Origin
Corpus Christi, TX
Late night in Corpus Christi on Wednesday
Local time
12:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Corpus Christi, TX to Ricardo, TX
Data updated 5 hours ago
Drive Time
53m
Distance
47 mi
76 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
EV Charging
None
0 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 49m
★
6 AM
0h 53m
8 AM
1h 2m
10 AM
0h 56m
12 PM
0h 55m
3 PM
0h 57m
5 PM
1h 1m
8 PM
0h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Corpus Christi, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Ricardo, TX
Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE
Trip Overview
The drive from Corpus Christi, TX to Ricardo, TX covers 47 miles and takes about 53m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on U.S. Highway 77, TX 44, I 37 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 24.5 miles on U.S. Highway 77. At current regular gas prices, budget about $7.10 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
23.5 miles from Corpus Christi, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 27m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This is a 53m highway drive covering 47 miles, with most of the trip on U.S. Highway 77 and TX 44. The longest continuous stretch is about 24.5 miles on U.S. Highway 77.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
U.S. Highway 77 is the longest continuous segment at about 24.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on U.S. Highway 77 and TX 44. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near I 37.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 53m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (I 37): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
I 37
Depart onto I 37
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
4.2 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward TX 358: Padre Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward TX 358: Padre Island
5
5.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the exit toward TX 44: Robstown, Alice
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TX 44: Robstown, Alice
4
17.4 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
South US Highway 77
Turn left onto South US Highway 77
Navigation decision point
4
42.6 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
US 77 / U.S. Highway 77
Keep slight left at fork onto US 77 / U.S. Highway 77
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
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 Corpus Christi, TX to Ricardo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Alice along the way.
Alice
5.6 mi in
|
~6m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Highway 77 | 24.5 mi | 26m |
| TX 44 | 11.4 mi | 12m |
| I 37 | 4.2 mi | 5m |
| Driscoll Bypass | 4.2 mi | 4m |
| North Padre Island Drive | 1 mi | 1m |
| South US Highway 77 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Farm to Market Road 1118 | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
U.S. Highway 77
— 24.5 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Corpus Christi, TX and Ricardo, TX.
1
Start on I 37
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
I 37
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
2
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward TX 358: Padre Island
3
Continue on TX 358
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Padre Island Drive
4
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward TX 44: Robstown, Alice
5
Continue on TX 44
11 mi
·
12 min
·
TX 44
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn left onto South US Highway 77
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South US Highway 77
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
8
Merge onto I 69E; US 77
6.3 mi
·
6 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
9
Continue on US 77
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Driscoll Bypass
10
Continue on US 77
14 mi
·
14 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 77
4.4 mi
·
4 min
·
U.S. Highway 77
12
Turn left onto FM 1118
75 ft
·
2 sec
·
Farm to Market Road 1118
13
Arrive at destination
FM 1118
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 23.5 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, or about 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.5 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 47 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 23.5 miles or 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ricardo, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi, TX
This is one driving day of about 47 miles and 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Corpus Christi, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on U.S. Highway 77 for about 24.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 23.5 mi from Corpus Christi, TX · 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
24 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 23.5 miles from Corpus Christi, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Ricardo, TX
The final approach into Ricardo, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Ricardo, TX.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$7.10 one way
$14.20 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
16 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $7.77 | $15.55 |
| premium | $4.54 | $8.39 | $16.78 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $10.38 | $20.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14.1 | 0 | $4.94 | $2.26 |
| Efficient EV | 11.8 | 0 | $4.11 | $1.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 18.8 | 0 | $6.58 | $3.01 |
Gas CO2
16 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (69% 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.
Destination
Ricardo, TX
Late night in Ricardo on Wednesday
Local time
12:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°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
13 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
53m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Corpus Christi, TX to Ricardo, TX covers 47 miles and takes about 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are U.S. Highway 77, TX 44, I 37. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 23.5 miles from Corpus Christi, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.10 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 53m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (I 37): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Corpus Christi, TX to Ricardo, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Alice along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Explore more options from Corpus Christi, TX or browse trips ending in Ricardo, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.
Explore maps for Corpus Christi, TX or Ricardo, TX on MapSof.net.