Ward's Restaurant
Around the midpoint, short detour
Laurel, Mississippi
Hours: 5:45 am–9 pm
+16016499278
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 5m
Distance
306 mi
492 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Biloxi, MS
Wikimedia Commons
Vardaman, MS
Wikimedia Commons
Biloxi, MS to Vardaman, MS is 306 miles and takes about 6h 5m via Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway and US 45, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. You'll be spending most of your time on highways, making it a relatively straightforward drive. If you're looking for a direct path to get from the Gulf Coast inland, this route efficiently covers that distance.
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 miles from Biloxi, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .
| 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 | 42.8 mi | 52m |
| US 49 | 42.2 mi | 49m |
| MS 8 | 28.9 mi | 42m |
| MS 15 | 20.7 mi | 24m |
| I 59 | 9 mi | 10m |
| US 98 | 3.3 mi | 4m |
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
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Biloxi, MS and Vardaman, MS.
Start on Howard Avenue
Turn right onto Main Street
Turn left onto Division Street
Take the ramp onto Bohn Street
Turn straight
Merge onto I 110
Continue on MS 15; MS 67
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto US 49
Continue on US 49
Take the exit
Merge onto US 98
Take the exit onto US 98
Merge onto I 59; US 98
Keep slight right at fork onto I 59
Take the exit
Merge onto US 45
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45 ALT
Take the exit
Turn left onto MS 8
Arrive at destination
Given the 6-hour drive time, departing in the morning from Biloxi should allow you to reach Vardaman with plenty of daylight remaining. While only one stop is indicated, consider breaking up the 88.4-mile segment on Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $45, and plan your refueling accordingly, especially as you move away from more populated coastal areas. The flexibility of a single-day trip means you can adjust your pace as needed.
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.
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 67 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153 miles or 2h 56m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Vardaman, MS than in the middle of the route.
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 306 miles and 6h 5m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
153 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 153 miles from Biloxi, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.4 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best coffee break · early in the drive
Laurel, Mississippi
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 7 AM–6 PM
+16016494161
Cafe La Fleur
Laurel, Mississippi
Fraiche Coffee and Cafe
Laurel, Mississippi
Around the midpoint, short detour
Laurel, Mississippi
Hours: 5:45 am–9 pm
+16016499278
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+12288189885
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Laurel, Mississippi
Hours: 7 AM–6 PM
+16016494161
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Laurel, Mississippi
Hours: 11 AM–2 PM
+16016820421
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Laurel, Mississippi
Hours: 7 AM–4 PM
+16014983807
Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Meridian, Mississippi
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+16012865941
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Biloxi, Mississippi
+18889462847
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12285463100
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
Near the start, short detour
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18009462946
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12283867111
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18007252239
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
West Point, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the start, ~10 min detour
D'Iberville, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12283743105
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Enterprise, Mississippi
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+16016558550
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+16013877248
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Hours: 11 am–5 pm
+12288723164
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Crawford, Mississippi
+16622728303
Near the start, ~10 min detour
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+12283887170
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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.
Keep slight right at fork toward US 49 North: Hattiesburg, Jackson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
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
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
Take the exit toward US 45 North: Macon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
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
Regular Gas
$47.03 one way
$94.06 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $52.02 | $104.04 |
| premium | $4.65 | $55.98 | $111.97 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $64.45 | $128.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 107.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 91.8 | 1 | $32.13 | $14.69 |
| Efficient EV | 76.5 | 0 | $26.78 | $12.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 122.4 | 1 | $42.84 | $19.58 |
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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Biloxi on Wednesday
Local time
2:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 1 at 7:56PM CDT until June 1 at 8:30PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 7:52PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Afternoon in Vardaman on Wednesday
Local time
2:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 1 at 7:56PM CDT until June 1 at 8:30PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 7:52PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
88°F
Stonewall, MS
153 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This drive is predominantly highway, with 70% of the route utilizing major roads. You'll experience an 88.4-mile stretch on Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway before transitioning to US 45 and US Highway 45 Alternate. Expect to encounter a fair amount of highway cruising, especially in the initial miles, before the landscape potentially shifts as you move further inland.
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.
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 16 significant decision points across 306 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.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
600 ft
Total Descent
336 ft
Highest Point
412 ft
~153 mi in
Elevation Range
391 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Biloxi, MS and Vardaman, MS, road signs point toward Jackson, Laurel, Tuscaloosa, Tupelo and Aberdeen.
Jackson
Laurel
Tuscaloosa
Tupelo
Aberdeen
Founded 1720
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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 5m. Total distance: 306 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 5m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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