Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Medina, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 46m

Distance

206.6 mi

333 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 33m ★

6 AM

3h 46m

8 AM

4h 11m

10 AM

3h 55m

12 PM

3h 52m

3 PM

3h 56m

5 PM

4h 10m

8 PM

3h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time

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city and county seat of Nueces County, Texas, United States

Corpus Christi, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Medina, TX

Mark Direen

Trip Overview

This 206.6-mile drive from Corpus Christi, TX, to Medina, TX, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 46 minutes. Given its relatively short duration and focus on major roads, it's an ideal one-day trip. You'll be spending about 94% of your time on highways, so expect a consistent driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $31, making it an economical option. Both Corpus Christi and Medina are located within the Great Plains region, so you won't experience drastic landscape changes as you travel between them.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

103.3 miles from Corpus Christi, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 37	138.7 mi	2h 20m
State Highway 16 South	19.6 mi	23m
Stotzer Freeway	9.8 mi	11m
State Highway 211	7.4 mi	8m
FM 3240	7.2 mi	8m
Cleto Rodriguez Freeway	4.3 mi	4m
Culebra Road	4 mi	6m
Ranch Road 2828	3.3 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 37 — 138.7 mi, about 2h 20m

Traffic on I-37

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

3 PM

~1,146 veh/hr typical · worst 1,732

Quietest

2 AM

~151 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

7.6×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 51 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 Medina, TX.

Start on I 37

17 mi · 17 min · I 37

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

1.3 mi · 1 min

Continue on I 37

122 mi · 2 hr 3 min · I 37

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec

Exit 139 Toward I 10 West, US 90 West, US 87 North, I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, El Paso Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 10 West, US 90 West, US 87 North: El Paso, Del Rio Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 10; US 87; US 90

1.7 mi · 1 min · Jose Lopez Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 90

4.3 mi · 4 min · Cleto Rodriguez Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto TX 151

9.8 mi · 11 min · Stotzer Freeway

Toward TX 151: SeaWorld Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Toward Loop 1604 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto State Highway 151

0.7 mi · 1 min · State Highway 151

Continue on West Loop 1604 North

0.5 mi · 51 sec · West Loop 1604 North

Turn left onto FM 471

3.8 mi · 6 min · Culebra Road

Use the left / straight lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto FM 471

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Culebra Road

Continue on FM 471

1.1 mi · 1 min · FM 471 North

Turn right

37 ft · 6 sec

Turn left onto FM 471

1.5 mi · 2 min · FM 471 North

Turn right onto State Highway 211

7.4 mi · 8 min · State Highway 211

At end of road, turn left onto TX 16

1.8 mi · 2 min · Bandera Road

Continue on TX 16

20 mi · 23 min · State Highway 16 South

Turn right onto 13th Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · 13th Street

At end of road, turn right onto TX 173

0.4 mi · 48 sec · State Highway 173 North

Turn left onto FM 3240

7.2 mi · 8 min · FM 3240

At end of road, turn left onto RM 2828

3.3 mi · 3 min · Ranch Road 2828

Turn right onto TX 16

2.2 mi · 2 min · State Highway 16 North

Turn right onto Newcomer Lane

65 ft · 2 sec · Newcomer Lane

Arrive at destination

Newcomer Lane

Trip Plan

For this approximately 3 hour and 46 minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility. Leaving early in the morning is recommended to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can easily break up the 206.6 miles at your leisure. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 138.7-mile stretch on I-37, as services might be less frequent. The $31 fuel cost should be factored into your budget, and it's always wise to have a bit extra for unexpected needs.

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 103.3 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 1h 45m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.7 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 45 miles or 46m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 103.3 miles or 1h 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 3h

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Medina, 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 206.6 miles and 3h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 138.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Bexar County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Helotes, TX

103 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

Mathis, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

San Antonio, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.3 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 37 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.7 miles.

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 website

Harbor Playhouse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

+13618825500

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 website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 139.9 and 156.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

139.9 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in

Take the exit toward I 10 West, US 90 West, US 87 North, I 10 East, US 90 East, US 87 South: Houston, El Paso

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 139 Toward I 10 West, US 90 West, US 87 North, I 10...

140 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West, US 90 West, US 87 North: El Paso, Del Rio

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 10 West, US 90 West, US 87 North: El P...

140.6 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in | I 10; US 87; US 90 / Jose Lopez Freeway

Merge onto I 10; US 87; US 90 / Jose Lopez Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

146.5 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in | TX 151 / Stotzer Freeway

Take the exit onto TX 151 / Stotzer Freeway toward TX 151: SeaWorld

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward TX 151: SeaWorld

156.4 mi into trip | ~2h 41m in

Take the exit toward Loop 1604 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Loop 1604 North

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.30 one way

$56.60 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.89	$31.61	$63.22
premium	$4.23	$34.37	$68.73
diesel	$4.80	$39.01	$78.02

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	62	0	$21.69	$9.92
Efficient EV	51.7	0	$18.08	$8.26
EV Truck/SUV	82.6	1	$28.92	$13.22

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Late night in Corpus Christi on Monday

Local time

1:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Partly Cloudy

SSE 12 to 18 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:11PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:05PM CDT until July 18 at 8:15PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Destination

Medina, TX

Late night in Medina on Monday

Local time

1:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Partly Cloudy

SE 5 to 10 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:11PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:05PM CDT until July 18 at 8:15PM CDT by NWS Lubbock 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

8 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

3h 46m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 135.4

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Primarily a highway-focused drive, this route will see you on interstates and major state highways for most of the 206.6 miles. You'll be on I-37 for a significant portion, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 138.7 miles. The remaining 6% of the drive takes you onto State Highway 16 South and Stotzer Freeway, offering a slight change in scenery and speed. This means you'll spend the vast majority of your time at higher speeds, with minimal time on slower, local roads.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 138.7 mi on I 37.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 37 and State Highway 16 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 139.9 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 18 significant decision points across 206.6 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 139.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.6 miles (I 10; US 87; US 90 / Jose Lopez Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,516 ft 7 ft

Total Climb

1,730 ft

Total Descent

294 ft

Highest Point

1,516 ft

~177.1 mi in

Elevation Range

1,509 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Corpus Christi, TX and Medina, TX, road signs point toward El Paso, Del Rio and Loop 1604 North.

El Paso

139.9 mi in | ~2h 22m

Del Rio

140 mi in | ~2h 22m

Loop 1604 North

156.4 mi in | ~2h 41m

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 Medina, TX

Full guide →

Founded -900

Top landmarks

• Prophet's Mosque — mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia
• Hejaz Railway Museum — railway museum

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 3h 46m. Total distance: 206.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 138.7 miles on I 37. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 12 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 Medina, 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 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Medina, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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Explore more options from Corpus Christi, TX or browse trips ending in Medina, TX.

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Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Medina, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Traffic on I-37

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

San Patricio County Southbound Rest Area

Parking Area

Picnic Area

Love's Travel Stop

Picnic Area

Flying J Travel Center

San Patricio County Northbound Rest Area

Live Oak County Southbound Rest Area

Picnic Area

QuikTrip

Pilot Travel Center

Live Oak County Northbound Rest Area

Bayfront Park

Harbor Playhouse

Whataburger Field

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

The Art Museum of South Texas

Texas State Aquarium

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center

Water's Edge Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Corpus Christi, TX

Medina, TX

Same local time

8 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 46m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Corpus Christi, TX

Arriving in Medina, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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