Origin
Rhode Island, TX
Late night in Rhode Island on Friday
Local time
2:53 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rhode Island, TX to Little River-Academy, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 17m
Distance
122 mi
196 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 8m
★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rhode Island, TX
Beth Fitzpatrick
Little River-Academy, TX
Eddie O.
Trip Overview
The drive from Rhode Island, TX to Little River-Academy, TX covers 122 miles and takes about 2h 17m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Purple Heart Trail, I 45, West State Highway 31 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 26.1 miles on Purple Heart Trail. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.43 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
61 miles from Rhode Island, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 122 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
The drive from Rhode Island, TX to Little River-Academy, TX covers 122 miles and takes about 2h 17m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 28 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 26.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in near I 45.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 122 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): 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.
5
2.4 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 45
Merge onto I 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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
6
23 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Turn left onto TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
75.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
|
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Turn left onto North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
108.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 59m in
Take the exit toward Loop 363: H.K. Dodgen Loop
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 304
Toward Loop 363: H.K. Dodgen Loop
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Rhode Island, TX to Little River-Academy, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
Waco
22.3 mi in
|
~24m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 26.1 mi | 26m |
| I 45 | 19.9 mi | 19m |
| West State Highway 31 | 18.8 mi | 21m |
| State Highway 31 | 17.2 mi | 17m |
| Northeast H K Dodgen Loop | 6.5 mi | 8m |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | 6.2 mi | 7m |
| Corsicana Bypass | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| Hubbard Bypass | 5.5 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 26.1 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rhode Island, TX and Little River-Academy, 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
26 mi
·
26 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 304
Toward Loop 363: H.K. Dodgen Loop
Use the slight right lane.
22
Turn straight onto North General Bruce Drive
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North General Bruce Drive
23
Turn left onto Loop 363
510 ft
·
18 sec
·
Northwest H K Dodgen Loop
24
Continue on Loop 363
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Northeast H K Dodgen Loop
25
Continue on TX 95
5.2 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 95
26
Turn slight right
194 ft
·
5 sec
27
Turn straight onto FM 436
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
28
Arrive at destination
FM 436
Trip Plan
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 61 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.1 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 27 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 61 miles or 1h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Little River-Academy, 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 122 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Rhode Island, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Purple Heart Trail for about 26.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 61 mi from Rhode Island, TX · 1h 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 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 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 61 miles from Rhode Island, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Little River-Academy, TX
The final approach into Little River-Academy, 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 Little River-Academy, 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
$18.43 one way
$36.87 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $20.18 | $40.36 |
| premium | $4.54 | $21.78 | $43.56 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.94 | $53.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.6 | 0 | $12.81 | $5.86 |
| Efficient EV | 30.5 | 0 | $10.67 | $4.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.08 | $7.81 |
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 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
Little River-Academy, TX
Late night in Little River-Academy on Friday
Local time
2:53 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
6 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
2h 17m 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 Rhode Island, TX to Little River-Academy, TX covers 122 miles and takes about 2h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Purple Heart Trail, I 45, West State Highway 31. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 61 miles from Rhode Island, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.43 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 122 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23 miles (TX 31 / Corsicana Bypass): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Rhode Island, TX to Little River-Academy, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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Return Trip
Little River-Academy, TX to Rhode Island, TXPlan the drive back the other way.
121.9 mi
2h 17m
Continue From Little River-Academy, TX
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