Auburn, MS to Collins, MS is 230.6 miles and takes about 4h 30m via Auburn Road / County Road 931 and US 45 South, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, traversing the Southeast region. Given that it's mostly surface roads with no highway driving, expect a more leisurely pace. This route is a good option if you're looking for a straightforward drive between these two points without needing to worry about interstate navigation or overnight stays.
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
115.3 miles from Auburn, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US Highway 45 Alternate
54.7 mi
1h 6m
I 59
51.2 mi
54m
Veterans Memorial Highway
25.9 mi
29m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
Martin Luther King Drive
7.7 mi
8m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
North Eason Boulevard
5.1 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
US Highway 45 Aiternate
— 60.6 mi, about 1h 9m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 10 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,811 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,170
Quietest
2 AM
~214 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Auburn, MS and Collins, MS.
1
Start on County Road 1438
119 ft·10 sec·County Road 1438
2
Turn left onto CR 931
1.1 mi·2 min·Auburn Road / County Road 931
3
Continue on North Eason Boulevard
5.1 mi·8 min·North Eason Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn left
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, PontotocUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto US 45; MS 6
1.9 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Drive
6
Continue on US 45; US 278
7.7 mi·8 min·Martin Luther King Drive
7
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
8
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
9
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
10
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
12
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
16
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59
51 mi·54 min·I 59
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New OrleansUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward US 84 East: Waynesboro, Chantilly StreetUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
221 ft·6 sec
21
Turn straight onto Chantilly Street
0.2 mi·22 sec·Chantilly Street
22
At end of road, turn left onto US 11
0.2 mi·17 sec·Cross Street
23
Continue on US 11
0.2 mi·26 sec·Teresa Street
24
Turn left onto North Magnolia Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·North Magnolia Street
25
Continue on Sawmill Road
0.2 mi·22 sec·Sawmill Road
26
Keep slight left at fork onto Sawmill Road
473 ft·10 sec·Sawmill Road
27
Enter roundabout onto Sawmill Road
72 ft·1 sec·Sawmill Road
28
Continue on Sawmill Road
0.5 mi·59 sec·Sawmill Road
29
Continue on West 5th Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·West 5th Street
30
Continue on US 84; MS 28
26 mi·29 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
31
Turn left onto MS 184
0.5 mi·54 sec·Main Street
32
Turn left onto South Beech Avenue
77 ft·3 sec·South Beech Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
South Beech Avenue
Trip Plan
Plan to leave Auburn, MS in the morning to make the most of the daylight for your 4h 30m drive to Collins, MS. With a total distance of 230.6 miles and no highway segments, you can easily complete this in one day. There's one recommended stop along the way, so consider taking a break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel level, as surface roads can sometimes have fewer services than major highways; your estimated fuel cost is $34. The route primarily uses US 45 South for a significant portion, so familiarize yourself with that road's general conditions.
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 115.3 miles from Auburn, MS, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.6 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 51 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.3 miles or 2h 20m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Collins, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Auburn, MS 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 Auburn, MS
This is one driving day of about 230.6 miles and 4h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Auburn, MS.
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 45 Aiternate for about 60.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.2 and 203.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
6.2 mi into trip|~11m in
Turn left toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontotoc
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontot...
5
142.4 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
8
151 mi into trip|~3h 1m in|I 59
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
7
202.2 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward US 84 East: Waynesboro, Chantilly Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 84 East: Waynesboro, Chantilly Street
6
203.4 mi into trip|~3h 58m in|Sawmill Road
Enter roundabout onto Sawmill Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.49 one way
$70.98 round trip
$3.91/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.37
$39.69
$79.38
premium
$4.76
$43.22
$86.45
diesel
$5.89
$53.45
$106.89
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.7 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.2
0
$24.21
$11.07
Efficient EV
57.7
0
$20.18
$9.22
EV Truck/SUV
92.2
1
$32.28
$14.76
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Forecast as of Oct 16, 2026
Origin
Auburn, MS
Morning
in Auburn on Sunday
Local time
7:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
NW 5 to 20 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued October 16 at 6:41AM CDT until October 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued October 16 at 6:41AM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Collins, MS
Morning
in Collins on Sunday
Local time
7:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Meridian, MS
115 mi in
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
11 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
4h 30m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Tupelo National Battlefield
National Battlefield
In July, 1864, federal forces, including men from the United States Colored Troops, marched into Tupelo, Mississippi. Disorganized Confederate soldiers fought fiercely but could not overpower the fede...
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is five sections of hiking trail running roughly parallel to the 444-mile long Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road. The foot trails total more than 60 miles...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 230.6-mile drive features no highway time, meaning you'll be on surface roads for the entire trip. The initial portion begins on Auburn Road / County Road 931, transitioning to North Eason Boulevard before merging onto US 45 South. You'll experience consistent cruising without the frequent exits or high speeds associated with interstates. The longest stretch of continuous driving is not specified, but the total duration suggests a steady pace throughout.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.6 mi on US Highway 45 Aiternate.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 45 Aiternate and US Highway 45 Alternate. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.2 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 230.6 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 6.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
511 ft195 ft
Total Climb
429 ft
Total Descent
463 ft
Highest Point
511 ft
~181.2 mi in
Elevation Range
316 ft
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 Auburn, MS to Collins, MS, road signs begin pointing toward New Orleans along the way.
Collins is a city of 2,600 people in Mississippi near the center of Covington County, on the southwest side of Okatoma Creek, a tributary of the Bowie River. It is part of the Pascagoula River watershed.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 30m. Total distance: 230.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60.6 miles on US Highway 45 Aiternate. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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 Collins, MS 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 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Tupelo National Battlefield and Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Collins, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
