Spanning 332.5 miles from Booneville to the Gulf Coast, this journey takes you across the state of Mississippi in approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Given the duration, it is entirely feasible as a single-day trip, though you should budget roughly $51 for fuel to cover the distance. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-59, US-49, and US Highway 45 Alternate, ensuring a consistent pace throughout your trek. You will be traveling entirely within the Southeast region, transitioning from the northern hills toward the coastal environment of Gulfport. Whether you are heading south for business or a change of scenery, this straightforward highway-focused drive provides a reliable connection between the state's two ends.
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
166.3 miles from Booneville, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 18m 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
37 mi
43m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
MS 30
6.8 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 88.7 mi, about 1h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Booneville, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on Washington Street
28 ft·6 sec·Washington Street
2
Turn left onto MS 145
2.5 mi·4 min·North 2nd Street
3
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·45 sec
4
Turn straight onto MS 30
0.4 mi·31 sec·MS 30
5
Keep slight left at fork onto MS 30
6.4 mi·8 min·MS 30
Toward US 45 South, MS 30 West: Tupelo, New Albany
6
Continue on US 45
33 mi·39 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
8
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
9
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
10
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
12
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
16
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
18
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.
19
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6.5-hour journey, plan to depart early in the morning to beat potential congestion and maximize daylight hours. Since the trip includes just one primary stop, try to time your break to coincide with a refueling session to keep your $51 budget on track. Be mindful that the heavy reliance on US-49 and I-59 means traffic patterns can shift quickly, so keep an eye on navigation apps for real-time updates. Because this is a high-speed, highway-focused route, ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained speeds before you leave Booneville. Flexibility is your main advantage here, so feel free to adjust your pace if you find yourself needing a rest during that long 88.7-mile stretch.
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 166.3 miles from Booneville, MS, or about 3h 18m 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 73 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 166.3 miles or 3h 18m 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 16m
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 Booneville, 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 Booneville, MS
This is one driving day of about 332.5 miles and 6h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Booneville, 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.2 and 269.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.2 mi into trip|~5m in|MS 30
Keep slight left at fork onto MS 30 toward US 45 South, MS 30 West: Tupelo, New Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 45 South, MS 30 West: Tupelo, New Alb...
8
177.7 mi into trip|~3h 31m 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
266.4 mi into trip|~5h 7m 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
269.6 mi into trip|~5h 12m 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
269.9 mi into trip|~5h 12m 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
$50.22 one way
$100.43 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg116 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$55.12
$110.25
premium
$4.56
$59.68
$119.36
diesel
$5.61
$73.41
$146.82
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
99.8
1
$34.91
$15.96
Efficient EV
83.1
0
$29.09
$13.30
EV Truck/SUV
133
1
$46.55
$21.28
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Booneville, MS
Evening
in Booneville on Saturday
Local time
8:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 10 to 15 mph88% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Evening
in Gulfport on Saturday
Local time
8:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Meridian, MS
166 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
15 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
6h 30m 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.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 22.9
Park Closure: Partial Closure of Rocky Springs Trail
Park Closure: Temporary Blackland Prairie Trail Closure to Equestrians
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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient transit, as 99 percent of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating high-speed corridors, with the longest uninterrupted stretch reaching 88.7 miles along I-59. While the road lacks the complexity of winding backroads, the transition from northern Mississippi to the coast offers a steady rhythm behind the wheel. The drive is designed for those who prioritize speed and predictability over scenic detours. Prepare for a focused experience that moves you steadily toward your destination with minimal interruptions to your momentum.
99% 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: 88.7 mi on I 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 3.2 miles in near MS 30.
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 11 significant decision points across 332.5 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 3.2 miles (MS 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.7 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 266.4 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Booneville, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
New Orleans
177.7 mi in|~3h 31m|via I 59
Mobile
266.4 mi in|~5h 7m|via US 98
Mississippi Gulf Coast
269.6 mi in|~5h 12m
Multi Purpose Center
269.9 mi in|~5h 12m
Hattiesburg
269.9 mi in|~5h 12m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 30m. Total distance: 332.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 30m 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 3.2 miles (MS 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.7 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 266.4 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and Tupelo National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 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.
