This 420.2-mile journey from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jacksboro, Texas, will take approximately 7 hours and 47 minutes of driving time. Predominantly a highway-focused drive, 85% of this route utilizes major roadways, making it a straightforward trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $63, this drive is manageable for a single day, though you'll want to plan for about 2 stops along the way. You'll be traveling within the Great Plains region for the entirety of this trip, offering a consistent landscape. This route is a good option if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground within Texas.
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
210.1 miles from Corpus Christi, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 37
142 mi
2h 24m
US 281
100.6 mi
1h 59m
North US Highway 281
95 mi
1h 47m
Morgan Mill Road
39.9 mi
44m
McAllister Freeway
14.9 mi
17m
South Benson Street
14.8 mi
17m
US 281 HOV Lane
2.9 mi
3m
South Oak Avenue
2.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 37
— 142 mi, about 2h 24m
Traffic on I-37
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 22 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
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Jacksboro, 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 CityUse 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 right at fork onto US 281
43 mi·49 min·North US Highway 281
10
Continue on US 281
2.3 mi·2 min·South Rice Street
11
Continue on US 281
19 mi·20 min·North US Highway 281
12
Continue on US 281
0.6 mi·42 sec·South Walnut Street
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 281; TX 6
0.4 mi·26 sec·North 2nd Street
14
Continue on US 281; TX 6
18 mi·20 min·North US Highway 281
15
Continue on US 281
1.1 mi·1 min·East Road
16
Continue on US 281
40 mi·44 min·Morgan Mill Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 281
2.9 mi·3 min·South Oak Avenue
18
Continue on US 281; FM 3027
15 mi·17 min·North US Highway 281
19
Continue on US 281
15 mi·17 min·South Benson Street
20
Turn right onto TX 59
116 ft·9 sec·East Belknap Street
21
Take the ramp
113 ft·3 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 47-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Corpus Christi to maximize daylight. With a fuel cost of around $63, it's wise to fill up before leaving and be mindful of your gauge, as the longest stretch without services could be substantial. Plan your two stops strategically, perhaps breaking up the drive around the halfway point. Keep an eye out for changes in road conditions as you transition between I-37 and US 281; knowing the longest stretch is 142 miles on I-37 can help you time your breaks effectively.
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 210.1 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 3h 45m 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 92 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 210.1 miles or 3h 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 6h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksboro, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Corpus Christi, TX
This is one driving day of about 420.2 miles and 7h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 92 miles from Corpus Christi, 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 I 37 for about 142 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 420.1 — 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.
5
420.1 mi into trip|~7h 47m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.55 one way
$115.11 round trip
$3.48/gal25.4 MPG avg147 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.89
$64.29
$128.57
premium
$4.23
$69.90
$139.79
diesel
$4.80
$79.34
$158.68
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 147 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
126.1
1
$44.12
$20.17
Efficient EV
105.1
1
$36.77
$16.81
EV Truck/SUV
168.1
2
$58.83
$26.89
Gas CO2
147 kg
EV CO2
49 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.
Forecast as of Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Corpus Christi, TX
Afternoon
in Corpus Christi on Sunday
Local time
2:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 17 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 19 at 2:25PM CDT until July 21 at 12:08AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 19 at 2:23PM CDT until July 22 at 11:17AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Jacksboro, TX
Afternoon
in Jacksboro on Sunday
Local time
2:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
96°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 5 to 10 mph24% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 19 at 2:25PM CDT until July 21 at 12:08AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 19 at 2:23PM CDT until July 22 at 11:17AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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 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 47m 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
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 130.4
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 202.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this trip, with 85% of the drive on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 142 miles on I-37, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. The route primarily follows I-37 and US 281, including North US Highway 281, suggesting a generally fast-paced and direct progression. This highway-centric profile means you're likely to experience a consistent driving environment for much of the journey.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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 Effort6/10
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 420.2 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
1,339 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,506 ft
Total Descent
428 ft
Highest Point
1,339 ft
~180.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,332 ft
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 Jacksboro, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Johnson City along the way.
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".
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 47m. Total distance: 420.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 47m 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 15 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 Jacksboro, 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 15 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 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jacksboro, TX before the return drive.
