Spanning 321.5 miles from Baldwyn to the Gulfport coastline, this journey across Mississippi takes roughly 6 hours and 16 minutes of driving time. Because the route is almost entirely highway-focused, you can comfortably complete the trip in a single day if you stay focused. Budget approximately $49 for fuel to cover the distance, though it is wise to keep a little extra set aside for fluctuations. Whether you are heading south for a quick getaway or traveling for business, the trek effectively bridges the northern and southern reaches of the state. It is a straightforward, practical transit route that relies heavily on major thoroughfares to get you to your destination efficiently.
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
160.7 miles from Baldwyn, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
88.7 mi
1h 36m
US 49
62.4 mi
1h 17m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US Highway 45 Alternate
54.7 mi
1h 6m
US 45
33.4 mi
39m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
US 98
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 88.7 mi, about 1h 36m
Traffic on I-59
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~976 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,182
Quietest
2 AM
~88 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Baldwyn, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on West Main Street
119 ft·10 sec·West Main Street
2
Turn left onto MS 145; MS 370
0.2 mi·28 sec·South 4th Street
3
Turn right onto MS 370
1.5 mi·2 min·MS 370
4
Turn left
0.3 mi·49 sec
5
Merge onto US 45
29 mi·34 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
7
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
8
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
9
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
10
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
15
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59
89 mi·1 hr 36 min·I 59
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New OrleansUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
22
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
Planning for a one-day arrival is entirely feasible, but you should aim to leave early in the morning to account for the 6-hour and 16-minute duration. Since you only have one major stop scheduled, plan your break strategically to coincide with refueling to keep your $49 budget on track. Because the route relies so heavily on I-59 and US-49, be prepared for heavier traffic near major junctions and adjust your speed accordingly. Take advantage of the flexibility of a single-day trip by keeping your departure time adaptable based on real-time traffic reports. Your best strategy is to maintain a steady pace through the 88.7-mile I-59 stretch to avoid fatigue before reaching the final leg of your journey.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 160.7 miles from Baldwyn, MS, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.7 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 71 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.7 miles or 3h 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 5h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Baldwyn, 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 Baldwyn, MS
This is one driving day of about 321.5 miles and 6h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Baldwyn, 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 I 59 for about 88.7 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 166.6 and 259 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
166.6 mi into trip|~3h 17m 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
255.4 mi into trip|~4h 53m in|US 98
Take the exit onto US 98 toward US 98 East: Lucedale, Mobile
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, Mobile
7
258.5 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gu...
9
258.8 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg
6
259 mi into trip|~4h 59m in|US 49
Turn right onto US 49
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.63 one way
$89.26 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg113 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$49.93
$99.87
premium
$4.29
$54.29
$108.58
diesel
$4.80
$60.71
$121.41
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
96.5
1
$33.76
$15.43
Efficient EV
80.4
0
$28.13
$12.86
EV Truck/SUV
128.6
1
$45.01
$20.58
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Baldwyn, MS
Evening
in Baldwyn on Saturday
Local time
8:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Evening
in Gulfport on Saturday
Local time
8:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Mostly Sunny
W 5 to 10 mph5% chanceLive forecast
95°F
Meridian, MS
161 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
23 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
6h 16m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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?
Expect a highly efficient transit experience, as 99% of this journey is spent on major highways including I-59, US-49, and US Highway 45 Alternate. You will settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 88.7 miles on I-59. The road maintains a consistent pace, prioritizing speed and directness over winding scenic detours. While the drive is primarily an interstate grind, the transition between these major roads keeps the route moving steadily toward the coast. You will find that the character of the drive remains predictable, allowing you to cover significant ground without the unpredictability of smaller local roads.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.7 mi on I 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 166.6 miles in near I 59.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 321.5 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 166.6 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255.4 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 258.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
394 ft20 ft
Total Climb
396 ft
Total Descent
770 ft
Highest Point
394 ft
Elevation Range
374 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Baldwyn, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 16m. Total distance: 321.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.7 miles on I 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 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 Gulfport, 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 8 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 166.6 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255.4 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 258.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gulfport, MS before the return drive.
