San Patricio County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Early, 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
6h 4m
Distance
330.8 mi
532 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 52m
★
6 AM
6h 5m
8 AM
6h 31m
10 AM
6h 14m
12 PM
6h 11m
3 PM
6h 15m
5 PM
6h 29m
8 PM
5h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Early, TX
Monstera Production
Trip Overview
Corpus Christi to Early is 330.8 miles and takes about 6h 4m via I 37 and US 281, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Great Plains region of Texas to another part of the Great Plains. You'll spend almost all your time on highways, making for a straightforward drive. Given the relatively short duration, this route is best suited for a single day of travel.
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
165.4 miles from Corpus Christi, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 52m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 37 | 142 mi | 2h 24m |
| US 281 | 100.6 mi | 1h 59m |
| North US Highway 183 | 36.9 mi | 40m |
| US 84 | 30.4 mi | 34m |
| McAllister Freeway | 14.9 mi | 17m |
| US 281 HOV Lane | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| South Key Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| North US Highway 281 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 37
— 142 mi, about 2h 24m
Traffic on I-37
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,281 veh/hr typical · worst 2,827
Quietest
2 AM
~200 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Corpus Christi, TX and Early, TX.
1
Start on I 37
17 mi
·
17 min
·
I 37
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
2
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi
·
1 min
3
Continue on I 37
125 mi
·
2 hr 7 min
·
I 37
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on US 281
15 mi
·
17 min
·
McAllister Freeway
Toward US 281 North: International Airport, Johnson City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281 HOV Lane
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
US 281 HOV Lane
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Merge onto US 281
101 mi
·
1 hr 59 min
·
US 281
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 183; US 190; US 281
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South Key Avenue
8
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
North US Highway 281
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 183; US 190
37 mi
·
40 min
·
North US Highway 183
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 84; US 183; TX 16
30 mi
·
34 min
·
US 84; US 183; TX 16
11
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
173 ft
·
9 sec
·
Early Boulevard
12
Take the exit onto US 84; US 183
72 ft
·
1 sec
·
US 84; US 183
13
Arrive at destination
US 84; US 183
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour drive, consider leaving Corpus Christi in the morning to ensure you have ample daylight for your arrival in Early. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 142-mile stretch on I 37, as services might be spaced out. The $48 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices before you depart. Since this is a single-day trip, you can adjust your departure time based on your preference.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 165.4 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142 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 73 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 165.4 miles or 2h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Early, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi, TX
This is one driving day of about 330.8 miles and 6h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Corpus Christi, 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 37 for about 142 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
165 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 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 165.4 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 37 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142 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.
Parking Area
0 mi from route
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
San Patricio County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Live Oak County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Live Oak County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
TXB Market
2.5 mi from route
Hemisfair
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Halfway reset
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 5 am–12 pm
+12107094750
Visit websiteBayfront Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13618267529
Visit websiteHarbor Playhouse
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
+13618825500
Visit websiteWhataburger Field
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Visit websiteSan Antonio Fire Museum
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Halfway reset
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–3:30 pm
+12103907236
Visit websiteGO RIO San Antonio River Cruises
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Halfway reset
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+12102274746
Visit websiteCorpus Christi Museum of Science and History
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
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 start, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618253500
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 and 330.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
I 37
Depart onto I 37
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
16.7 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
143.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
|
US 281 / McAllister Freeway
Continue onto US 281 / McAllister Freeway toward US 281 North: International Airport, Johnson City
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 281 North: International Airport, Joh...
6
158.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
|
US 281 HOV Lane
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281 HOV Lane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
330.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 4m in
|
US 84; US 183
Take the exit onto US 84; US 183
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.31 one way
$90.62 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
116 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $50.61 | $101.22 |
| premium | $4.23 | $55.02 | $110.05 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $62.46 | $124.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 115.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 99.2 | 1 | $34.73 | $15.88 |
| Efficient EV | 82.7 | 0 | $28.95 | $13.23 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 132.3 | 1 | $46.31 | $21.17 |
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 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
Corpus Christi, TX
Evening in Corpus Christi on Monday
Local time
6:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 13 to 20 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:14AM CDT until July 17 at 11:45AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:04AM CDT until July 21 at 3:57AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
Early, TX
Evening in Early on Monday
Local time
6:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
S 10 to 15 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:14AM CDT until July 17 at 11:45AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:04AM CDT until July 21 at 3:57AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi 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
2 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
6h 4m 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.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
3 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 136.9
View on nps.gov
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 205.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily highway, with 99% of the route on major roads. You'll encounter a long stretch of 142 miles on I 37 before transitioning to US 281 and then North US Highway 183. Expect a good amount of rural cruising as you cover the 330.8 miles. The transition from full highway to surface roads will be minimal.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142 mi on I 37.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 37 and US 281. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near I 37.
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 330.8 miles you will encounter 10 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 (I 37): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 143.3 miles (US 281 / McAllister Freeway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,494 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
1,831 ft
Total Descent
424 ft
Highest Point
1,494 ft
~283.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,488 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.
On the drive from Corpus Christi, TX to Early, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Johnson City along the way.
Johnson City
143.3 mi in
|
~2h 26m
|
via US 281
About the Cities
Starting 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
Arriving in Early, TX
Full guide →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 6h 4m. Total distance: 330.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 4m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 142 miles on I 37. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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 Early, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (I 37): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 143.3 miles (US 281 / McAllister Freeway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Early, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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