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Trip from Rhode Island, TX to Markham, TX

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

4h 49m

Distance

246.7 mi

397 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 36m ★
6 AM
4h 50m
8 AM
5h 17m
10 AM
4h 59m
12 PM
4h 56m
3 PM
5h 1m
5 PM
5h 15m
8 PM
4h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Rhode Island, TX, TX

Rhode Island, TX

Beth Fitzpatrick

Downtown Markham, TX, TX

Markham, TX

Thomas balabaud

Trip Overview

This 246.7-mile drive from Rhode Island, TX to Markham, TX is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes. With 93% of the route on highways, including I 45 and TX 35, you'll experience a consistent pace. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $37, making it an economical option. Both your origin and destination are situated within the Great Plains region, suggesting a drive through familiar agricultural and open landscapes. This route is ideal for those seeking efficiency and a direct path to their destination.

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

123.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 246.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 246.7-mile trip, with 93% of your drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 157.1 miles along I 45, offering a period of consistent speed and minimal interruptions. While the primary roads are I 45 and TX 35, the inclusion of Nolan Ryan Expressway indicates some modern highway infrastructure. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficient travel rather than winding scenic detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 45 is the longest continuous segment at about 157.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 45 and TX 35. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near FM 833 / East FM 833.

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 246.7 miles you will encounter 15 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: near the start (FM 833 / East FM 833): Navigation decision point; at 2.6 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 162.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | FM 833 / East FM 833

Turn left onto FM 833 / East FM 833

Navigation decision point

5
2.6 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 45

Merge onto I 45

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
162.3 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in

Take the exit toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria

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 46B Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: L...
6
163 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Keep slight left at fork toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
6
164.2 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | TX 288 Toll

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes.

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 Markham, TX, road signs point toward Freeport and Victoria.

Freeport

162.3 mi in | ~2h 55m

Victoria

162.3 mi in | ~2h 55m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 45 157.1 mi 2h 46m
TX 35 28.1 mi 42m
Nolan Ryan Expressway 24.6 mi 28m
TX 288 Toll 14.4 mi 16m
Jimmy Phillips Boulevard 11.3 mi 16m
Gulf Freeway 2.6 mi 3m
South 17th Street 2 mi 3m
East FM 833 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 45 — 157.1 mi, about 2h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rhode Island, TX and Markham, 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

0.6 mi · 1 min · Farm-to-Market Road 833
6

Turn left onto North Interstate 45

159 ft · 6 sec · North Interstate 45
7

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec
8

Merge onto I 45

157 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 45

2.6 mi · 3 min · Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 46B Toward US 59 South, TX 288 South, I 69 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport, Victoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 288 South: Lake Jackson, Freeport
12

Continue on TX 288

0.6 mi · 46 sec · South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto TX 288 Toll

14 mi · 16 min · TX 288 Toll
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
14

Merge onto TX 288

0.2 mi · 17 sec · South Freeway
15

Continue on TX 288

25 mi · 28 min · Nolan Ryan Expressway
16

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward TX 35
17

Turn right onto TX 35

11 mi · 16 min · Jimmy Phillips Boulevard
18

Continue on TX 35

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Brazos Avenue
19

Turn left onto TX 35 Business

2.0 mi · 3 min · South 17th Street
20

At end of road, turn left onto TX 35

28 mi · 42 min · TX 35
21

Turn right onto FM 1468

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Broadway
22

Arrive at destination

FM 1468

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 4 hour and 49-minute duration, this trip is best tackled as a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan for at least one stop to break up the 157.1-mile stretch on I 45, ensuring you stay refreshed. With a fuel cost estimated at $37, it's wise to fill up before leaving Rhode Island, TX, as highway services might be more spaced out on certain segments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer portions on I 45.

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 123.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.1 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 54 miles or 59m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 123.3 miles or 2h 13m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 42m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, 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 246.7 miles and 4h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 I 45 for about 157.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 123.3 mi from Rhode Island, TX · 2h 13m into the drive

Downtown houston-tx

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Houston, TX

123 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.

Popular next leg

Houston, TX to Markham, TX

86.7 mi · 1h 59m

Pacing Suggestions

College Station, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Houston, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 123.3 miles from Rhode Island, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.1 miles.

Arriving in Markham, TX

The final approach into Markham, 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 Markham, TX.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.28 one way

$74.55 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 86 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $40.80 $81.61
premium $4.54 $44.05 $88.09
diesel $5.61 $54.47 $108.94

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 86.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 74 0 $25.90 $11.84
Efficient EV 61.7 0 $21.59 $9.87
EV Truck/SUV 98.7 1 $34.54 $15.79

Gas CO2

86 kg

EV CO2

29 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Rhode Island, TX

Evening in Rhode Island on Thursday

Local time

5:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Markham, TX

Evening in Markham on Thursday

Local time

5:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 49m 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 Rhode Island, TX to Markham, TX covers 246.7 miles and takes about 4h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 45, TX 35, Nolan Ryan Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 123.3 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 $37.28 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 246.7 miles you will encounter 15 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: near the start (FM 833 / East FM 833): Navigation decision point; at 2.6 miles (I 45): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 162.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Rhode Island, TX and Markham, TX, road signs point toward Freeport and Victoria.

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