Victoria County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Splendora, TX to Corpus Christi, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 48m
Distance
245 mi
394 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 35m
★
6 AM
4h 48m
8 AM
5h 15m
10 AM
4h 57m
12 PM
4h 55m
3 PM
4h 59m
5 PM
5h 14m
8 PM
4h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Splendora, TX
Thomas balabaud
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Splendora to Corpus Christi is 245 miles and takes about 4h 48m via US Highway 59 and Eastex Freeway, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Great Plains region of Texas to another part of the Great Plains, staying within the state. With 89% of the drive on highways, expect a straightforward trip that's mostly about covering ground efficiently. This is a solid option if you need to get from the Houston area down to the South Texas coast without a major time commitment.
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
122.5 miles from Splendora, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 59 | 74.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| Eastex Freeway | 35.1 mi | 40m |
| Southwest Freeway | 34.7 mi | 40m |
| US Highway 77 South | 33.2 mi | 37m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 17.7 mi | 23m |
| US 59 | 15.8 mi | 18m |
| TX 35 | 12.1 mi | 13m |
| FM 2678 | 9.6 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 59
— 74.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Splendora, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.
1
Start on this road
19 ft
·
8 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto FM 2090
492 ft
·
16 sec
·
FM 2090
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 59 Business; FM 2090
391 ft
·
8 sec
·
Old Highway 59
4
Continue on FM 2090
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
FM 2090
5
Turn left onto Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Eastex Freeway Frontage Road
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
Toward US 59 South
Use the slight left lane.
7
Merge onto I 69; US 59
35 mi
·
40 min
·
Eastex Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 69; US 59
35 mi
·
40 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
10
Turn straight onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
11
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
12
Continue on US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
14
Merge onto US 59
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
US 59
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 59
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 59
16
Take the exit
1.5 mi
·
2 min
17
Continue on US 59
75 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
US Highway 59
18
Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 91
19
Merge onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
US Highway 77 South
20
Turn straight onto US 77
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Alamo Street
21
Turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Empresario Street
22
Turn right onto FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on FM 136
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
24
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
25
Merge onto TX 35
12 mi
·
13 min
·
TX 35
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
27
Turn slight right
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
28
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
29
Merge onto I 37
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 37
30
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
387 ft
·
10 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
31
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
444 ft
·
15 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
32
Continue on I 37
483 ft
·
9 sec
·
I 37
33
Arrive at destination
I 37
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 48 minute drive time, leaving Splendora in the morning allows you to reach Corpus Christi with plenty of daylight remaining. Since this is a single-day trip, you can afford to be flexible with your timing. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $36, and it's always wise to top off before heading into longer stretches, especially when you're on US Highway 59 for up to 74.7 miles.
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 122.5 miles from Splendora, TX, or about 2h 24m 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 54 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.5 miles or 2h 24m 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 53m
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 Splendora, 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 Splendora, TX
This is one driving day of about 245 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Splendora, 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
123 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 122.5 miles from Splendora, 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
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
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.8 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 websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
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 websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 203.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
FM 2090
Turn left onto FM 2090
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 59 Business; FM 2090 / Old Highway 59
At end of road, turn left onto US 59 Business; FM 2090 / Old Highway 59
Navigation decision point
5
1.3 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward US 59 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 59 South
6
71.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 24m 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
203.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 57m in
|
FM 2678
Turn right onto FM 2678
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.56 one way
$67.11 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $37.48 | $74.97 |
| premium | $4.23 | $40.75 | $81.51 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $46.26 | $92.52 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.5 | 0 | $25.73 | $11.76 |
| Efficient EV | 61.3 | 0 | $21.44 | $9.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98 | 1 | $34.30 | $15.68 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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
Splendora, TX
Late night in Splendora on Tuesday
Local time
5:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 0 to 5 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:54AM CDT until July 19 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Corpus Christi, TX
Late night in Corpus Christi on Tuesday
Local time
5:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 12 to 18 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:55AM CDT until July 19 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:54AM CDT until July 19 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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
5 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 48m 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?
You'll be on highways for 89% of this 245-mile route, with the longest continuous stretch of highway driving being 74.7 miles on US Highway 59. The main roads include US Highway 59, Eastex Freeway, and Southwest Freeway, indicating a significant portion of the drive will be on controlled-access roads. Expect to transition to surface roads after the highway portion concludes, likely with a denser pattern of exits and local traffic as you approach your destination.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 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?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 59 and Eastex Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near FM 2090.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 245 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: near the start (FM 2090): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 59 Business; FM 2090 / Old Highway 59): Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
127 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
128 ft
Total Descent
249 ft
Highest Point
127 ft
Elevation Range
121 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 Splendora, TX to Corpus Christi, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Spur 10: Cottonwood along the way.
Spur 10: Cottonwood
71.3 mi in
|
~1h 24m
About the Cities
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 4h 48m. Total distance: 245 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). 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 12 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 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (FM 2090): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 59 Business; FM 2090 / Old Highway 59): Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 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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