Trip from Aubrey, TX to Corpus Christi, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 55m

Distance

434.5 mi

699 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$66

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min

4 AM

7h 47m ★

6 AM

7h 56m

8 AM

8h 14m

10 AM

8h 2m

12 PM

8h 0m

3 PM

8h 3m

5 PM

8h 13m

8 PM

7h 50m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in Denton County, Texas, United States

Aubrey, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of Nueces County, Texas, United States

Corpus Christi, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 434.5-mile drive from Aubrey, TX to Corpus Christi, TX is a substantial undertaking, estimated to take around 7 hours and 55 minutes. With a highway share of 83%, this route is best described as highway-focused, making it a feasible, though long, day trip. You can expect to spend about $66 on fuel for this journey. The drive traverses the Great Plains region throughout, offering a consistent landscape. While it's possible to complete in one day, planning for two stops will help break up the 8 hours of travel time.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

217.3 miles from Aubrey, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
North South Freeway	84.6 mi	1h 27m
TX 130 Toll	58.5 mi	54m
TX 80	51.2 mi	56m
South US Highway 181	40.2 mi	45m
Purple Heart Trail	37.9 mi	39m
I 35	29.2 mi	29m
US Highway 181	23.3 mi	26m
I 35W	17.2 mi	18m

Longest stretch: North South Freeway — 84.6 mi, about 1h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Aubrey, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.

Start on East Elm Street

49 ft · 4 sec · East Elm Street

Turn right onto FM 428

146 ft · 11 sec · South Main Street

Turn left onto FM 428

8.8 mi · 12 min · West Sherman Drive

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward Loop 288 West Use the right lane.

Merge onto Loop 288; US 380 Truck

2.7 mi · 3 min · North Loop 288

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward US 77

Turn right onto Spur 77

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Elm Street

Turn left onto North Interstate 35

0.7 mi · 59 sec · North Interstate 35

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 35 South

Merge onto I 35; US 77

2.7 mi · 2 min · I 35; US 77

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto I 35W

17 mi · 18 min · I 35W

Exit 467 Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W Express

17 mi · 16 min · I 35W TEXpress

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 35W

85 mi · 1 hr 27 min · North South Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

26 mi · 26 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec

Exit 265 Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio Use the slight right lane.

Continue on TX 130 Toll

59 mi · 54 min · TX 130 Toll

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 183

0.5 mi · 35 sec · United States Highway 183

Continue on US 183

4.9 mi · 8 min · North Colorado Street

Continue on US 183

10 mi · 11 min · US 183

Continue on US 183

4.2 mi · 6 min · North Magnolia Avenue

Continue on TX 80

51 mi · 56 min · TX 80

Turn slight left onto FM 792

8.4 mi · 10 min · Farm-to-Market Road 792

Continue on TX 72; TX 239

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Main Street

Turn left onto US 181

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Sunset Strip Drive

Continue on US 181

40 mi · 45 min · South US Highway 181

Continue on US 181

0.8 mi · 55 sec · North 8th Street

Continue on US 181

16 mi · 18 min · US Highway 181 South

Continue on TX 89

4.1 mi · 4 min · State Highway 89

Continue on US 181

5.9 mi · 6 min · US Highway 181

Continue on US 181

1.3 mi · 1 min · Railroad Avenue

Continue on US 181

17 mi · 19 min · US Highway 181

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 43 sec

Turn slight right

0.3 mi · 56 sec

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 37

0.3 mi · 29 sec · I 37

Continue on Interstate Highway 37

387 ft · 10 sec · Interstate Highway 37

Continue on Interstate Highway 37

444 ft · 15 sec · Interstate Highway 37

Continue on I 37

483 ft · 9 sec · I 37

Arrive at destination

I 37

Trip Plan

To make this 7-hour, 55-minute drive manageable, consider an early morning departure from Aubrey to maximize daylight. With 434.5 miles to cover, planning for two stops is advisable to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest stretch without a break is over 84 miles, so be mindful of your personal comfort level. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the midpoint, and budget around $66 for gasoline. Driving this route in a single day is achievable, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, splitting it with an overnight stop is also an option.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 217.3 miles from Aubrey, TX, or about 3h 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.6 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 96 miles or 1h 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 217.3 miles or 3h 51m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 46m

