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Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Hilltop Lakes, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 37m
Distance
281.7 mi
453 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
18 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 24m
★
6 AM
5h 37m
8 AM
6h 4m
10 AM
5h 47m
12 PM
5h 44m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 3m
8 PM
5h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Hilltop Lakes, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
This 281.7-mile journey from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Hilltop Lakes, Texas, is a substantial drive, estimated to take around 5 hours and 37 minutes. With a fuel cost projected at $43, it's a manageable one-day trip, though you could easily split it if preferred. The route primarily utilizes United States Highway 77 and State Highway 21, offering a highway-focused experience through the Great Plains region of Texas. This drive is best suited for those who don't mind spending a good portion of their day on the road, prioritizing direct travel over extensive sightseeing.
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
140.9 miles from Corpus Christi, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Highway 77 | 57.9 mi | 1h 5m |
| North Navarro Street | 40.1 mi | 45m |
| State Highway 21 | 38.8 mi | 42m |
| TX 21 | 29.2 mi | 34m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 17.8 mi | 23m |
| North US Highway 77 | 17.3 mi | 19m |
| US 59 | 13.2 mi | 14m |
| New Harbor Bridge | 10.1 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
United States Highway 77
— 57.9 mi, about 1h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Corpus Christi, TX and Hilltop Lakes, TX.
1
Start on I 37
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
I 37
2
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
4
Turn right onto North Brownlee Boulevard
122 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Brownlee Boulevard
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
6
Merge onto US 181; TX 35
10 mi
·
11 min
·
New Harbor Bridge
7
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 35
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
TX 35
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
9
Turn straight onto State Highway 35
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 35
10
Turn left onto FM 136
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
11
Continue on FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
12
At end of road, turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 774
13
Turn right onto US 77
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
South Alamo Street
14
Turn slight right onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
United States Highway 77
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 77
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
US Highway 77 South
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Use the left lane.
17
Merge onto US 59; US 77
13 mi
·
14 min
·
US 59; US 77
18
Take the exit onto US 77
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 77
19
Turn left onto US 77
40 mi
·
45 min
·
North Navarro Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
At end of road, turn right onto US 77; US 90 Alt
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Fairwinds Street
21
Continue on US 77; US 90 Alt
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
West 4th Street
22
Turn left onto US 77
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North Texana Street
23
Continue on US 77
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
United States Highway 77
24
Continue on US 77
6.8 mi
·
7 min
·
US 77
25
Continue on US 77; FM 532
25 mi
·
28 min
·
United States Highway 77
26
Continue on US 77
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Jefferson Street
27
Continue on US 77
17 mi
·
19 min
·
North US Highway 77
28
Continue on US 77
9.5 mi
·
10 min
·
South Main Street
29
Take the exit
186 ft
·
5 sec
30
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
this road
31
Merge onto TX 21
39 mi
·
42 min
·
State Highway 21
32
Keep slight left at fork onto TX 21
29 mi
·
34 min
·
TX 21
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
34
Turn left onto FM 39
7.9 mi
·
11 min
·
FM 39 South
35
Turn left onto FM 3
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
36
Continue on FM 3
7.8 mi
·
13 min
·
FM 3 South
37
Turn right onto Hilltop Boulevard
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Hilltop Boulevard
38
Turn left onto Deerfield Drive
226 ft
·
10 sec
·
Deerfield Drive
39
Arrive at destination
Deerfield Drive
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour-plus drive, consider an early morning departure from Corpus Christi to maximize your daylight. With one recommended stop, you'll want to plan it strategically, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 57.9-mile stretch on US-77, where services might be less frequent. Given the duration, a single stop should suffice for a break and to refuel if needed. This route is well-suited for a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your timing.
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 140.9 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.9 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 62 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.9 miles or 2h 45m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hilltop Lakes, 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 281.7 miles and 5h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 United States Highway 77 for about 57.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 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 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 140.9 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
290 Travel Plaza
1 mi from route
Bayfront 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 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 websiteTexas State Aquarium
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
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 start, right off the route
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 start, right off the route
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 255 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 92.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
0.5 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
40.8 mi into trip
|
~49m in
|
FM 774
At end of road, turn left onto FM 774
Navigation decision point
6
78.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
92.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
|
US 77 / North Navarro Street
Turn left onto US 77 / North Navarro Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.57 one way
$85.13 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $46.59 | $93.18 |
| premium | $4.54 | $50.30 | $100.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $62.20 | $124.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
18 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
H-E-B - Tesla Supercharger
Bryan, TX
Tesla
16 DCFC
Circle K - Tesla Supercharger
Refugio, TX
Tesla
8 DCFC
CEFCO Convenience Store - Tesla Supercharger
Giddings, TX
Tesla
8 DCFC
Whataburger - Tesla Supercharger
Caldwell, TX
Tesla
8 DCFC
Texas A&M Lot 47
College Station, TX
Non-Networked
8 DCFC
La Quinta Inn and Suites - Tesla Supercharger
Victoria, TX
Tesla
6 DCFC
Sames Ford Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX
EV Connect
4 DCFC
Refugio Travel Center
Refugio, TX
GRAVITI_ENERGY
4 DCFC
ChargePoint Network: 5
Tesla: 5
GRAVITI_ENERGY: 2
EV Connect: 2
Blink Network: 1
eVgo Network: 1
FORD_CHARGE: 1
Non-Networked: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.5 | 1 | $29.58 | $13.52 |
| Efficient EV | 70.4 | 0 | $24.65 | $11.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 112.7 | 1 | $39.44 | $18.03 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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
Morning in Corpus Christi on Sunday
Local time
9:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hilltop Lakes, TX
Morning in Hilltop Lakes on Sunday
Local time
9:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Sunny
ENE 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 19 at 6:58AM CDT until April 19 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 19 at 1:36AM CDT until April 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
75°F
Smithville, TX
141 mi in
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
1 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
5h 37m 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?
Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 69% of the route on main roads. You'll encounter stretches like the 57.9-mile segment on United States Highway 77, which offers a consistent pace. While the primary roads provide efficient travel, be prepared for transitions as you move between highways. The character of the drive is largely about covering ground, with the focus on steady progress rather than winding scenic byways.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57.9 mi on United States Highway 77.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on United States Highway 77 and North Navarro Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.
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 25 significant decision points across 281.7 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 0.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 40.8 miles (FM 774): Navigation decision point.
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
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 5h 37m. Total distance: 281.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 57.9 miles on United States Highway 77. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Hilltop Lakes, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 40.8 miles (FM 774): Navigation decision point.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hilltop Lakes, 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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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