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Trip from Parker, TX to Corpus Christi, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 30m
Distance
232 mi
373 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 17m
★
6 AM
4h 31m
8 AM
4h 58m
10 AM
4h 40m
12 PM
4h 38m
3 PM
4h 42m
5 PM
4h 56m
8 PM
4h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Parker, TX
Thomas balabaud
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 232-mile drive from Parker, Texas, to Corpus Christi, Texas, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Primarily utilizing United States Highway 77 South and TX 21, you'll find this route is highway-focused, with 87% of it on major roads. With an estimated fuel cost of $35, it's an economical journey. The drive offers a straightforward path through the Great Plains region of Texas. You'll encounter only one recommended stop along the way, making it a convenient option for a quick transition between these two Texas locations.
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
116 miles from Parker, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Highway 77 | 67.1 mi | 1h 16m |
| US Highway 77 South | 34 mi | 38m |
| TX 21 | 33.6 mi | 37m |
| South US Highway 77 | 24.7 mi | 28m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 17.7 mi | 23m |
| TX 35 | 12.1 mi | 13m |
| Northwest Zac Lentz Parkway | 11.9 mi | 13m |
| FM 2678 | 9.6 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
United States Highway 77
— 67.1 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Parker, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.
1
Start on FM 50
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Farm to Market Road 50
2
At end of road, turn left onto TX 21
34 mi
·
37 min
·
TX 21
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
4
Keep slight left at fork
103 ft
·
2 sec
5
Turn left onto US 77
27 mi
·
30 min
·
United States Highway 77
6
Continue on US 77
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
North Jefferson Street
7
Continue on US 77
25 mi
·
28 min
·
South US Highway 77
8
Continue on US 77
6.8 mi
·
7 min
·
US 77
9
Continue on US 77
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
United States Highway 77
10
Continue on US 77
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Texana Street
11
Turn right onto US 77; US 90 Alt
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
West 4th Street
12
Continue on US 77; US 90 Alt
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
Fairwinds Street
13
Turn left onto US 77
40 mi
·
45 min
·
United States Highway 77
14
Take the exit
278 ft
·
7 sec
15
Turn straight onto US 77
405 ft
·
8 sec
·
Northeast Zac Lentz Parkway
16
Take the ramp onto US 77
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
US 77
17
Merge onto US 77
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast Zac Lentz Parkway
18
Continue on US 77
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Northwest Zac Lentz Parkway
19
Take the exit onto US 77
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 77
20
Turn left
170 ft
·
6 sec
21
Turn right onto US 77
34 mi
·
38 min
·
US Highway 77 South
22
Turn straight onto US 77
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Alamo Street
23
Turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Empresario Street
24
Turn right onto FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on FM 136
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
26
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
27
Merge onto TX 35
12 mi
·
13 min
·
TX 35
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
29
Turn slight right
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
30
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
31
Merge onto I 37
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 37
32
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
387 ft
·
10 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
33
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
444 ft
·
15 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
34
Continue on I 37
483 ft
·
9 sec
·
I 37
35
Arrive at destination
I 37
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour and 30-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Parker, Texas, to maximize your daylight hours in Corpus Christi. With only one recommended stop and a total distance of 232 miles, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. The estimated fuel cost of $35 is quite reasonable, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Parker to minimize any mid-trip refueling needs. A specific tip for this route: be mindful of the 67.1-mile stretch on US Highway 77; it's a good opportunity for efficient travel, but also keep an eye out for any potential speed limit changes as you pass through smaller communities.
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 116 miles from Parker, TX, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.1 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 51 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116 miles or 2h 12m 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 39m
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 Parker, 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 Parker, TX
This is one driving day of about 232 miles and 4h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Parker, 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 United States Highway 77 for about 67.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
116 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 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 116 miles from Parker, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before United States Highway 77 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.1 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.
290 Travel Plaza
1 mi from route
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 websiteHarbor 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 websiteWhataburger Field
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Corpus Christi, Texas
Visit websiteCorpus 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 websiteThe 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 websiteTexas 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 websiteTexas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
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 end, right off the route
Home stretch
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 165 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 190.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
3
1.9 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
TX 21
At end of road, turn left onto TX 21
Navigation decision point
3
35.5 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
5
35.6 mi into trip
|
~41m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
189 mi into trip
|
~3h 37m in
|
FM 774 / East Empresario Street
Turn left onto FM 774 / East Empresario Street
Navigation decision point
6
190.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 40m in
|
FM 2678
Turn right onto FM 2678
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.83 one way
$69.65 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
81 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $38.54 | $77.07 |
| premium | $4.57 | $41.70 | $83.39 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $57.32 | $114.65 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.6 | 0 | $24.36 | $11.14 |
| Efficient EV | 58 | 0 | $20.30 | $9.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.8 | 1 | $32.48 | $14.85 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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
Parker, TX
Night in Parker on Thursday
Local time
10:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Sunny
NE 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Corpus Christi, TX
Night in Corpus Christi on Thursday
Local time
10:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Chance Rain Showers
NE 15 mph
46% chance
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
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 30m 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?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 87% of the journey on major roads like US Highway 77 South and TX 21. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 67.1 miles on United States Highway 77, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While the majority is highway driving, be prepared for potential transitions as you enter and exit towns. This route offers a consistent driving feel for the most part, allowing for a predictable journey.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67.1 mi on United States Highway 77.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on United States Highway 77 and US Highway 77 South. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near TX 21.
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 232 miles you will encounter 16 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: at 1.9 miles (TX 21): Navigation decision point; at 35.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 35.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
427 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
258 ft
Total Descent
495 ft
Highest Point
427 ft
~16.6 mi in
Elevation Range
421 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Parker, TX
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Southfork Ranch — conference and event center located in Parker, Texas, U.S.
Arriving in Corpus Christi, TX
Full guide →Founded 1839
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
- • Old Nueces County Courthouse — historic place in Corpus Christi, Nueces 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 4h 30m. Total distance: 232 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 67.1 miles on United States Highway 77. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 2 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: at 1.9 miles (TX 21): Navigation decision point; at 35.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 35.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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