Origin
Portsmouth, RI
Evening in Portsmouth on Tuesday
Local time
8:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Trip from Portsmouth, RI to Smithfield, RI
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
52m
Distance
34.2 mi
55 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 48m
★
6 AM
0h 53m
8 AM
1h 2m
10 AM
0h 56m
12 PM
0h 55m
3 PM
0h 56m
5 PM
1h 1m
8 PM
0h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth, RI
Wikimedia Commons
Smithfield, RI
Connor Scott McManus
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick excursion across Rhode Island, the 34.2-mile journey from Portsmouth to Smithfield is a straightforward trek. Expect the drive to take approximately 52 minutes under normal traffic conditions. You will navigate a mix of thoroughfares, primarily utilizing I-195, Metacom Avenue, and Douglas Pike. Budgeting about $5 for fuel should cover your needs for this one-day trip. Since the entire route stays within the Northeast region, you won't need to worry about major geographic transitions. It is an efficient, manageable drive that easily fits into a single day without the need for an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
17.1 miles from Portsmouth, RI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 27m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This trip is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a mindless highway cruise. With only 27% of the route consisting of highway driving, you will spend the bulk of your time navigating local roads. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is a brief 8.2-mile segment on I-195, which serves as the primary fast-paced portion of the trip. As you transition from the interstate onto smaller roads like Douglas Pike, the pace shifts significantly, requiring more attention to local navigation. Prepare for a dynamic experience that keeps you engaged behind the wheel rather than settling into a monotonous interstate grind.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 195 is the longest continuous segment at about 8.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.5 miles in near US 6.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 34.2 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 21.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
21.5 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachusetts
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachuse...
6
21.6 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
US 6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 6 toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachusetts
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachuse...
8
22.7 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Keep slight right at fork toward RI 146 North: State Offices
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 38A-B
Toward RI 146 North: State Offices
8
24.8 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward Branch Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1
Toward Branch Avenue
6
31.7 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
RI 116 / George Washington Highway
Turn left onto RI 116 / George Washington Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 195 | 8.2 mi | 10m |
| Metacom Avenue | 5.7 mi | 8m |
| Douglas Pike | 4.2 mi | 6m |
| Market Street | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Douglas Avenue | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| East Main Road | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Farnum Pike | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| George Washington Highway | 1.2 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 195
— 8.2 mi, about 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, RI and Smithfield, RI.
1
Start on this road
84 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Freeborn Street
430 ft
·
21 sec
·
Freeborn Street
3
Turn left onto RI 138
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
East Main Road
4
Turn slight left onto Boyds Lane
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Boyds Lane
5
Continue on RI 114
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Mount Hope Bridge
6
Continue on RI 114
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
Ferry Road
7
Keep slight right at fork onto RI 136
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Metacom Avenue
8
Continue on RI 136
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
Kickemuit Road
9
Continue on RI 136
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Market Street
10
Continue on MA 136
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
James Reynolds Road
11
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 195 West: Providence Rhode Island
12
Merge onto I 195
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
I 195
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 6
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachusetts
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 6
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Toward I 95 North, US 6 West: Boston Massachusetts
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
I 95
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 38A-B
Toward RI 146 North: State Offices
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on RI 146
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Old Louisquisset Pike
Exit 38A
Toward RI 146 North: Woonsocket
18
Continue on RI 146
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
·
OldLouisquisset Pike
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 1
Toward Branch Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
20
Turn left onto Branch Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Branch Avenue
21
Turn slight right onto RI 7
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Douglas Avenue
22
Continue on RI 7
4.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Douglas Pike
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto RI 116
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
George Washington Highway
Use the left lane.
24
At end of road, turn right onto RI 5; RI 104
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Farnum Pike
25
Turn right onto Brayton Road
22 ft
·
0 sec
·
Brayton Road
26
Arrive at destination
Brayton Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short 52-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You won't need to worry about planning complex rest stops, as the duration is short enough to drive straight through without fatigue. Keep in mind that because the route relies heavily on local roads, you should account for potential traffic lights and intersections that can influence your arrival time. Given the $5 fuel estimate, it is a budget-friendly route that allows you to focus on the road ahead. Use the lack of required stops to your advantage by choosing a departure time that avoids peak congestion on the non-highway portions of your journey.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 17.1 miles from Portsmouth, RI, or about 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8.2 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 34.2 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 17.1 miles or 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Smithfield, RI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Portsmouth, RI 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 Portsmouth, RI
This is one driving day of about 34.2 miles and 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Portsmouth, RI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 195 for about 8.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 17.1 mi from Portsmouth, RI · 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
17 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 34.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 17.1 miles from Portsmouth, RI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Smithfield, RI
The final approach into Smithfield, RI 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 Smithfield, RI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$5.51 one way
$11.01 round trip
$4.09/gal
25.4 MPG avg
12 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.50 | $6.06 | $12.12 |
| premium | $4.86 | $6.55 | $13.10 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.55 | $15.10 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.3 | 0 | $3.59 | $1.64 |
| Efficient EV | 8.6 | 0 | $2.99 | $1.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 13.7 | 0 | $4.79 | $2.19 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Smithfield, RI
Evening in Smithfield on Tuesday
Local time
8:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Brookhaven, NY
17 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.
Road read
52m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Portsmouth, RI to Smithfield, RI covers 34.2 miles and takes about 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 195, Metacom Avenue, Douglas Pike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 17.1 miles from Portsmouth, RI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.51 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 34.2 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 21.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Portsmouth, RI to Smithfield, RI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Smithfield, RI
More from Portsmouth, RI
More trips to Smithfield, RI
Explore more options from Portsmouth, RI or browse trips ending in Smithfield, RI.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse RI road trips.
Explore maps for Portsmouth, RI or Smithfield, RI on MapSof.net.