speed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge 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 131.4 miles from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80 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 58 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.4 miles or 2h 37m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rhode Island, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fair Oaks Ranch, 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 Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
This is one driving day of about 262.9 miles and 5h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Fair Oaks Ranch, 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 80 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 131.4 mi from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX · 2h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
131 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 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 131.4 miles from Fair Oaks Ranch, 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 80 miles.
Arriving in Rhode Island, TX
The final approach into Rhode Island, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Rhode Island, TX.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.72 one way
$79.45 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
92 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $43.48 | $86.96 |
| premium | $4.54 | $46.94 | $93.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $58.05 | $116.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78.9 | 0 | $27.60 | $12.62 |
| Efficient EV | 65.7 | 0 | $23.00 | $10.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105.2 | 1 | $36.81 | $16.83 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 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.
Destination
Rhode Island, TX
Evening in Rhode Island on Thursday
Local time
5:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°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
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 1m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX to Rhode Island, TX covers 262.9 miles and takes about 5h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, State Highway 31, East US Highway 290. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 131.4 miles from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.72 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 262.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 78.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.9 miles (Express 1 Toll): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Fair Oaks Ranch, TX and Rhode Island, TX, road signs point toward Loop 1 North and Toll 45 East.
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Return Trip
Rhode Island, TX to Fair Oaks Ranch, TXPlan the drive back the other way.
271.4 mi
5h 1m
Continue From Rhode Island, TX
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