How far is Buchanan Dam, TX from Corpus Christi, TX?
Fastest route
The route from Buchanan Dam, Texas to Corpus Christi, Texas is approximately 246 miles and takes about 3 hours and 43 minutes via US-281 S and I-37 S.
Directions
- Start at Buchanan Dam, Texas.
- Head south on Island Lodges Dr toward TX-29 E.
- Turn left onto Farm to Market Rd 1431 E.
- Turn right onto Ranch Rd 2900.
- Turn right onto Farm to Market Rd 2233/Ranch Rd 2233.
- Turn left onto State Hwy 71 E.
- Turn right onto Farm to Market Rd 962/Ranch Rd 962. Continue to follow Ranch Rd 962.
- Turn right onto US-281 S/Farm Rd 962/Farm to Market Rd Rd 962. Continue to follow US-281 S.
- Keep left to stay on US-281 S. Pass by Subway (on the left in 7.3 mi).
- Keep left to stay on US-281 S.
- Take the exit toward Bayfront/Shoreline Blvd/C.C. Museum from I-37 S.
- Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit toward Bayfront/Shoreline Blvd/C.C. Museum.
- Continue on I-37 S.
- Turn left onto N Chaparral St.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto the I-37 ramp to Airport/San Antonio.
- Arrive at Corpus Christi, Texas.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to have your vehicle fueled up and in good condition before embarking on the journey.
- 🛣️ Follow the provided route instructions to stay on the fastest path.
- ⚠️ Pay attention to traffic conditions and adjust your travel time accordingly.
- 📍 Use a GPS or navigation app to ensure you stay on the correct roads and reach your destination smoothly.
- 🚦 Observe traffic signs and signals, and adhere to speed limits and road regulations.
- 📱 Keep your mobile device charged and accessible for any necessary communication or navigation needs.
- 🥤 Consider bringing snacks and drinks for the journey, especially for longer trips.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 53m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Bexar County, Texas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buchanan Dam and Corpus Christi.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buchanan Dam and Corpus Christi.
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1
Start on Island Lodges Drive
43 m · 9 sec · Island Lodges Drive
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2
Turn right
2.1 mi · 3 min
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3
Turn left
5.5 mi · 10 min
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4
Turn right onto Ranch to Market Road 2900
5.3 mi · 9 min · Ranch to Market Road 2900
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5
At the end of the road, turn right
2.6 mi · 5 min
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6
Turn left onto West State Highway 71
3.4 mi · 5 min · West State Highway 71
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7
Turn right onto Ranch Road 962
10.5 mi · 14 min · Ranch Road 962
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8
At the end of the road, turn right onto North US Highway 281
23.8 mi · 27 min · North US Highway 281
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9
Continue on Main Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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10
Continue on South US Highway 281
26.6 mi · 32 min · South US Highway 281
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11
Turn straight
3.1 mi · 3 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on US 281 HOV Lane
2.9 mi · 3 min · US 281 HOV Lane
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13
Merge slight right
14.8 mi · 18 min
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14
Continue on William J Bordelon Freeway
3.2 mi · 4 min · William J Bordelon Freeway
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15
Continue on Lucian Adams Freeway
140.3 mi · 2 hr 23 min · Lucian Adams Freeway
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16
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
118 m · 10 sec · Interstate Highway 37
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17
Continue on Interstate Highway 37
135 m · 15 sec · Interstate Highway 37
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18
Continue straight
147 m · 9 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buchanan Dam and Corpus Christi.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Lucian Adams Freeway
Continue on Lucian Adams Freeway
140 mi · 02h 23m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Buchanan Dam and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Corpus Christi.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buchanan Dam to Corpus Christi?
The road trip is about 246.3 miles (396.4 km) and usually takes 03h 53m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Sandy Oaks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123 miles from Buchanan Dam and 123.3 miles from Corpus Christi.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 212.4 miles (341.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.84 one way or $65.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Buchanan Dam and Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Corpus Christi.
Stop Ideas Near Sandy Oaks
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Sandy Oaks.
San Antonio Station
San Marcos Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buchanan Dam and Corpus Christi. Straight-line distance: 212.45 mi (341.9 km).
#1 Buchanan Dam
Place in Texas
| Population | 1,519 |
| Coordinates | 30.7399000, -98.4311400 |
| Altitude | 318 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Corpus Christi
The second most populous city in Texas and the center of the Corpus Christi metropolitan area.
| Population | 327,248 |
| Coordinates | 27.8005800, -97.3963800 |
| Altitude | 2 |
| Country | United States |
End: I 37 (-97.396427, 27.800658)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 396 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $32.84 | $65.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.95 | $73.90 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $39.90 | $79.79 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $34.70 | $69.40 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Texas · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.