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Trip from New London, TX to Corpus Christi, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 50m

Distance

402.4 mi

648 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$61

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
7h 42m ★
6 AM
7h 51m
8 AM
8h 9m
10 AM
7h 57m
12 PM
7h 55m
3 PM
7h 58m
5 PM
8h 8m
8 PM
7h 45m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Rusk County, Texas, United States

New London, TX

Wikimedia Commons

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

Corpus Christi, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 402.4-mile drive from New London, TX to Corpus Christi, TX will take approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes, making it a feasible, though long, day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 61% of the journey on main roads like Diboll Relief Route and US Highway 59. With a fuel cost estimated at $61 and two planned stops, you'll be traversing the Great Plains region throughout your journey within Texas. This drive offers a straightforward path, ideal for those looking to cover ground efficiently.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

201.2 miles from New London, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Diboll Relief Route 113.5 mi 2h 4m
US Highway 59 74.7 mi 1h 22m
Southwest Freeway 34.7 mi 40m
US Highway 77 South 33.2 mi 37m
South US Highway 59 19.4 mi 22m
US Route 259 19.3 mi 21m
Farm to Market Road 136 17.7 mi 23m
US 59 17 mi 19m
Longest stretch: Diboll Relief Route — 113.5 mi, about 2h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New London, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.

1

Start on Burnett Street

295 ft · 15 sec · Burnett Street
2

Turn right onto Phillips Street

0.1 mi · 28 sec · Phillips Street
3

Turn left onto TX 42

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Main Street
4

Turn left onto TX 323

9.4 mi · 16 min · TX 323
5

Turn left onto TX 64

1.2 mi · 1 min · SH 64
6

Turn right onto US 79; US 259

1.7 mi · 2 min · Highway 79
7

Turn left onto US 259

16 mi · 18 min · US Route 259
8

Continue on US 259

2.9 mi · 3 min · North Railroad Avenue
9

Continue on US 259

3.0 mi · 3 min · US Route 259
10

Continue on US 259

11 mi · 12 min · US Highway 259
11

Take the exit

224 ft · 6 sec
Toward US 59 South: Lufkin
12

Continue on this road

420 ft · 11 sec · this road
13

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 16 sec · this road
14

Turn left

104 ft · 4 sec
15

Turn right onto US 59

0.7 mi · 47 sec · North US Highway 59
16

Continue on US 59

6.4 mi · 7 min · Northwest Stallings Drive
17

Continue on US 59; TX 7; TX 21; Loop 224

0.4 mi · 25 sec · Stallings Drive
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
19

Turn straight

223 ft · 6 sec
20

Merge onto US 59

1.3 mi · 1 min · South Street
21

Continue on US 59

19 mi · 22 min · South US Highway 59
22

Take the exit

396 ft · 9 sec
Toward South First Street
23

Turn straight onto South Medford Drive

0.2 mi · 23 sec · South Medford Drive
24

Turn left onto US 59 Bus

4.1 mi · 5 min · South First Street
25

Continue on US 59

1.3 mi · 1 min · US 59
26

Continue on US 59

114 mi · 2 hr 4 min · Diboll Relief Route
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Continue on I 69; US 59

35 mi · 40 min · Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 94 Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
29

Turn straight onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
30

Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
31

Continue on US 59 Southbound Frontage Road

0.9 mi · 2 min · US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
32

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
33

Merge onto US 59

9.2 mi · 10 min · US 59
34

Keep slight left at fork onto US 59

6.6 mi · 7 min · US 59
35

Take the exit

1.5 mi · 2 min
36

Continue on US 59

75 mi · 1 hr 22 min · US Highway 59
37

Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91

1.0 mi · 1 min · Spur 91
38

Merge onto US 77

33 mi · 37 min · US Highway 77 South
39

Turn straight onto US 77

1.9 mi · 3 min · Alamo Street
40

Turn left onto FM 774

1.5 mi · 2 min · East Empresario Street
41

Turn right onto FM 2678

9.6 mi · 9 min · FM 2678
Use the right lane.
42

Continue on FM 136

18 mi · 23 min · Farm to Market Road 136
43

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
44

Merge onto TX 35

12 mi · 13 min · TX 35
45

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 43 sec
46

Turn slight right

0.3 mi · 56 sec
47

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
48

Merge onto I 37

0.3 mi · 29 sec · I 37
49

Continue on Interstate Highway 37

387 ft · 10 sec · Interstate Highway 37
50

Continue on Interstate Highway 37

444 ft · 15 sec · Interstate Highway 37
51

Continue on I 37

483 ft · 9 sec · I 37
52

Arrive at destination

I 37

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 402.4-mile journey, consider an early morning departure from New London to maximize daylight. With a total duration of nearly 8 hours, this trip is best suited for a single day, but be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. Plan your two stops strategically, perhaps around the halfway mark, to break up the 113.5-mile stretch on Diboll Relief Route. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as $61 is the estimated cost, and ensure you're topped up before heading into longer stretches.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 201.2 miles from New London, TX, or about 3h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.5 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 89 miles or 1h 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 201.2 miles or 3h 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 6h 37m

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 New London, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from New London, TX

This is one driving day of about 402.4 miles and 7h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from New London, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Diboll Relief Route for about 113.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown houston-tx

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Houston, TX

201 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

Conroe, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Houston, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 201.2 miles from New London, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Diboll Relief Route if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.5 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.

ExitusVR

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Houston, Texas

+17133440525

Visit website

Bayfront Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

+13618825500

Visit website

Whataburger Field

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

Visit website

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 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 end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13618253500

Visit website

The Escape Game Houston (Galleria)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Houston, Texas

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+17136365541

Visit website

Texas State Aquarium

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Corpus Christi, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13618811200

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 361 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Phillips Street

Turn right onto Phillips Street

Navigation decision point

4
46.2 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward US 59 South: Lufkin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 59 South: Lufkin
4
46.4 mi into trip | ~1h in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

6
228.7 mi into trip | ~4h 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
361 mi into trip | ~7h in | FM 2678

Turn right onto FM 2678

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$60.80 one way

$121.61 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 141 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $66.55 $133.11
premium $4.54 $71.85 $143.69
diesel $5.61 $88.84 $177.69

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$61

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$86–$111

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 140.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 120.7 1 $42.25 $19.32
Efficient EV 100.6 1 $35.21 $16.10
EV Truck/SUV 161 2 $56.34 $25.75

Gas CO2

141 kg

EV CO2

47 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

New London, TX

Afternoon in New London on Tuesday

Local time

12:25 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Corpus Christi, TX

Afternoon in Corpus Christi on Tuesday

Local time

12:25 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°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

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

7h 50m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 7-hour, 50-minute trip. With 61% of the route on main highways, including stretches of Diboll Relief Route and US Highway 59, you'll experience a good amount of consistent driving. The longest uninterrupted segment is a notable 113.5 miles on Diboll Relief Route, so plan your breaks accordingly. While primarily highway, the shift in road type isn't drastic, offering a predictable driving experience.

61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
52 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.5 mi on Diboll Relief Route.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Diboll Relief Route and US Highway 59. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Phillips Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 24 significant decision points across 402.4 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 0.1 miles (Phillips Street): Navigation decision point; at 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 46.4 miles: Navigation decision point.

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 New London, TX to Corpus Christi, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 10: Cottonwood along the way.

Spur 10: Cottonwood

228.7 mi in | ~4h 26m

About the Cities

Starting in New London, 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 7h 50m. Total distance: 402.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 50m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 113.5 miles on Diboll Relief Route. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Phillips Street): Navigation decision point; at 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 46.4 miles: Navigation decision point.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Corpus Christi, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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