Spanning 260 miles across Mississippi, this drive connects Booneville to Hattiesburg in roughly 5 hours and 7 minutes. Because the route is highway-focused, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You should budget approximately $40 for fuel to complete the journey. The route stays entirely within the Southeast region, moving through the heart of the state. It is a straightforward, practical transit option for those looking to travel from the northern part of Mississippi down toward the south. Overall, the drive offers a reliable pace, making it a solid choice for a direct, one-day road trip.
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
130 miles from Booneville, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
67.8 mi
1h 13m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US Highway 45 Alternate
54.7 mi
1h 6m
US 45
37 mi
43m
US 11
13.5 mi
19m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
MS 30
6.8 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 67.8 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Booneville, MS and Hattiesburg, 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
68 mi·1 hr 13 min·I 59
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New OrleansUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Toward MoselleUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
117 ft·6 sec
Toward MoselleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Turn left onto Moselle-Seminary Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Moselle-Seminary Road
22
Turn straight onto US 11
13 mi·19 min·US 11
23
Turn right onto US 11
0.4 mi·50 sec·East Pine Street
24
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
To keep your travel day efficient, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel during the 260-mile trek. Since the entire trip takes just over 5 hours, leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid any midday traffic buildup. Keep in mind that your fuel costs will hover around $40, so it is wise to fill up before you hit the longest 67.8-mile stretch on I-59. Because this is a relatively short, single-day drive, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule. Prioritize maintaining a steady pace on the highway sections, as the 98% highway share means you will be moving quickly for the vast majority of your time on the road.
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 130 miles from Booneville, MS, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.8 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 57 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130 miles or 2h 36m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hattiesburg, 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 260 miles and 5h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 67.8 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 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.2 and 245.6 — 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...
5
169.1 mi into trip|~3h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
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
6
245.5 mi into trip|~4h 45m in
Take the exit toward Moselle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Moselle
8
245.6 mi into trip|~4h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Moselle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Moselle
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.27 one way
$78.53 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$43.10
$86.21
premium
$4.56
$46.67
$93.33
diesel
$5.61
$57.40
$114.81
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78
0
$27.30
$12.48
Efficient EV
65
0
$22.75
$10.40
EV Truck/SUV
104
1
$36.40
$16.64
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Booneville, MS
Late night
in Booneville on Tuesday
Local time
4:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hattiesburg, MS
Late night
in Hattiesburg on Tuesday
Local time
4:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
82°F
Meridian, MS
130 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
24 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 7m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 26.9
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 26.9
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 experience, as 98% of this route consists of highway driving. You will rely primarily on I-59 and US Highway 45 Alternate to cover the distance. The road maintains a consistent, fast-paced character throughout the journey, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 67.8 miles on I-59. While the route is designed for speed rather than technical winding roads, the transition between highway systems keeps the drive moving steadily. Behind the wheel, you will find the experience is largely about maintaining steady highway speeds while navigating the state's primary arterial roads.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67.8 mi on I 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US Highway 45 Aiternate. 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 Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 260 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 169.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
508 ft164 ft
Total Climb
196 ft
Total Descent
539 ft
Highest Point
508 ft
Elevation Range
343 ft
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 Hattiesburg, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans and Moselle.
Hattiesburg is a city in Forrest County, in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi. It is best known for being the home of the University of Southern Mississippi.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 7m. Total distance: 260 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 67.8 miles on I 59. 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 Hattiesburg, 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 3.2 miles (MS 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hattiesburg, MS before the return drive.
