This 117.3-mile drive from Auburn to Mikoma, Mississippi, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. With 73% of the journey on highways, you'll experience a predominantly highway-focused drive. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $18, making it an economical option for exploring within Mississippi. You'll spend most of your time on Pontotoc Parkway West and MS 7. This straightforward journey through the Southeast region offers a convenient way to travel between these two points without needing an overnight stay, allowing for a flexible schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
58.7 miles from Auburn, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pontotoc Parkway West
29.8 mi
34m
Frostland Drive
27.1 mi
40m
MS 7
19.4 mi
23m
MS 32
12.9 mi
19m
I 22
12.8 mi
13m
MS 9
9.8 mi
11m
Clay Street
1.6 mi
2m
US 278
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Pontotoc Parkway West
— 29.8 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Auburn, MS and Mikoma, MS.
1
Start on County Road 1438
119 ft·10 sec·County Road 1438
2
Turn left onto CR 931
0.7 mi·1 min·Auburn Road / County Road 931
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
4
Merge onto I 22; US 78
13 mi·13 min·I 22; US 78
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 76--Toward MS 9 South: Sherman, Pontotoc
6
Turn slight left
131 ft·10 sec
7
Turn left onto MS 9
9.8 mi·11 min·MS 9
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward US 278 West, MS 6 West: Oxford, University of MississippiUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto US 278; MS 6
5.4 mi·6 min·Pontotoc Parkway West
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 278; MS 6
24 mi·28 min·Pontotoc Parkway West
11
Continue on MS 6; US 278
0.5 mi·35 sec·MS 6; US 278
12
Continue on US 278; MS 6
1.0 mi·1 min·US 278; MS 6
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward MS 7: Holly Springs, Water Valley
14
Keep slight left at fork
171 ft·7 sec
15
Merge onto MS 7
6.5 mi·8 min·MS 7
16
Enter roundabout onto MS 7
124 ft·1 sec·MS 7
Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
17
Continue on MS 7
13 mi·14 min·MS 7
Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
18
Turn right onto MS 32
27 mi·40 min·Frostland Drive
19
Continue on MS 32
0.2 mi·18 sec·Main Street
20
Continue on MS 32
0.3 mi·36 sec·Main Street
21
Turn left onto MS 32; MS 35
1.6 mi·2 min·Clay Street
22
Turn right onto MS 32
13 mi·19 min·MS 32
23
Arrive at destination
MS 32
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 32 minutes, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Starting early will allow you ample time to reach Mikoma with daylight to spare, and the $18 fuel cost means you won't need frequent stops for refueling. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 29.8 miles on Pontotoc Parkway West; consider this a good point for a brief stretch or snack if needed. With only one stop indicated, planning your breaks around this longest segment can optimize your journey.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 58.7 miles from Auburn, MS, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.8 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 26 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.7 miles or 1h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mikoma, 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 117.3 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 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 Pontotoc Parkway West for about 29.8 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 13.8 and 55.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
13.8 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward MS 9 South: Sherman, Pontotoc
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 76--
Toward MS 9 South: Sherman, Pontotoc
5
14.2 mi into trip|~17m in|MS 9
Turn left onto MS 9
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
24 mi into trip|~28m in
Take the exit toward US 278 West, MS 6 West: Oxford, University of Mississippi
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 278 West, MS 6 West: Oxford, Universi...
5
55.6 mi into trip|~1h 6m in
Take the exit toward MS 7: Holly Springs, Water Valley
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MS 7: Holly Springs, Water Valley
5
55.8 mi into trip|~1h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.72 one way
$35.43 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$19.45
$38.89
premium
$4.56
$21.05
$42.11
diesel
$5.61
$25.90
$51.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.2
0
$12.32
$5.63
Efficient EV
29.3
0
$10.26
$4.69
EV Truck/SUV
46.9
0
$16.42
$7.51
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Auburn, MS
Night
in Auburn on Saturday
Local time
11:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Mikoma, MS
Night
in Mikoma on Saturday
Local time
11:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°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
16 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 32m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 4
Park Closure: Partial Closure of Rocky Springs Trail
Park Closure: Temporary Blackland Prairie Trail Closure to Equestrians
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...
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
National Monument
In 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till traveled to Money, Mississippi, to visit relatives. He was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered after reportedly whistling at a white woman. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 117.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive that leans heavily towards highway speeds, with 73% of the 117.3 miles being on faster roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 29.8 miles along Pontotoc Parkway West, offering a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While primarily highway-focused, the route incorporates segments of Frostland Drive and MS 7, which may offer a slight variation in scenery and speed as you transition. This drive is designed for efficient travel, minimizing time spent on slower, more winding local roads.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.8 mi on Pontotoc Parkway West.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pontotoc Parkway West and Frostland Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.8 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 117.3 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 13.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.2 miles (MS 9): Lane positioning matters here; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Auburn, MS and Mikoma, MS, road signs point toward Pontotoc, University Of Mississippi and Water Valley.
Pontotoc
13.8 mi in|~16m
University Of Mississippi
24 mi in|~28m
Water Valley
55.6 mi in|~1h 6m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 117.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29.8 miles on Pontotoc Parkway West. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Mikoma, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.2 miles (MS 9): Lane positioning matters here; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Tupelo National Battlefield and Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Mikoma, MS before heading back.
