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Trip from Cockrell Hill, TX to Corpus Christi, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 7m
Distance
390.2 mi
628 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$59
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 57m
★
6 AM
7h 8m
8 AM
7h 30m
10 AM
7h 16m
12 PM
7h 13m
3 PM
7h 17m
5 PM
7h 29m
8 PM
7h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cockrell Hill, TX
PedroEsparza
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Cockrell Hill, TX to Corpus Christi, TX is 390.2 miles and takes about 7h 7m via South R L Thornton Freeway, TX 130 Toll, and TX 80, with a fuel budget near $59 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route covers a significant portion of Texas, transitioning from the Great Plains region. Expect a predominantly highway experience that makes for efficient travel. With just 2 recommended stops, this trip is well-suited for a single day of driving, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
195.1 miles from Cockrell Hill, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 24m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South R L Thornton Freeway | 86.1 mi | 1h 28m |
| 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 | 26.5 mi | 26m |
| US Highway 181 | 23.3 mi | 26m |
| US Highway 181 South | 16.1 mi | 18m |
Longest stretch:
South R L Thornton Freeway
— 86.1 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cockrell Hill, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.
1
Start on Phinney Avenue
447 ft
·
24 sec
·
Phinney Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto West Clarendon Drive
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
West Clarendon Drive
3
Turn right onto Burns Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Burns Avenue
4
Continue on Dryden Drive
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Dryden Drive
5
Turn left onto West Illinois Avenue
3.3 mi
·
6 min
·
West Illinois Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 35E South
7
Merge onto I 35E
86 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
South R L Thornton Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 35; US 77
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 35
38 mi
·
39 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
26 mi
·
26 min
·
I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 265
Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on TX 130 Toll
59 mi
·
54 min
·
TX 130 Toll
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 470
Toward US 183 South: Lockhart
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 183
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
United States Highway 183
15
Continue on US 183
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
North Colorado Street
16
Continue on US 183
10 mi
·
11 min
·
US 183
17
Continue on US 183
4.2 mi
·
6 min
·
North Magnolia Avenue
18
Continue on TX 80
51 mi
·
56 min
·
TX 80
19
Turn slight left onto FM 792
8.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 792
20
Continue on TX 72; TX 239
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
21
Turn left onto US 181
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
South Sunset Strip Drive
22
Continue on US 181
40 mi
·
45 min
·
South US Highway 181
23
Continue on US 181
0.8 mi
·
55 sec
·
North 8th Street
24
Continue on US 181
16 mi
·
18 min
·
US Highway 181 South
25
Continue on TX 89
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
State Highway 89
26
Continue on US 181
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US Highway 181
27
Continue on US 181
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Railroad Avenue
28
Continue on US 181
17 mi
·
19 min
·
US Highway 181
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
30
Turn slight right
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
31
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
32
Merge onto I 37
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 37
33
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
387 ft
·
10 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
34
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
444 ft
·
15 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
35
Continue on I 37
483 ft
·
9 sec
·
I 37
36
Arrive at destination
I 37
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Cockrell Hill to bypass any lingering rush hour traffic. With 2 recommended stops, you can plan for one break around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs. The fuel cost is estimated at $59, so ensure your tank is full before you leave. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 86.1-mile stretch on South R L Thornton Freeway, as services might be less frequent in some sections.
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 195.1 miles from Cockrell Hill, TX, or about 3h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.1 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 86 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 195.1 miles or 3h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 58m
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 Cockrell Hill, 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 Cockrell Hill, TX
This is one driving day of about 390.2 miles and 7h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 86 miles from Cockrell Hill, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 86.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
195 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 86 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 195.1 miles from Cockrell Hill, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Bell County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Hill County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Walburg Travel Center & Food Court
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Circle K
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Hill County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Bell County Southbound Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.9 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.2 mi from route
Bayfront Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
mile 390.2
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13618267529
Visit websiteHarbor Playhouse
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
mile 390.2
Corpus Christi, Texas
+13618825500
Visit websiteWhataburger Field
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 390.2
Corpus Christi, Texas
Visit websiteCorpus Christi Museum of Science and History
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 390.2
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
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 390.2
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618253500
Visit websiteTexas State Aquarium
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 390.2
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
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
mile 390.2
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 12–5 pm
+13618818827
Visit websiteWater's Edge Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 390.2
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 105 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 221 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Clarendon Drive
At end of road, turn left onto West Clarendon Drive
Navigation decision point
5
4.5 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the ramp toward I 35E South
Navigation decision point
Toward I 35E South
6
135.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 25m in
|
I 35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
161.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 52m 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
7
221 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m 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
$58.96 one way
$117.92 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
137 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $64.54 | $129.07 |
| premium | $4.54 | $69.67 | $139.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $86.15 | $172.30 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 136.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 117.1 | 1 | $40.97 | $18.73 |
| Efficient EV | 97.6 | 1 | $34.14 | $15.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 156.1 | 1 | $54.63 | $24.97 |
Gas CO2
137 kg
EV CO2
46 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.
Origin
Cockrell Hill, TX
Morning in Cockrell Hill on Sunday
Local time
11:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Corpus Christi, TX
Morning in Corpus Christi on Sunday
Local time
11:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°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
11 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
7h 7m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily on highways, with 83% of the 390.2 miles on high-speed roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 86.1 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. Expect to encounter dense urban merging near the start of your trip as you navigate out of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The latter portion of the drive will involve cruising on toll roads and state highways.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.1 mi on South R L Thornton Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and TX 130 Toll. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near West Clarendon Drive.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 390.2 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 0.1 miles (West Clarendon Drive): Navigation decision point; at 4.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 135.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
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 7m. Total distance: 390.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 7m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.1 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 27 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 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (West Clarendon Drive): Navigation decision point; at 4.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 135.3 miles (I 35): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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