It runs approximately 26 miles (42 km) from US 1 in Warwick to the Massachusetts state line in North Smithfield.

Route 5 starts at US 1 in Warwick near Gorton Pond.

It runs north over I-95 without an interchange before intersecting Route 2 in Cranston.

After passing US 44 near Greenville, Route 5 crosses the Stillwater Reservoir on a short causeway.

Continuing north, Route 5 has a short concurrency with Route 7, and it continues to North Smithfield.