Spanning 307.7 miles across the state of Mississippi, this drive connects Biloxi to Tupelo in approximately 5 hours and 59 minutes. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, it works well as a direct transit route through the Southeast. Budgeting around $47 for fuel will cover your transit, though you should plan for at least one stop to break up the time behind the wheel. The journey remains entirely within Mississippi, keeping your travel experience consistent as you move from the coast toward the northern hills. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, this route provides a straightforward path that avoids unnecessary complexity.
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
153.8 miles from Biloxi, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
88.4 mi
1h 35m
US 45
65.1 mi
1h 14m
US Highway 45 Alternate
53 mi
1h 3m
US 49
42.2 mi
49m
MS 15
20.7 mi
24m
Martin Luther King Drive
18.1 mi
20m
I 59
9 mi
10m
US 98
3.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
— 88.4 mi, about 1h 35m
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 Biloxi, MS and Tupelo, MS.
1
Start on Howard Avenue
91 ft·6 sec·Howard Avenue
2
Turn right onto Main Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Turn left onto Division Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Division Street
4
Take the ramp onto Bohn Street
139 ft·3 sec·Bohn Street
5
Turn straight
0.3 mi·37 sec
6
Merge onto I 110
3.1 mi·4 min·I 110
7
Continue on MS 15; MS 67
21 mi·24 min·MS 15; MS 67
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward US 49 North: Hattiesburg, Jackson
9
Merge onto US 49
40 mi·46 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 49
2.4 mi·2 min·US 49
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·51 sec
12
Merge onto US 98
2.5 mi·2 min·US 98
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto US 98
0.8 mi·1 min·US 98
Toward I 59 North, US 98 West: Columbia, LaurelUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 59; US 98
88 mi·1 hr 35 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 59
9.0 mi·10 min·I 59
Toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, TuscaloosaUse the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Toward US 45 North: MaconUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto US 45
65 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45 ALT
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Toward US 45 Alternate North: West Point, TupeloUse the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Continue on US 45 ALT
18 mi·20 min·Martin Luther King Drive
20
Continue on US 45; MS 6
1.5 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Drive
21
Take the exit onto MS 6
0.4 mi·49 sec·MS 6
Toward MS 6 East: Downtown Tupelo
22
Keep slight left at fork
170 ft·7 sec
23
Turn left onto MS 6
0.7 mi·1 min·East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn right onto North Spring Street
230 ft·10 sec·North Spring Street
25
Arrive at destination
North Spring Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a roughly 6-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic and ensure you arrive in Tupelo with plenty of daylight left. You have the flexibility to complete the trip in one day, but pacing yourself with at least one scheduled stop is essential for maintaining focus. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the longer 88.4-mile stretches on the Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway, as service availability can vary. Given the highway-heavy nature of the route, checking local traffic reports before you leave Biloxi will help you navigate any potential slowdowns on US 45. Planning your single stop around the midpoint can help you stay refreshed for the final leg of the 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 153.8 miles from Biloxi, MS, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.4 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 68 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153.8 miles or 2h 57m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tupelo, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Biloxi, 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 Biloxi, MS
This is one driving day of about 307.7 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Biloxi, 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 Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway for about 88.4 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 25.1 and 234 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
25.1 mi into trip|~32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 49 North: Hattiesburg, Jackson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 49 North: Hattiesburg, Jackson
7
70.4 mi into trip|~1h 26m in|US 98
Take the exit onto US 98 toward I 59 North, US 98 West: Columbia, Laurel
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 I 59 North, US 98 West: Columbia, Laurel
8
159.6 mi into trip|~3h 3m in|I 59
Keep slight right at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, Tuscaloosa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, Tuscalo...
6
168.6 mi into trip|~3h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 45 North: Macon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 45 North: Macon
8
234 mi into trip|~4h 29m in|US 45 ALT / US Highway 45 Alternate
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45 ALT / US Highway 45 Alternate toward US 45 Alternate North: West Point, Tupelo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward US 45 Alternate North: West Point, Tupel...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.71 one way
$85.43 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg108 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$47.79
$95.58
premium
$4.29
$51.96
$103.92
diesel
$4.80
$58.10
$116.20
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: 107.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
92.3
1
$32.31
$14.77
Efficient EV
76.9
0
$26.92
$12.31
EV Truck/SUV
123.1
1
$43.08
$19.69
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 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
Biloxi, MS
Late night
in Biloxi on Sunday
Local time
3:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
W 5 to 10 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:58PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Tupelo, MS
Late night
in Tupelo on Sunday
Local time
3:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 10 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:58PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
93°F
Meridian, 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 59m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 307.7
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
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 307.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 64% of your journey takes place on major thoroughfares. You will spend a significant amount of time navigating the Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway, US 45, and US Highway 45 Alternate. The longest uninterrupted segment occurs early on, covering 88.4 miles along the memorial highway. While the route maintains a steady pace, the transition between these major roads dictates the rhythm of your drive. Be prepared for a consistent flow of traffic as you navigate these primary arteries, which keep you moving efficiently toward your destination.
64% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.4 mi on Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway and US 45. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 25.1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 18 significant decision points across 307.7 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 25.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.6 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
455 ft20 ft
Total Climb
660 ft
Total Descent
402 ft
Highest Point
455 ft
~175.8 mi in
Elevation Range
435 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Biloxi, MS and Tupelo, MS, road signs point toward Jackson, Laurel and Tuscaloosa.
Jackson
25.1 mi in|~32m
Laurel
70.4 mi in|~1h 26m|via US 98
Tuscaloosa
159.6 mi in|~3h 3m|via I 59
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Biloxi is a city in Harrison County, on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. It's well known for its beaches and nine casinos. It is also home to the "Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum", which serves as a museum of the Confederacy.
Top landmarks
•Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum — presidential library and museum for Confederate States President Jefferson Davis...
•Beauvoir — post-war home of the former President of the Confederate States of America, Jeff...
•Biloxi Light — lighthouse in Mississippi, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 307.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.4 miles on Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway. 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 Tupelo, 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 25.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.4 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.6 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tupelo, MS before the return drive.
