Auburn, MS to Monticello, MS is 267.1 miles and takes about 5h 14m via US Highway 45 Alternate and I 59, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, connecting two points in Mississippi. With a recommended one-day drive, it’s a straightforward route for those looking for a direct connection. Most of the travel occurs on highways, making it a relatively quick transit between these two locations.
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
133.6 miles from Auburn, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m 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
39.5 mi
45m
US 84
19.7 mi
22m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
Martin Luther King Drive
7.7 mi
8m
US 45 ALT
7.2 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 Monticello, 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
40 mi·45 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
31
Continue on US 84
20 mi·22 min·US 84
32
Turn left onto MS 184
3.7 mi·6 min·MS 184
33
Arrive at destination
MS 184
Trip Plan
This 5h 14m drive is easily manageable in a single day, so you can leave Auburn, MS at your leisure. Consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to break up the 267.1 miles strategically, perhaps around the halfway mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $39, and plan your refueling stops accordingly, especially before heading onto longer highway stretches like the 60.6-mile segment on US Highway 45 Alternate.
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 133.6 miles from Auburn, MS, or about 2h 40m 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 59 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.6 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Monticello, 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 267.1 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 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.
The midpoint is around 133.6 miles from Auburn, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US Highway 45 Aiternate if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 14
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
$39.13 one way
$78.26 round trip
$3.72/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.13
$43.44
$86.88
premium
$4.49
$47.17
$94.35
diesel
$5.60
$58.88
$117.76
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.1
0
$28.05
$12.82
Efficient EV
66.8
0
$23.37
$10.68
EV Truck/SUV
106.8
1
$37.39
$17.09
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Sep 2, 2026
Origin
Auburn, MS
Late night
in Auburn on Friday
Local time
5:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 1 at 8:27PM CDT until September 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 1 at 7:45PM CDT until September 5 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Monticello, MS
Late night
in Monticello on Friday
Local time
5:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 1 at 8:27PM CDT until September 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 1 at 7:45PM CDT until September 5 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
72°F
Meridian, MS
134 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
1 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
5h 14m 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.
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Partial Closure of Rocky Springs Trail
Park Closure: Yockanookany Trail Section Closed 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 78% of this 267.1-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch without a significant change in road type is 60.6 miles on US Highway 45 Alternate. Expect a transition from highway cruising to surface roads as you approach your destination. The higher highway percentage suggests periods of faster travel with fewer interruptions.
78% 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 14 significant decision points across 267.1 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
407 ft198 ft
Total Climb
415 ft
Total Descent
548 ft
Highest Point
407 ft
~152.6 mi in
Elevation Range
210 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 Monticello, MS, road signs begin pointing toward New Orleans along the way.
Monticello is a town of 1,500 people (2019) on the Pearl River in Lawrence County, south Mississippi. Monticello is home to several beautiful historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Top landmarks
•Lawrence County Courthouse — courthouse in Lawrence County, Mississippi
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 14m. Total distance: 267.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Monticello, 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 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 — Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and Tupelo National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Monticello, MS before the return drive.
