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Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Pearland, 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

4h 12m

Distance

213.9 mi

344 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 0m ★
6 AM
4h 13m
8 AM
4h 39m
10 AM
4h 22m
12 PM
4h 19m
3 PM
4h 23m
5 PM
4h 38m
8 PM
4h 5m

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

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

Corpus Christi, TX

Wikimedia Commons

city in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Harris counites in Texas, United States

Pearland, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Corpus Christi, TX to Pearland, TX is 213.9 miles and takes about 4h 12m via US Highway 59 South and United States Highway 77, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, crossing Texas from the coast inland. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making for a straightforward drive. Given the relatively short distance and manageable duration, this route is best suited for a single-day excursion.

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

107 miles from Corpus Christi, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US Highway 59 South 88.6 mi 1h 38m
United States Highway 77 33 mi 37m
Southwest Freeway 20.1 mi 22m
Farm to Market Road 136 17.8 mi 23m
South Sam Houston Tollway West 15.4 mi 17m
New Harbor Bridge 10.1 mi 11m
FM 2678 9.6 mi 9m
North Main Street 2.4 mi 3m
Longest stretch: US Highway 59 South — 88.6 mi, about 1h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Corpus Christi, TX and Pearland, 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 left at fork onto Spur 91

1.5 mi · 1 min · Spur 91
16

Merge onto US 59

89 mi · 1 hr 38 min · US Highway 59 South
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
18

Continue on 59 Northbound Frontage Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · 59 Northbound Frontage Road
19

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 58 sec · this road
20

Continue on US 59 Northbound Frontage Road

2.0 mi · 4 min · US 59 Northbound Frontage Road
21

Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

1.3 mi · 2 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
22

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 69 North, US 59 North
23

Merge onto I 69; US 59

20 mi · 22 min · Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Exit 115 Toward Sam Houston Tollway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 52 sec
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
26

Merge onto BW 8

0.1 mi · 10 sec · South Sam Houston Parkway West
27

Continue on SHT

15 mi · 17 min · South Sam Houston Tollway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward TX 35: Mykawa Road, Telephone Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Turn straight onto BW 8

1.5 mi · 2 min · South Sam Houston Parkway East
30

Turn right onto TX 35

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Telephone Road
31

Continue on TX 35

2.4 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
32

Arrive at destination

TX 35

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 4-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Corpus Christi to avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $34, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 88.6-mile stretch on US Highway 59 South, as services can be more spread out in some sections. Since this is a single-day trip, you can easily adjust your departure time based on weather or personal preference.

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 107 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.6 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 47 miles or 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 107 miles or 2h 5m 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 26m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pearland, 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 213.9 miles and 4h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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 US Highway 59 South for about 88.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown houston-tx

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Houston, TX

107 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

Refugio, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Edna, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 107 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 US Highway 59 South if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.6 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.

Victoria County Northbound Rest Area

0 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

TA

0.1 mi from route

Victoria County Southbound Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Buc-ee's

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

Service 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 website

Harbor Playhouse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

+13618825500

Visit website

Whataburger Field

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

Visit website

Corpus 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 website

The 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 website

Texas 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 website

Texas 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 website

Water'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 website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 209.7 — 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

7
193.3 mi into trip | ~3h 46m in

Take the exit toward Sam Houston Tollway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 115 Toward Sam Houston Tollway
6
193.5 mi into trip | ~3h 46m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
209.7 mi into trip | ~4h 5m in

Take the exit toward TX 35: Mykawa Road, Telephone Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward TX 35: Mykawa Road, Telephone Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.30 one way

$58.60 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 75 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $3.89 $32.73 $65.45
premium $4.23 $35.58 $71.16
diesel $4.80 $40.39 $80.78

Estimated Tolls: $1.23

Sam Houston Tollway (15.4 mi) $1.23

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 74.8 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 64.2 0 $22.46 $10.27
Efficient EV 53.5 0 $18.72 $8.56
EV Truck/SUV 85.6 1 $29.95 $13.69

Gas CO2

75 kg

EV CO2

25 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 18, 2026

Origin

Corpus Christi, TX

Morning in Corpus Christi on Monday

Local time

6:14 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Mostly Cloudy

SSE 12 to 18 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:05PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:04PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Destination

Pearland, TX

Morning in Pearland on Monday

Local time

6:14 AM

CDT

Current temp

94°F

Mostly Sunny

S 10 mph 14% chance Live forecast

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 6:05PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:04PM 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

13 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

4h 12m 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?

This route is 75% highway, meaning you'll experience significant stretches of high-speed cruising. The longest continuous highway segment spans 88.6 miles on US Highway 59 South. Expect to transition from highway driving to surface roads as you approach your destination. The frequent exits on the highway portions indicate a need for attention as you near populated areas.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.6 mi on US Highway 59 South.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 South and United States Highway 77. 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 10/10

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 19 significant decision points across 213.9 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 193.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

107 ft 7 ft

Total Climb

126 ft

Total Descent

85 ft

Highest Point

107 ft

~168.1 mi in

Elevation Range

100 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 Pearland, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Sam Houston Tollway along the way.

Sam Houston Tollway

193.3 mi in | ~3h 46m

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 Pearland, TX

Full guide →

Founded 1894

Pearland is in the North Barrier Coast region of 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 4h 12m. Total distance: 213.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 88.6 miles on US Highway 59 South. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.23 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

Yes — we found about 10 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 Pearland, 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 10 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 193.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Pearland, 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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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