San Patricio County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Uvalde, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 59m
Distance
223.1 mi
359 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 46m
★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 25m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 6m
3 PM
4h 10m
5 PM
4h 24m
8 PM
3h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Uvalde, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Corpus Christi to Uvalde is 223.1 miles and takes about 3 hours 59 minutes via I 37 and US Highway 90 West, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, moving from the Great Plains region to another part of the Great Plains. The route is almost entirely highway, making it a straightforward drive. You can expect a predictable travel time, making it a good option for a single-day excursion.
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
111.6 miles from Corpus Christi, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 37 | 138.7 mi | 2h 20m |
| US Highway 90 West | 37.7 mi | 43m |
| West US Highway 90 | 25.4 mi | 28m |
| Cleto Rodriguez Freeway | 12.5 mi | 14m |
| East Main Street | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| 19th Street | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Jose Lopez Freeway | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| North Getty Street | <0.1 mi | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
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 Uvalde, 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
122 mi
·
2 hr 3 min
·
I 37
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
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.
5
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.
6
Merge onto I 10; US 87; US 90
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Jose Lopez Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on US 90
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Cleto Rodriguez Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 90
25 mi
·
28 min
·
West US Highway 90
9
Continue on US 90
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
19th Street
10
Continue on US 90
38 mi
·
43 min
·
US Highway 90 West
11
Continue on US 90
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
East Main Street
12
Turn right onto US 83
31 ft
·
0 sec
·
North Getty Street
13
Arrive at destination
US 83
Trip Plan
Given the under four-hour drive time, this route is easily manageable in a single day. To maximize your daylight, consider departing Corpus Christi in the morning. The longest stretch without a significant break is nearly 139 miles on I 37, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you hit that portion. With a fuel cost estimated around $35, it's an economical trip. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can depart later if needed, but an early start ensures a relaxed arrival in Uvalde.
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 111.6 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 1h 53m 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 49 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.6 miles or 1h 53m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Uvalde, 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 223.1 miles and 3h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.6 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 138.7 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
Medina County Rest 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
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 65 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 140.6 — 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
8
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...
8
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...
5
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.56 one way
$61.12 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $34.13 | $68.27 |
| premium | $4.23 | $37.11 | $74.22 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $42.13 | $84.25 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.9 | 0 | $23.43 | $10.71 |
| Efficient EV | 55.8 | 0 | $19.52 | $8.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.2 | 1 | $31.23 | $14.28 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Late night in Corpus Christi on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 18 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:52PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:11PM CDT until July 20 at 7:21AM CDT by NWS San Angelo TX
Destination
Uvalde, TX
Late night in Uvalde on Monday
Local time
12:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:52PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 2:11PM CDT until July 20 at 7:21AM 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
1 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
3h 59m 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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 130.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 97% of the 223.1 miles on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 138.7 miles on I 37 before transitioning to US Highway 90 West. The majority of your time will be spent on high-speed cruising. Expect minimal surface road driving, which means fewer intersections and a more consistent pace.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 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?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 37 and US Highway 90 West. You will hit about 6 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
5/10
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 223.1 miles you will encounter 6 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 139.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
963 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
966 ft
Total Descent
66 ft
Highest Point
963 ft
~207.2 mi in
Elevation Range
956 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.
Between Corpus Christi, TX and Uvalde, TX, road signs point toward El Paso and Del Rio.
El Paso
139.9 mi in
|
~2h 22m
Del Rio
140 mi in
|
~2h 22m
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 Uvalde, TX
Full guide →Uvalde is a city in the Hill Country River Region of Texas.
Top landmarks
- • Grand Opera House — historic place in Uvalde, Uvalde County, Texas
- • John Nance Garner House — building in Uvalde, Uvalde County, Texas
- • Uvalde Downtown Historic District — historic district in Uvalde, Uvalde 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 3h 59m. Total distance: 223.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). 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 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
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 139.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Uvalde, 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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