Traveling from Batesville to the Gulf Coast covers 307 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 57 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is entirely within the Southeast region of Mississippi, you will experience a consistent cultural transition from the northern hills down to the Gulfport shoreline. Budget roughly $47 for fuel to complete the trip, which is easily manageable as a single-day excursion. While you could power through in one day, the nearly six-hour duration means you should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs. It is a straightforward, highway-focused route that prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads, making it a functional choice for travelers looking to reach the coast without unnecessary complications.
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
153.5 miles from Batesville, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
147.8 mi
2h 40m
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
US 49
64.7 mi
1h 20m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
7.7 mi
8m
US 98
3.2 mi
4m
US 278
1.2 mi
2m
25th Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
US 51
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 147.8 mi, about 2h 40m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 49 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,842 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~151 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.8×
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 Batesville, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on US 51; MS 35
49 ft·8 sec·US 51; MS 35
2
Turn left onto US 278; MS 6
1.2 mi·2 min·US 278; MS 6
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
4
Merge onto I 55
148 mi·2 hr 40 min·I 55
5
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
7
Merge onto US 49
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Highway 49 South
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 49; MS 42
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 49; MS 42
1.1 mi·1 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf CoastUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 59
7.7 mi·8 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Toward Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight lane.
12
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, aim to leave Batesville early in the morning to beat potential traffic congestion and ensure you arrive in Gulfport with plenty of daylight. Since you are only planning for one main stop, time it strategically after your long initial stint on I-55 to maximize your momentum. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip, as the $47 estimate can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local price variations. Given that this is a one-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; if you find yourself needing a break, the highway-heavy nature of the route means there are plenty of exit opportunities along the corridor. Prioritize consistent pacing to prevent driver fatigue during the nearly six-hour journey.
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 153.5 miles from Batesville, MS, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 147.8 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 68 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153.5 miles or 2h 49m 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 48m
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 Batesville, 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 Batesville, MS
This is one driving day of about 307 miles and 5h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Batesville, 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 55 for about 147.8 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 150.3 and 244.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
150.3 mi into trip|~2h 44m in|US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49 toward Richland, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
7
232.8 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
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 I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
7
240.9 mi into trip|~4h 34m 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
244.1 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
244.4 mi into trip|~4h 39m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.62 one way
$85.23 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg107 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$47.68
$95.36
premium
$4.29
$51.84
$103.68
diesel
$4.80
$57.97
$115.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 107.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
92.1
1
$32.24
$14.74
Efficient EV
76.8
0
$26.86
$12.28
EV Truck/SUV
122.8
1
$42.98
$19.65
Gas CO2
107 kg
EV CO2
36 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
Batesville, MS
Late night
in Batesville on Sunday
Local time
2:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
WNW 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:58PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Late night
in Gulfport on Sunday
Local time
2:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
W 5 to 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:58PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
96°F
Sumrall, MS
154 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
2 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
5h 57m 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.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
National Monument
Medgar and Myrlie Evers were partners in the civil rights struggle. The assassination of Medgar Evers in the carport of their home on June 12, 1963, was the first murder of a nationally significant le...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 148.2
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...
28 mi from route
~71 min detour
Free
near mile 21.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed transit, with 97% of your travel occurring on major highways. You will begin your journey with a substantial 147.8-mile stretch on I-55, which offers the longest uninterrupted segment of the drive. As you transition to Highway 49 South and US 49, the road character shifts from interstate cruising to a more standard highway experience. This is a practical, utilitarian drive that favors getting you to your destination quickly rather than offering complex, technical terrain. You will spend the vast majority of your time maintaining consistent highway speeds, so prepare for a drive that prioritizes steady progress over frequent turns.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 147.8 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Highway 49 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 150.3 miles in near US 49.
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 13 significant decision points across 307 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 150.3 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 232.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.9 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
374 ft20 ft
Total Climb
293 ft
Total Descent
511 ft
Highest Point
374 ft
~197.4 mi in
Elevation Range
354 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Batesville, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile and Multi Purpose Center.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 57m. Total distance: 307 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 147.8 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 150.3 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 232.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 240.9 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 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.
