Traveling from Booneville to West Gulfport covers 330 miles across Mississippi, a journey that typically takes about 6 hours and 25 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can comfortably complete the trip in a single day, though staying focused is key for the duration. You should budget approximately $50 for fuel to cover the distance. The route transitions from the northeast corner of the state down toward the Gulf Coast, moving entirely within the Southeast region. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this direct path is efficient and straightforward. Since the trip is manageable in one go, you won't necessarily need an overnight split unless you prefer a slower pace.
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
165 miles from Booneville, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
88.7 mi
1h 36m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US 49
59.9 mi
1h 12m
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 West 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
2.0 mi·3 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
24
Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
424 ft·14 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
25
Turn right onto Arkansas Avenue
31 ft·0 sec·Arkansas Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
Arkansas Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the 6-hour-plus transit. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic fluctuations as you approach the Gulf Coast. Since your fuel cost is estimated at $50, keep an eye on your tank levels during the longest highway stretches to ensure you aren't forced to stop at inconvenient or overpriced stations. Because this is a single-day trip, utilize your one planned stop strategically to break up the monotony of the highway driving. Most importantly, check your route navigation before departing to ensure you are comfortable with the transitions between US 49 and the other primary roads.
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 165 miles from Booneville, MS, or about 3h 16m 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 165 miles or 3h 16m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West 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 330 miles and 6h 25m.
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 13
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
$49.84 one way
$99.68 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg116 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$54.71
$109.42
premium
$4.56
$59.23
$118.46
diesel
$5.61
$72.86
$145.72
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: 115.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
99
1
$34.65
$15.84
Efficient EV
82.5
0
$28.87
$13.20
EV Truck/SUV
132
1
$46.20
$21.12
Gas CO2
115 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 15, 2026
Origin
Booneville, MS
Evening
in Booneville on Saturday
Local time
8:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
West Gulfport, MS
Evening
in West Gulfport on Saturday
Local time
8:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Meridian, MS
165 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
13 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 25m 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
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 22.8
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 commute, as 99% of this route takes place on major highways. You will rely on a combination of I-59, US Highway 45 Alternate, and US 49 to navigate from the northern hills toward the coast. The drive feels consistent and steady, featuring a longest uninterrupted stretch of 88.7 miles on I-59 that allows for steady cruising. Because the road is almost entirely highway-based, the character of the journey remains predictable rather than technical or winding. You will find that the rhythm of the drive stays focused on speed and distance, making it a functional rather than leisurely road trip 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: 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 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 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 13 significant decision points across 330 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 West Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Gulfport, 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
Gulfport
269.6 mi in|~5h 12m
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 25m. Total distance: 330 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 25m 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.
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 West 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. 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 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at West Gulfport, MS before the return drive.