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 Aubrey, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Aubrey, TX

This is one driving day of about 434.5 miles and 7h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 96 miles from Aubrey, TX.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on North South Freeway for about 84.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Austin, TX

217 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

Austin, TX to Corpus Christi, TX

216.9 mi · 3h 49m

Pacing Suggestions

Waxahachie, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 96 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Round Rock, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 217.3 miles from Aubrey, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

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 website

Harbor Playhouse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

+13618825500

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 website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 265.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | FM 428 / West Sherman Drive

Turn left onto FM 428 / West Sherman Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

8.8 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the ramp toward Loop 288 West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward Loop 288 West

16.6 mi into trip | ~23m in | I 35W

Take the exit onto I 35W toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth

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 467 Toward I 35W South, FM 1515: Fort Worth

206.1 mi into trip | ~3h 40m in

Take the exit toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 265 Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio

265.3 mi into trip | ~4h 36m in

Take the exit toward US 183 South: Lockhart

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$65.65 one way

$131.31 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 152 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$71.86	$143.73
premium	$4.54	$77.58	$155.15
diesel	$5.61	$95.93	$191.86

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$66

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$91–$116

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 152 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $46 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	130.4	1	$45.62	$20.86
Efficient EV	108.6	1	$38.02	$17.38
EV Truck/SUV	173.8	2	$60.83	$27.81

Gas CO2

152 kg

EV CO2

51 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 20, 2026

Origin

Aubrey, TX

Late night in Aubrey on Tuesday

Local time

5:45 AM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Corpus Christi, TX

Late night in Corpus Christi on Tuesday

Local time

5:45 AM

CDT

Current temp

72°F

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

E 18 mph 70% chance 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

7h 55m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

National Monument

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 134.8

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 83% of the journey taking place on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 84.6 miles on the North South Freeway, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. The route primarily utilizes the North South Freeway and TX 130 Toll, suggesting a modern, high-speed experience for much of the trip. While the specific road types are highway-centric, the transition between these main arteries will define the subtle shifts in your driving experience.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 84.6 mi on North South Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North South Freeway and TX 130 Toll. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near FM 428 / West Sherman Drive.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 18 significant decision points across 434.5 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: near the start (FM 428 / West Sherman Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 16.6 miles (I 35W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Aubrey, 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 7h 55m. Total distance: 434.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 55m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 84.6 miles on North South Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 30 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Corpus Christi, TX before the return drive.

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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Aubrey, TX or browse trips ending in Corpus Christi, TX.

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Trip from Aubrey, TX to Corpus Christi, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Quality Services Towing & Tires

Bell County Northbound Rest Area

TA

Hill County Northbound Rest Area

Pilot Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

Flying J Travel Center

Walburg Travel Center & Food Court

Buc-ee's

Buc-ee's

QuikTrip

QuikTrip

QuikTrip

QuikTrip

Circle K

Love's Travel Stop

Flying J Travel Plaza

Pilot Travel Center

Pilot Travel Center

Hill County Southbound Rest Area

QuikTrip

Road Ranger

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Buc-ee's

TA

Service Plaza

QuikTrip

Bell County Southbound Rest Area

Service Plaza

Bayfront Park

Harbor Playhouse

Whataburger Field

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

The Art Museum of South Texas

Texas State Aquarium

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center

Water's Edge Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Aubrey, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Same local time

6 degrees cooler at arrival

7h 55m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Waco Mammoth National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in Aubrey, TX

Arriving in Corpus Christi, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Corpus Christi, TX

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