Trip from Highland Park, TX to Corpus Christi, TX

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

7h 12m

Distance

394.9 mi

636 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$65

one way

EV Charging

Good

11 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min

4 AM

7h 2m ★

6 AM

7h 12m

8 AM

7h 34m

10 AM

7h 20m

12 PM

7h 18m

3 PM

7h 21m

5 PM

7h 33m

8 PM

7h 6m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Highland Park, TX

Jeff Stapleton

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

Corpus Christi, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Highland Park, TX to Corpus Christi, TX covers 394.9 miles and takes about 7h 12m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on South R L Thornton Freeway, TX 130 Toll, TX 80 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 89.9 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $65.19 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

197.5 miles from Highland Park, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 26m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 12m. Total distance: 394.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 12m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Drive Character

This is a 7h 12m highway drive covering 394.9 miles, with most of the trip on South R L Thornton Freeway and TX 130 Toll. The longest continuous stretch is about 89.9 miles on South R L Thornton Freeway.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 52 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

South R L Thornton Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 89.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and TX 130 Toll. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.2 miles in.

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 26 significant decision points across 394.9 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 3.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 26 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

3.2 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the exit toward Downtown, Good-Latimer Expressway

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 284C Toward Downtown, Good-Latimer Expressway

5.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco

5.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E South: Waco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / right lanes. Toward I 35E South: Waco

166.5 mi into trip | ~2h 57m in

Take the exit toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 265 Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio

225.8 mi into trip | ~3h 53m in

Take the exit toward US 183 South: Lockhart

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
South R L Thornton Freeway	89.9 mi	1h 32m
TX 130 Toll	58.5 mi	54m
TX 80	51.2 mi	56m
South US Highway 181	40.2 mi	45m
Purple Heart Trail	37.9 mi	39m
I 35	26.5 mi	26m
US Highway 181	23.3 mi	26m
US Highway 181 South	16.1 mi	18m

Longest stretch: South R L Thornton Freeway — 89.9 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Highland Park, TX and Corpus Christi, TX.

Start on Cornell Avenue

295 ft · 16 sec · Cornell Avenue

Turn right onto Byron Avenue

423 ft · 25 sec · Byron Avenue

Turn left onto Beverly Drive

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Beverly Drive

Turn right onto Hillcrest Avenue

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Hillcrest Avenue

Turn left onto Harvard Avenue

419 ft · 15 sec · Harvard Avenue

Turn right onto Cole Avenue

373 ft · 15 sec · Cole Avenue

Turn left onto Monticello Avenue

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Monticello Avenue

Turn right onto North Central Expressway

0.4 mi · 52 sec · North Central Expressway

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward US 75 South Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto US 75

1.6 mi · 1 min · North Central Expressway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

501 ft · 12 sec

Exit 284C Toward Downtown, Good-Latimer Expressway Use the slight left lane.

Continue on North Central Expressway

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Central Expressway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn right onto Elm Street

304 ft · 10 sec · Elm Street

Turn left onto North Pearl Expressway

0.2 mi · 28 sec · North Pearl Expressway

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Young Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Young Street

Turn left onto South Harwood Street

315 ft · 8 sec · South Harwood Street

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto Canton Street

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Canton Street

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Toward I 30 West

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 14 sec

Toward I 35E South, I 35E North: Waco, Denton

Keep slight left at fork

221 ft · 5 sec

Toward I 35E North, I 35E South: Denton, Waco Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 30 sec

Toward I 35E South: Waco Use the left / right lanes.

Continue on I 35E

0.5 mi · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway

Continue on I 35E

89 mi · 1 hr 31 min · South R L Thornton Freeway

Exit 426 Toward Dallas Zoo Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

26 mi · 26 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec

Exit 265 Toward TX 130 Toll South: San Antonio Use the slight right lane.

