Bay Saint Louis to Olive Branch is 371.2 miles and takes about 7 hours 18 minutes via I-55, US-49, and I-59, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays entirely within Mississippi, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Given its mostly highway profile, this trip is best suited for drivers looking for an efficient way to cover ground. You'll spend nearly all your time on major interstates, making it a straightforward, no-frills transit. Plan for a single-day drive if you're comfortable with a longer stint behind the wheel.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
185.6 miles from Bay Saint Louis, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
186.4 mi
3h 21m
US 49
83.7 mi
1h 42m
I 59
40.4 mi
43m
MS 43
24.9 mi
36m
MS 53
15.6 mi
23m
I 269
8.7 mi
9m
MS 305
6.4 mi
11m
US 90
2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 186.4 mi, about 3h 21m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 57 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,443 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~141 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.3×
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 Bay Saint Louis, MS and Olive Branch, MS.
1
Start on South 2nd Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·South 2nd Street
2
Turn left onto Main Street
1.1 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Turn left onto US 90
2.0 mi·2 min·US 90
Use the left lane.
4
Turn slight right
371 ft·12 sec
5
Continue on MS 43; MS 603
25 mi·36 min·MS 43; MS 603
6
Continue on MS 53
16 mi·23 min·MS 53
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·33 sec
8
Merge onto I 59
40 mi·43 min·I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·38 sec
Toward US 49 North, MS 42 West: JacksonUse the slight right lane.
10
Continue on US 49
1.2 mi·1 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 49; MS 42
5.4 mi·6 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 49
5.3 mi·6 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 49
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 49
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 49
4.2 mi·4 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 49
66 mi·1 hr 20 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit onto US 49
0.2 mi·21 sec·US 49
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Jackson
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49
0.9 mi·1 min·US 49
19
Merge onto I 55
186 mi·3 hr 21 min·I 55
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 69 South: Tunica
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 269 East: Nashville
22
Merge onto I 269; MS 304
8.7 mi·9 min·I 269; MS 304
Toward I 269 East: Nashville
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward MS 305: Independence, Olive Branch, Lewisburg
24
Turn left onto MS 305
6.4 mi·11 min·MS 305
25
Turn right onto Goodman Road
260 ft·5 sec·Goodman Road
26
Arrive at destination
Goodman Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour drive, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid any potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach more populated areas. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 371.2 miles effectively. Consider stopping around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs. Since this is a single-day trip, keeping your fuel tank topped off is crucial, especially given the $58 estimated fuel cost. The longest stretch on I-55 means you'll want to be well-rested before tackling that segment.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 185.6 miles from Bay Saint Louis, MS, or about 3h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 186.4 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 82 miles or 1h 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185.6 miles or 3h 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Olive Branch, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bay Saint Louis, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bay Saint Louis, MS
This is one driving day of about 371.2 miles and 7h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Bay Saint Louis, MS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 186.4 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 44.2 and 364.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
44.2 mi into trip|~1h 6m in|I 59
Merge onto I 59
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
84.6 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward US 49 North, MS 42 West: Jackson
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 49 North, MS 42 West: Jackson
5
166.9 mi into trip|~3h 30m in|US 49
Keep slight left at fork onto US 49 toward Jackson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Jackson
5
355.2 mi into trip|~6h 55m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 269 East: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 269 East: Nashville
5
364.4 mi into trip|~7h 5m in
Take the exit toward MS 305: Independence, Olive Branch, Lewisburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MS 305: Independence, Olive Branch, Lewi...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.53 one way
$103.06 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$57.65
$115.31
premium
$4.29
$62.68
$125.36
diesel
$4.80
$70.09
$140.18
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.4
1
$38.98
$17.82
Efficient EV
92.8
1
$32.48
$14.85
EV Truck/SUV
148.5
1
$51.97
$23.76
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (67% 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
Bay Saint Louis, MS
Evening
in Bay Saint Louis on Saturday
Local time
8:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Partly Cloudy
W 10 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Olive Branch, MS
Evening
in Olive Branch on Saturday
Local time
8:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
96°F
Sumrall, MS
186 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
6 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
7h 18m 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.
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 166.4
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 294.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on the highway for 99% of this 371.2-mile trip. The bulk of your travel will be on I-55, including a continuous stretch of 186.4 miles. Expect a steady pace with many exits as you navigate through different parts of Mississippi. The transition to surface roads will be minimal, so prepare for a consistent interstate cruising experience.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 186.4 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 44.2 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 14 significant decision points across 371.2 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 44.2 miles (I 59): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.9 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
450 ft23 ft
Total Climb
784 ft
Total Descent
423 ft
Highest Point
450 ft
~265.9 mi in
Elevation Range
426 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 Bay Saint Louis, MS to Olive Branch, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Jackson along the way.
Bay St Louis is a resort town in Hancock County on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Although it has the area's only casino, it is one of the quieter resorts.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 18m. Total distance: 371.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 18m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 186.4 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Olive Branch, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 44.2 miles (I 59): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.9 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Olive Branch, MS before the return drive.
