Victoria County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Aldine, TX to Corpus Christi, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 22m
Distance
224.1 mi
361 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 10m
★
6 AM
4h 23m
8 AM
4h 49m
10 AM
4h 32m
12 PM
4h 30m
3 PM
4h 34m
5 PM
4h 48m
8 PM
4h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Aldine, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 224.1-mile drive from Aldine, Texas, to Corpus Christi, Texas, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via US Highway 59 and US Highway 77 South, with a portion on Southwest Freeway. With 76% of the journey on highways, expect a straightforward and efficient travel experience. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $34. This drive keeps you within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape for your journey. Given its manageable length, it's a great option for a day trip, though you could choose to stop along the way if desired.
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
112.1 miles from Aldine, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 59 | 74.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| US Highway 77 South | 33.2 mi | 37m |
| Southwest Freeway | 20.2 mi | 22m |
| North Sam Houston Tollway West | 20.1 mi | 23m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 17.7 mi | 23m |
| US 59 | 15.8 mi | 18m |
| TX 35 | 12.1 mi | 13m |
| FM 2678 | 9.6 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 59
— 74.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Aldine, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.
1
Start on FM 525
140 ft
·
6 sec
·
Aldine Bender Road
2
Turn right onto West Hardy Road
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
West Hardy Road
3
Turn left onto North Sam Houston Parkway East
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
·
North Sam Houston Parkway East
Use the left lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward BW 8 West
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
Merge onto BW 8
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
North Sam Houston Parkway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on SHT
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT
18 mi
·
20 min
·
North Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
West Sam Houston Tollway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on BW 8
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
West Sam Houston Parkway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Downtown, Victoria
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 69 South, US 59 South: Victoria
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Merge onto I 69; US 59
20 mi
·
22 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
14
Turn straight onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
15
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
16
Continue on US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
18
Merge onto US 59
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
US 59
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 59
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 59
20
Take the exit
1.5 mi
·
2 min
21
Continue on US 59
75 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
US Highway 59
22
Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 91
23
Merge onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
US Highway 77 South
24
Turn straight onto US 77
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Alamo Street
25
Turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Empresario Street
26
Turn right onto FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on FM 136
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
28
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
29
Merge onto TX 35
12 mi
·
13 min
·
TX 35
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
31
Turn slight right
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
32
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
33
Merge onto I 37
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 37
34
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
387 ft
·
10 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
35
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
444 ft
·
15 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
36
Continue on I 37
483 ft
·
9 sec
·
I 37
37
Arrive at destination
I 37
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 22-minute drive, starting your journey in Aldine, Texas, in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Corpus Christi with plenty of daylight. You'll encounter one primary stop opportunity, and with 74.7 miles on US Highway 59 being the longest stretch without a break, plan your first stop accordingly. The estimated fuel cost of $34 is budget-friendly, but it's always wise to top off your tank before departing. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing, but keeping an eye on traffic as you approach Corpus Christi is recommended.
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 112.1 miles from Aldine, TX, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.7 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 49 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.1 miles or 2h 11m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Corpus Christi, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Aldine, 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 Aldine, TX
This is one driving day of about 224.1 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Aldine, 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 US Highway 59 for about 74.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 112.1 miles from Aldine, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 59 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Victoria County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.7 mi from route
Bayfront Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13618267529
Visit websiteHarbor Playhouse
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
+13618825500
Visit websiteWhataburger Field
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Visit websiteCorpus Christi Museum of Science and History
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618264667
Visit websiteThe Art Museum of South Texas
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618253500
Visit websiteTexas State Aquarium
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618811200
Visit websiteTexas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 12–5 pm
+13618818827
Visit websiteWater's Edge Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13618263460
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 215 decision points cluster between mile 5.4 and 50.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.4 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
23.2 mi into trip
|
~27m in
|
SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South
Keep slight left at fork onto SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
29.4 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Take the exit toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Downtown, 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.
Toward US 59 North, US 59 South: Downtown, Vict...
8
29.6 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 69 South, US 59 South: Victoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 69 South, US 59 South: Victoria
6
50.4 mi into trip
|
~59m in
Take the exit toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartle...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.69 one way
$61.39 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $34.29 | $68.57 |
| premium | $4.23 | $37.28 | $74.55 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $42.31 | $84.63 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.05
Sam Houston Tollway
(25.6 mi)
$2.05
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.2 | 0 | $23.53 | $10.76 |
| Efficient EV | 56 | 0 | $19.61 | $8.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.6 | 1 | $31.37 | $14.34 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Aldine, TX
Late night in Aldine on Monday
Local time
4:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph
18% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:11PM CDT until July 20 at 7:21AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:08PM CDT until July 18 at 5:15PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Corpus Christi, TX
Late night in Corpus Christi on Monday
Local time
4:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 18 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:11PM CDT until July 20 at 7:21AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:08PM CDT until July 18 at 5:15PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
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
5 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
4h 22m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 76% of the route utilizing major roadways. Expect a good amount of time spent on US Highway 59, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of 74.7 miles. While efficient, this highway-centric profile means you'll be covering ground steadily. The transition between roads like US Highway 59 and US Highway 77 South is designed for smooth travel, so you can anticipate a consistent driving experience with minimal detours off the main path. The overall feel is one of directness and forward momentum.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.7 mi on US Highway 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 and US Highway 77 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 miles in near SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West.
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 21 significant decision points across 224.1 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 5.4 miles (SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles (SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
104 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
65 ft
Total Descent
139 ft
Highest Point
104 ft
~16 mi in
Elevation Range
97 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Aldine, TX and Corpus Christi, TX, road signs point toward Victoria and Spur 10: Cottonwood.
Victoria
29.4 mi in
|
~34m
Spur 10: Cottonwood
50.4 mi in
|
~59m
About the Cities
Starting in Aldine, TX
Full guide →Arriving in Corpus Christi, TX
Full guide →Corpus Christi (called Corpus by the locals) is Texas's largest coastal city and the gateway to Padre Island. While Corpus Christi isn't on the way to much of anything except itself (and the islands off its coast), it offers enough to fill a visit in its own right, or a multi-day trip from San Antonio, Austin, or Houston. The name is Latin for "Body of Christ".
Top landmarks
- • USS Lexington — 1942 Essex-class aircraft carrier
- • Corpus Christi Cathedral — historic place in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
- • Sherman Building — listed on the NRHP in Nuences County, Texas
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 22m. Total distance: 224.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.7 miles on US Highway 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.05 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Corpus Christi, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.4 miles (SHT / North Sam Houston Tollway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles (SHT / West Sam Houston Tollway South): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Corpus Christi, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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