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Trip from Columbus, MS to Gulfport, MS

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 50m

Distance

250.4 mi

403 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 37m ★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 58m
3 PM
5h 2m
5 PM
5h 17m
8 PM
4h 43m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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county seat of Lowndes County, Mississippi, United States

Columbus, MS

Wikimedia Commons

city in Mississippi, USA

Gulfport, MS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 250.4-mile drive from Columbus, Mississippi, to Gulfport, Mississippi, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, with 99% of the journey utilizing I-59, US-45, and US-49, making it a straightforward, highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $38, this route offers an economical way to travel south within Mississippi. The drive is designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. It's a practical choice for those looking to cover ground comfortably and arrive ready to explore the Gulf Coast.

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

125.2 miles from Columbus, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 59 88.7 mi 1h 36m
US 45 85.8 mi 1h 39m
US 49 62.4 mi 1h 17m
I 20 8.1 mi 9m
US 98 3.2 mi 4m
Main Street 0.9 mi 1m
25th Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
North 6th Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 59 — 88.7 mi, about 1h 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Columbus, MS and Gulfport, MS.

1

Start on North 6th Street

122 ft · 8 sec · North 6th Street
2

Turn right onto MS 69; MS 182

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Main Street
Use the straight lane.
3

Enter roundabout onto MS 69; MS 182

60 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
4

Continue on MS 69; MS 182

0.6 mi · 1 min · Main Street
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
6

Merge onto US 45; US 82; MS 12

2.8 mi · 3 min · US 45; US 82; MS 12
7

Take the exit onto US 45

0.2 mi · 43 sec · US 45
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
8

Keep slight left at fork onto US 45

135 ft · 7 sec · US 45
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
9

Turn left onto US 45

15 mi · 16 min · US 45
Use the left / straight lanes.
10

Continue on US 45

64 mi · 1 hr 13 min · US 45
11

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45

3.9 mi · 4 min · US 45
12

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
13

Merge onto I 20; I 59

6.3 mi · 7 min · I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 59

89 mi · 1 hr 36 min · I 59
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit onto US 98

3.2 mi · 4 min · US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, Mobile Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19

Turn right onto US 49

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · US 49
Use the straight lane.
20

Turn straight onto US 49

4.5 mi · 7 min · US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
21

Continue on US 49

215 ft · 16 sec · 25th Avenue
22

Arrive at destination

US 49

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 4-hour, 50-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Columbus, MS, to maximize daylight and arrive in Gulfport with ample time. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace yourself. The longest stretch without a major town is 88.7 miles on I-59, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking on this segment. The $38 fuel cost is a reasonable budget for this efficient, highway-centric trip, so plan your fill-ups accordingly. This route is well-suited for a single day, so you can focus on enjoying your destination.

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 125.2 miles from Columbus, MS, or about 2h 24m 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 55 miles or 1h 4m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 125.2 miles or 2h 24m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 54m

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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, MS

This is one driving day of about 250.4 miles and 4h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Columbus, 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.

city in Forrest County, Mississippi, on the Leaf River

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Petal, MS

125 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Meridian, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waynesboro, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 125.2 miles from Columbus, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 59 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Meridian, Mississippi

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately mile 89.4

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16016933075

Visit website

New China Royal Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Mississippi

0.7 mi

Zaxbys Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Mississippi

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Coffee House On 5th

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Mississippi

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+16623281300

Visit website

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately mile 89.4

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16016933075

Visit website

Chili's Grill & Bar

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately mile 89.4

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16014823280

Visit website

New China Royal Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16623282699

Visit website

Jack's Family Restaurant

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 4:30 am–10 pm

+16627980034

Visit website

Zaxbys Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16623274606

Visit website

Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16625701526

Visit website

Taco Bell

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+16623281615

Visit website

The Mexican Kitchen

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 4:30–8:30 pm

+16623284441

Visit website

Coffee House On 5th

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+16623281300

Visit website

Blue Truck Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 35.8

Macon, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+16625496068

SIP COFFEE CO

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 17.9

Brooksville, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16627385795

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 250.4

Gulfport, Mississippi

+12283142100

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 250.4

Gulfport, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12283142100

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Pilot Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 250.4

Gulfport, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 250.4

Gulfport, Mississippi

Hours: 8:30 am–7 pm

+18776642738

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 250.4

Gulfport, Mississippi

Chevrolet Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 214.6

Wiggins, Mississippi

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18003239935

Visit website

Mississippi Aquarium

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 250.4

Gulfport, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12282411300

Visit website

Updown Trampoline Park

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 178.9

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+16019099060

Visit website

Catfish Alley Studio

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route

Columbus, Mississippi

+16623747751

Visit website

Lee Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbus, Mississippi

+16623274935

Visit website

Time Will Tell Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 178.9

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hours: 1:30–8:30 pm

+16018136951

Visit website

Crown Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 89.4

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16015120270

Visit website

EVENT ZONA BOWL / REBOUND TRAMPOLINE PARK

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Columbus, Mississippi

Hours: 5–10 pm

+16623596933

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.2 and 187.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
4.2 mi into trip | ~6m in | US 45

Keep slight left at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
8
95.6 mi into trip | ~1h 52m 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
184.3 mi into trip | ~3h 28m 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
187.5 mi into trip | ~3h 32m 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
187.8 mi into trip | ~3h 33m 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

$37.82 one way

$75.63 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $41.51 $83.03
premium $4.56 $44.94 $89.89
diesel $5.61 $55.29 $110.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 87.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 75.1 0 $26.29 $12.02
Efficient EV 62.6 0 $21.91 $10.02
EV Truck/SUV 100.2 1 $35.06 $16.03

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

29 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 15, 2026

Origin

Columbus, MS

Late night in Columbus on Sunday

Local time

2:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gulfport, MS

Late night in Gulfport on Sunday

Local time

2:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

18 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

4h 50m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with nearly the entire 250.4 miles on major roads like I-59, US-45, and US-49. This means consistent speeds and minimal traffic delays for most of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 88.7 miles on I-59, offering a good period of steady driving. While largely interstate, the transition between these main arteries provides a sense of progression as you head south. This route prioritizes getting you to Gulfport efficiently, rather than offering winding scenic byways.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US 45. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.2 miles in near US 45.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 15 significant decision points across 250.4 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 4.2 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.6 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.3 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 Columbus, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.

New Orleans

95.6 mi in | ~1h 52m | via I 59

Mobile

184.3 mi in | ~3h 28m | via US 98

Mississippi Gulf Coast

187.5 mi in | ~3h 32m

Multi Purpose Center

187.8 mi in | ~3h 33m

Hattiesburg

187.8 mi in | ~3h 33m

About the Cities

Starting in Columbus, MS

Full guide →

Columbus is a city in eastern Mississippi, near the border with Alabama. In some ways, the history of Columbus parallels that of Jackson's, as both were established around 1820 after Mississippi was admitted to statehood and both served as logistics centers for the Confederacy during the Civil War. However, unlike Jackson, Columbus was largely spared destruction because General Nathan Bedford Forrest prevented Northern forces from accessing it. As a result, Columbus was briefly made Mississippi's capital following Jackson's plight at the hands of Sherman and is noted for its historic preservation. Another unique detail about Columbus is that it features the oldest public school in Mississippi as well as the country's first public women's university, as noted below.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 50m. Total distance: 250.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

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 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 4.2 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.6 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.3 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Gulfport, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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