Victoria County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Missouri City, TX to Corpus Christi, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 50m
Distance
195 mi
314 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 38m
★
6 AM
3h 50m
8 AM
4h 16m
10 AM
3h 59m
12 PM
3h 57m
3 PM
4h 1m
5 PM
4h 15m
8 PM
3h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Missouri City, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Missouri City, TX to Corpus Christi, TX is 195 miles and takes about 3h 50m via US Highway 59 and US Highway 77 South, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive primarily through the Great Plains region of Texas. With an 85% highway share, you'll find this route efficient for getting from point A to point B. It's a solid option if you're looking for a direct journey without many detours, making it ideal for a single-day trip. Plan for minimal stops, as the route is designed for steady progress.
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
97.5 miles from Missouri City, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 59 | 74.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| US Highway 77 South | 33.2 mi | 37m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 17.7 mi | 23m |
| Southwest Freeway | 16.7 mi | 18m |
| US 59 | 15.8 mi | 18m |
| TX 35 | 12.1 mi | 13m |
| FM 2678 | 9.6 mi | 9m |
| Main Street | 3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 59
— 74.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Missouri City, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.
1
Start on this road
33 ft
·
2 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right
229 ft
·
5 sec
3
Turn right onto Orchard Street
215 ft
·
11 sec
·
Orchard Street
4
Turn right onto 3rd Street
273 ft
·
14 sec
·
3rd Street
5
Turn right onto FM 2234
492 ft
·
14 sec
·
Texas Parkway
6
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Merge onto US 90 Alt
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Main Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
Toward US 59
Use the left lane.
9
Turn slight left onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 59 South, I 69 South
Use the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 69; US 59
17 mi
·
18 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
13
Turn straight onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
14
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
15
Continue on US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
16
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
17
Merge onto US 59
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
US 59
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 59
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 59
19
Take the exit
1.5 mi
·
2 min
20
Continue on US 59
75 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
US Highway 59
21
Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 91
22
Merge onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
US Highway 77 South
23
Turn straight onto US 77
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Alamo Street
24
Turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Empresario Street
25
Turn right onto FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on FM 136
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
27
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
28
Merge onto TX 35
12 mi
·
13 min
·
TX 35
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
30
Turn slight right
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
31
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
32
Merge onto I 37
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 37
33
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
387 ft
·
10 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
34
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
444 ft
·
15 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
35
Continue on I 37
483 ft
·
9 sec
·
I 37
36
Arrive at destination
I 37
Trip Plan
Since this is a 195-mile drive that takes under 4 hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to reach Corpus Christi comfortably, with the option to stop along the way if needed. The fuel cost is estimated at $29, so ensure your tank is full before you depart, especially given the longest stretch of 74.7 miles on US Highway 59. While only one stop is officially recommended, consider a brief break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Keep an eye out for signage directing you onto US Highway 77 South, as this is a key transition on your route.
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 97.5 miles from Missouri City, TX, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.7 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 43 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.5 miles or 1h 54m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Corpus Christi, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Missouri City, 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 Missouri City, TX
This is one driving day of about 195 miles and 3h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Missouri City, 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 for about 74.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 97.5 miles from Missouri City, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 59 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Victoria County Northbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Bayfront Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
mile 195
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13618267529
Visit websiteHarbor Playhouse
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
mile 195
Corpus Christi, Texas
+13618825500
Visit websiteWhataburger Field
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 195
Corpus Christi, Texas
Visit websiteCorpus Christi Museum of Science and History
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 195
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618264667
Visit websiteThe Art Museum of South Texas
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 195
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618253500
Visit websiteTexas State Aquarium
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 195
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13618811200
Visit websiteTexas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
mile 195
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hours: 12–5 pm
+13618818827
Visit websiteWater's Edge Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 195
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 225 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 153.5 — 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
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
3.5 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward US 59
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 59
6
4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the ramp toward US 59 South, I 69 South
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 59 South, I 69 South
6
21.3 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartle...
6
153.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m in
|
FM 2678
Turn right onto FM 2678
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.46 one way
$58.93 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $32.25 | $64.50 |
| premium | $4.54 | $34.82 | $69.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.05 | $86.11 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.5 | 0 | $20.47 | $9.36 |
| Efficient EV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.06 | $7.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78 | 0 | $27.30 | $12.48 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Missouri City, TX
Late night in Missouri City on Sunday
Local time
5:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Corpus Christi, TX
Late night in Corpus Christi on Sunday
Local time
5:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
3 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 50m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 predominantly a highway-focused drive, with an 85% highway share, making it a quick and efficient journey. You'll spend most of your time on US Highway 59 and then US Highway 77 South. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 74.7 miles on US Highway 59, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the profile is mainly highway, there are segments on Farm to Market Road 136 that may offer a slightly different driving experience as you near your destination. Expect a steady pace for the majority of the trip.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.7 mi on US Highway 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 and US Highway 77 South. 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 22 significant decision points across 195 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: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Missouri City, TX to Corpus Christi, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 10: Cottonwood along the way.
Spur 10: Cottonwood
21.3 mi in
|
~26m
About the Cities
Starting in Missouri City, TX
Full guide →Arriving 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
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 50m. Total distance: 195 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.7 miles on US Highway 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 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 Corpus Christi, 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 8 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Corpus Christi, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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Return Trip
Corpus Christi, TX to Missouri City, TXPlan the drive back the other way.
194.4 mi
3h 50m
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