Continue on TX 130 Toll

59 mi · 54 min · TX 130 Toll

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Exit 470 Toward US 183 South: Lockhart Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 183

0.5 mi · 35 sec · United States Highway 183

Continue on US 183

4.9 mi · 8 min · North Colorado Street

Continue on US 183

10 mi · 11 min · US 183

Continue on US 183

4.2 mi · 6 min · North Magnolia Avenue

Continue on TX 80

51 mi · 56 min · TX 80

Turn slight left onto FM 792

8.4 mi · 10 min · Farm-to-Market Road 792

Continue on TX 72; TX 239

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Main Street

Turn left onto US 181

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Sunset Strip Drive

Continue on US 181

40 mi · 45 min · South US Highway 181

Continue on US 181

0.8 mi · 55 sec · North 8th Street

Continue on US 181

16 mi · 18 min · US Highway 181 South

Continue on TX 89

4.1 mi · 4 min · State Highway 89

Continue on US 181

5.9 mi · 6 min · US Highway 181

Continue on US 181

1.3 mi · 1 min · Railroad Avenue

Continue on US 181

17 mi · 19 min · US Highway 181

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 43 sec

Turn slight right

0.3 mi · 56 sec

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 37

0.3 mi · 29 sec · I 37

Continue on Interstate Highway 37

387 ft · 10 sec · Interstate Highway 37

Continue on Interstate Highway 37

444 ft · 15 sec · Interstate Highway 37

Continue on I 37

483 ft · 9 sec · I 37

Arrive at destination

I 37

Trip Plan

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 197.5 miles from Highland Park, TX, or about 3h 26m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 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 87 miles or 1h 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 197.5 miles or 3h 26m 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 2m

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 Highland Park, 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 Highland Park, TX

This is one driving day of about 394.9 miles and 7h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Highland Park, 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 South R L Thornton Freeway for about 89.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 197.5 mi from Highland Park, TX · 3h 26m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Austin, TX

197 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.

Popular next leg

Austin, TX to Corpus Christi, TX

216.9 mi · 3h 49m

Pacing Suggestions

Killeen, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 87 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Austin, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 197.5 miles from Highland Park, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 miles.

Arriving in Corpus Christi, TX

The final approach into Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi, TX.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Bayfront Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 394.9

Corpus Christi, Texas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13618267529

Visit website

Harbor Playhouse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 394.9

Corpus Christi, Texas

+13618825500

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 394.9

Corpus Christi, Texas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13618263460

Visit website

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

National Monument

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 95.3

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$65.19 one way

$130.37 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 151 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$71.35	$142.70
premium	$4.54	$77.02	$154.05
diesel	$5.61	$95.25	$190.50

Estimated Tolls: $0.22

Central Expressway (2.7 mi) $0.22

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

$65

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$90–$115

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 150.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

11 DC fast chargers · Coverage: good

The Shops at Park Lane - Tesla Supercharger

Dallas, TX

Tesla

16 DCFC

The Hill Shopping Center - Tesla Supercharger

Dallas, TX

Tesla

11 DCFC

10433 N Central Expy

Dallas, TX

HYPERFUEL

8 DCFC

Friendly Chevrolet

Dallas, TX

NAYAX_ENERGY

8 DCFC

Dallas, TX

RIVIAN_ADVENTURE

6 DCFC

Dunhill - Shops at Mockingbird (Dallas, TX)

Dallas, TX

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Planet Ford Dallas

Dallas, TX

FORD_CHARGE

4 DCFC

Sewell Cadillac Dallas

Dallas, TX

Blink Network

2 DCFC

eVgo Network: 3 Tesla: 2 HYPERFUEL: 1 ABM: 1 RIVIAN_ADVENTURE: 1 Blink Network: 1 FORD_CHARGE: 1 NAYAX_ENERGY: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	118.5	1	$41.46	$18.96
Efficient EV	98.7	1	$34.55	$15.80
EV Truck/SUV	158	1	$55.29	$25.27

Gas CO2

138 kg

EV CO2

46 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 15, 2026

Origin

Highland Park, TX

Evening in Highland Park on Thursday

Local time

5:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Corpus Christi, TX

Evening in Corpus Christi on Thursday

Local time

5:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

72°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

7h 12m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Highland Park, TX to Corpus Christi, TX covers 394.9 miles and takes about 7h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are South R L Thornton Freeway, TX 130 Toll, TX 80. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 197.5 miles from Highland Park, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $59.67 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

The route from Highland Park, TX to Corpus Christi, TX does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Highland Park, TX or browse trips ending in Corpus Christi, TX.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.

Explore maps for Highland Park, TX or Corpus Christi, TX on MapSof.net.

Trip from Highland Park, TX to Corpus Christi, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Corpus Christi, TX

Nearby Places

Bayfront Park

Harbor Playhouse

Whataburger Field

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

The Art Museum of South Texas

Texas State Aquarium

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center

Water's Edge Park

National Parks Near This Route

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Highland Park, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Same local time

Very similar conditions

7h 12m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Continue From Corpus Christi, TX

More from Highland Park, TX

More trips to Corpus Christi, TX