San Patricio County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Stephenville, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 25m
Distance
347.6 mi
559 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$48
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 13m
★
6 AM
6h 25m
8 AM
6h 50m
10 AM
6h 34m
12 PM
6h 32m
3 PM
6h 35m
5 PM
6h 49m
8 PM
6h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Stephenville, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 347.6-mile drive from Corpus Christi, TX to Stephenville, TX will take you approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. You'll spend nearly all of your time on major highways, with a fuel cost estimated around $53. The route traverses the Great Plains region, maintaining a consistent feel throughout. Given the 98% highway share, this is a straightforward journey focused on covering ground efficiently. Planning for one planned stop is sufficient for this distance, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
173.8 miles from Corpus Christi, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m 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 | 79.4 mi | 1h 29m |
| McAllister Freeway | 14.9 mi | 17m |
| US 281 HOV Lane | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| South Rice Street | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| South Key Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| South State Highway 108 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
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
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Stephenville, 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 City
Use 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
17 mi
·
19 min
·
North US Highway 281
15
Turn left onto TX 108
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South State Highway 108
16
Continue on TX 108
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Graham Avenue
17
Continue on TX 108
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
South Graham Street
18
Arrive at destination
TX 108
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour and 25-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Corpus Christi to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With a highway share of 98%, pacing yourself is key; plan for one stop around the halfway point to refuel and stretch. The longest stretch without a break is 142 miles on I-37, so be sure to take advantage of services before embarking on that segment. This route is well-suited for a single day, so enjoy the flexibility of arriving in Stephenville when it suits you best.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 173.8 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 3h 1m 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 76 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 173.8 miles or 3h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stephenville, 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 347.6 miles and 6h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 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 142 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
174 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 76 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 173.8 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 37 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142 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.
Parking Area
0 mi from route
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
San Patricio County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Live Oak County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Live Oak County Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
TXB Market
2.5 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 95 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 261.7 — 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.
4
261.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m in
|
US 183; US 190; US 281 / South Key Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 183; US 190; US 281 / South Key Avenue
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.61 one way
$95.22 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
122 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $53.18 | $106.36 |
| premium | $4.23 | $57.82 | $115.64 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $65.63 | $131.27 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 104.3 | 1 | $36.50 | $16.68 |
| Efficient EV | 86.9 | 0 | $30.42 | $13.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 139 | 1 | $48.66 | $22.25 |
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% 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
Afternoon in Corpus Christi on Sunday
Local time
12:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 13 to 20 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:02AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:03AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Stephenville, TX
Afternoon in Stephenville on Sunday
Local time
12:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
23% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:02AM CDT until July 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:03AM CDT until July 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS San Angelo 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 25m 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 131.8
View on nps.gov
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 203.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this 347.6-mile trip, with a 98% highway share. You'll navigate primarily via I-37 and US-281, including North US Highway 281. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 142 miles on I-37. This profile suggests a consistent pace, with minimal deviations into slower, more scenic country roads. The journey is designed for efficient travel rather than winding exploration.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 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 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near I 37.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 347.6 miles you will encounter 9 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
1,499 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
2,059 ft
Total Descent
794 ft
Highest Point
1,499 ft
~248.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,492 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Stephenville, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Johnson City along the way.
Johnson City
143.3 mi in
|
~2h 26m
|
via US 281
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 Stephenville, TX
Full guide →Founded 1856
Stephenville is a city in the Cross Timbers region of Texas. Acclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World" (okay, maybe there's more than one), it's the home to Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M system, and even has an equine therapy program.
Top landmarks
- • Erath County Courthouse — historic place in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas
- • Erath Memorial Arch — historic place in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas
- • First National Bank Building — historic place in Stephenville, Erath 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 6h 25m. Total distance: 347.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 25m 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 13 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 Stephenville, 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 13 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 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Stephenville, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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