Victoria County Southbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Texas City, TX to Corpus Christi, 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
4h 47m
Distance
243.1 mi
391 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 34m
★
6 AM
4h 47m
8 AM
5h 14m
10 AM
4h 57m
12 PM
4h 54m
3 PM
4h 58m
5 PM
5h 13m
8 PM
4h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Texas City, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Texas City, TX to Corpus Christi, TX is 243.1 miles and takes about 4h 47m via US Highway 59 and US Highway 77 South, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, traversing Texas for its entirety. Expect a straightforward drive that's largely on highways, making it a good candidate for a single-day excursion. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, it’s a manageable drive for most.
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
121.5 miles from Texas City, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 59 | 74.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| US Highway 77 South | 33.2 mi | 37m |
| South Sam Houston Tollway East | 21 mi | 24m |
| Southwest Freeway | 19.9 mi | 21m |
| Farm to Market Road 136 | 17.7 mi | 23m |
| Gulf Freeway | 16.1 mi | 18m |
| US 59 | 15.8 mi | 18m |
| TX 35 | 12.1 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 59
— 74.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Texas City, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.
1
Start on this road
48 ft
·
8 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Spur 197
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
6th Street
3
Turn left onto 9th Avenue North
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
9th Avenue North
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on FM 1764
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Palmer Highway
5
Continue on FM 1764
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Emmett F Lowry Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 45
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 32
Toward SHT West, SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Toward SHT West: Sam Houston Tollway
Use the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto BW 8
0.3 mi
·
18 sec
·
South Sam Houston Parkway East
10
Continue on SHT
21 mi
·
24 min
·
South Sam Houston Tollway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on BW 8
131 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Sam Houston Parkway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward I 69, US 59 South, US 59 North: Victoria, Houston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 59 South, I 69: Victoria
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 69; US 59
20 mi
·
21 min
·
Southwest Freeway
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 94
Toward Spur 10: Cottonwood, Church Road, Hartledge Road
16
Turn straight onto Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
17
Continue on Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Freeway Frontage Road
18
Continue on US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 59 Southbound Frontage Road
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
20
Merge onto US 59
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
US 59
21
Keep slight left at fork onto US 59
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 59
22
Take the exit
1.5 mi
·
2 min
23
Continue on US 59
75 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
US Highway 59
24
Keep slight left at fork onto Spur 91
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Spur 91
25
Merge onto US 77
33 mi
·
37 min
·
US Highway 77 South
26
Turn straight onto US 77
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Alamo Street
27
Turn left onto FM 774
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
East Empresario Street
28
Turn right onto FM 2678
9.6 mi
·
9 min
·
FM 2678
Use the right lane.
29
Continue on FM 136
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Farm to Market Road 136
30
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
31
Merge onto TX 35
12 mi
·
13 min
·
TX 35
32
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
33
Turn slight right
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
34
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
35
Merge onto I 37
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
I 37
36
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
387 ft
·
10 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
37
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
444 ft
·
15 sec
·
Interstate Highway 37
38
Continue on I 37
483 ft
·
9 sec
·
I 37
39
Arrive at destination
I 37
Trip Plan
Given this 4h 47m drive, starting your trip in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. You'll only need to plan for one stop along the way, so consider breaking up the longest stretch of 74.7 miles on US Highway 59. With a fuel cost estimated around $35, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is practical, especially since highway exits can be spread out. This route is well-suited for a single day, allowing for flexibility in departure time or potential for a brief stop without feeling rushed.
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 121.5 miles from Texas City, TX, or about 2h 25m 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 53 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.5 miles or 2h 25m 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 52m
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 Texas 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 Texas City, TX
This is one driving day of about 243.1 miles and 4h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Texas 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
122 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 121.5 miles from Texas 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
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
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Service 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 215 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 48.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
9th Avenue North
Turn left onto 9th Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
25.6 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Take the exit toward SHT West, SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway
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 32
Toward SHT West, SHT East: Sam Houston Tollway
7
25.9 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SHT West: Sam Houston Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward SHT West: Sam Houston Tollway
7
48.2 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Take the exit toward I 69, US 59 South, US 59 North: Victoria, Houston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 69, US 59 South, US 59 North: Victoria...
8
48.6 mi into trip
|
~59m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 59 South, I 69: Victoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 59 South, I 69: Victoria
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.30 one way
$66.59 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
85 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $37.19 | $74.38 |
| premium | $4.23 | $40.44 | $80.87 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $45.90 | $91.80 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.68
Sam Houston Tollway
(21 mi)
$1.68
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.9 | 0 | $25.53 | $11.67 |
| Efficient EV | 60.8 | 0 | $21.27 | $9.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97.2 | 1 | $34.03 | $15.56 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 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
Texas City, TX
Late night in Texas City on Monday
Local time
12:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Partly Sunny
S 10 to 15 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:16AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:07AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Corpus Christi, TX
Late night in Corpus Christi on Monday
Local time
12:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 12 to 18 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:16AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:07AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM 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
1 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 47m 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?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 78% of the 243.1 miles on major roadways. You'll experience a longest stretch of 74.7 miles on US Highway 59, offering a good opportunity for steady cruising. The transition from highway to surface roads will occur as you approach your destination, likely involving more local traffic and a different pace. Be prepared for a more urban feel as you get closer to Corpus Christi.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 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 0.7 miles in near 9th Avenue North.
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 21 significant decision points across 243.1 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 0.7 miles (9th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
104 ft
6 ft
Total Climb
123 ft
Total Descent
122 ft
Highest Point
104 ft
~104.2 mi in
Elevation Range
98 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 Texas City, TX and Corpus Christi, TX, road signs point toward Sht West, Sht East: Sam Houston Tollway, Sht West: Sam Houston Tollway, Houston and Spur 10: Cottonwood.
Sht West
25.6 mi in
|
~31m
Sht East: Sam Houston Tollway
25.6 mi in
|
~31m
Sht West: Sam Houston Tollway
25.9 mi in
|
~32m
Houston
48.2 mi in
|
~58m
Spur 10: Cottonwood
69.4 mi in
|
~1h 23m
About the Cities
Starting in Texas City, TX
Full guide →Founded 1911
Texas City is in Galveston County and lies on the Gulf Coast of the Texas mainland.
Top landmarks
- • The Settlement Historic District — historic district in Texas City, Galveston County, Texas
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 47m. Total distance: 243.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). 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.
Expect about $1.68 in tolls one way, starting with Sam Houston Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 11 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (9th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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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