Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Little Elm, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 57m
Distance
291.6 mi
469 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 44m
★
6 AM
5h 57m
8 AM
6h 23m
10 AM
6h 6m
12 PM
6h 4m
3 PM
6h 8m
5 PM
6h 22m
8 PM
5h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Little Elm, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Corpus Christi to Little Elm is 291.6 miles and takes about 5h 57m via United States Highway 77, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive through Texas. You'll encounter a mix of highway and surface roads, making it a practical choice for a single-day excursion. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct path with minimal complexity and a manageable 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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
145.8 miles from Corpus Christi, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Highway 77 | 57.9 mi | 1h 5m |
| South Main Street | 48 mi | 57m |
| North Navarro Street | 40.1 mi | 45m |
| North Travis Avenue | 25.4 mi | 29m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 17.8 mi | 23m |
| North US Highway 77 | 17.3 mi | 19m |
| US 59 | 13.2 mi | 14m |
| Mc Clanahan Road | 12.3 mi | 21m |
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 Little Elm, 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
48 mi
·
57 min
·
South Main Street
29
At end of road, turn left onto US 77; US 190; TX 36
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
US 77; US 190; TX 36
30
Turn right onto US 77
25 mi
·
29 min
·
North Travis Avenue
31
Turn right onto TX 320
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Gassaway Avenue
32
Continue on TX 320
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 320
33
Continue on TX 7
4.7 mi
·
7 min
·
TX 7
34
Turn left onto TX 6 Business
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Craik Street
35
Continue on TX 6 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Business Highway 6
36
Turn right onto FM 2308
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Lakeview Drive
37
Turn left onto FM 147
12 mi
·
21 min
·
Mc Clanahan Road
38
Turn left onto FM 339
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
FM 339
39
Turn right onto Lcr 624
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Lcr 624
40
Continue on Lcr 625
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Lcr 625
41
Arrive at destination
Lcr 625
Trip Plan
For this 5h 57m drive, leaving Corpus Christi in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for any unforeseen delays. With a total distance of 291.6 miles, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel; the longest stretch without a significant break is 57.9 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition to surface roads, and factor in the estimated $42 fuel cost. Arriving in Little Elm before evening will make settling in much easier.
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 145.8 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 2h 51m 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 64 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.8 miles or 2h 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 4h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Little Elm, 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 291.6 miles and 5h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 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
146 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 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 145.8 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from 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
$39.94 one way
$79.88 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $44.61 | $89.23 |
| premium | $4.23 | $48.50 | $97.01 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $55.06 | $110.12 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.5 | 1 | $30.62 | $14.00 |
| Efficient EV | 72.9 | 0 | $25.52 | $11.66 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 116.6 | 1 | $40.82 | $18.66 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Tuesday
Local time
10:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Partly Cloudy
SSE 13 to 18 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 6:27PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:23PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Little Elm, TX
Morning in Little Elm on Tuesday
Local time
10:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 6:27PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:23PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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
7 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
5h 57m 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.
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 271.5
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 features 44% highway driving, with the longest continuous stretch covering 57.9 miles on United States Highway 77. Expect to transition from highway to surface roads, indicated by a change in speed limits and exit frequency. You'll notice the shift from open highway cruising to navigating through towns and intersections. The profile is mixed highway and surface, meaning you'll experience both faster travel and more stop-and-go conditions.
44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
41 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?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 291.6 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
503 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
617 ft
Total Descent
179 ft
Highest Point
503 ft
~187.5 mi in
Elevation Range
496 ft
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 Little Elm, 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 5h 57m. Total distance: 291.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Little Elm, 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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Little Elm, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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