How far is Corpus Christi, TX from Buchanan Dam, TX?
The driving distance from Corpus Christi, TX to Buchanan Dam, TX is about 245.2 miles (394.6 km), with a travel time of about 04h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 212.4 miles (341.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 14m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
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 04h 37m.
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.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Corpus Christi and Buchanan Dam.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Corpus Christi and Buchanan Dam.
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1
Start on the route
16.7 mi · 18 min
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2
Keep slight left
1.3 mi · 1 min
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3
Continue straight
125.4 mi · 2 hr 7 min
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4
Continue on McAllister Freeway
14.9 mi · 18 min · McAllister Freeway
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5
Keep slight left to continue on US 281 HOV Lane
2.9 mi · 3 min · US 281 HOV Lane
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6
Merge slight right
54.7 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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7
Turn left onto West Ranch Road 962
10.5 mi · 14 min · West Ranch Road 962
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8
At the end of the road, turn left onto West State Highway 71
3.4 mi · 5 min · West State Highway 71
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9
Turn right
2.6 mi · 5 min
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10
Turn left onto Ranch to Market Road 2900
5.3 mi · 9 min · Ranch to Market Road 2900
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11
At the end of the road, turn left
5.5 mi · 10 min
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12
Turn right
2.1 mi · 3 min
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13
Turn left onto Island Lodges Drive
43 m · 6 sec · Island Lodges Drive
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Island Lodges Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Corpus Christi and Buchanan Dam.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Continue straight
125 mi · 02h 07m
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.
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Corpus Christi and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Buchanan Dam.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Corpus Christi to Buchanan Dam?
The road trip is about 245.2 miles (394.6 km) and usually takes 04h 37m 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 122.8 miles from Corpus Christi and 122.3 miles from Buchanan Dam.
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 32.8 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 7:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.69 one way or $65.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 76.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Corpus Christi and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Buchanan Dam.
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 Corpus Christi and Buchanan Dam. Straight-line distance: 212.45 mi (341.9 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Buchanan Dam
Place in Texas
| Population | 1,519 |
| Coordinates | 30.7399000, -98.4311400 |
| Altitude | 318 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buchanan Dam (-98.43114, 30.7399)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 395 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $32.69 | $65.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.78 | $73.56 |
| Premium | $4.59 | $39.71 | $79.42 |
| Diesel | $3.99 | $34.54 | $69.08 |
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.