Ecru, MS to Hattiesburg, MS is 251.3 miles and takes about 4h 58m via I 59 and US Highway 45 Alternate, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, connecting two points in the Southeast region. The route is predominantly highway driving, making for a straightforward transit. Given the relatively short duration, it's a manageable one-day trip for most travelers looking to get from point A to point B efficiently.
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
125.6 miles from Ecru, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m 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 11
13.5 mi
19m
Corridor V
11.2 mi
13m
Pontotoc Parkway West
8.3 mi
9m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
US 278
8 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 67.8 mi, about 1h 13m
Traffic on I-59
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~943 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,154
Quietest
2 AM
~84 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ecru, MS and Hattiesburg, MS.
1
Start on Church Street
138 ft·8 sec·Church Street
2
Turn right onto Jones Avenue
0.1 mi·33 sec·Jones Avenue
3
Turn right onto MS 345
0.7 mi·1 min·MS 345
4
At end of road, turn left onto MS 15
1.9 mi·3 min·MS 15
5
Continue on MS 15
2.8 mi·4 min·MS 15
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward US 278 East, MS 6 East: TupeloUse the left lane.
7
Merge onto US 278; MS 6
8.3 mi·9 min·Pontotoc Parkway West
8
Continue on US 278; MS 6
11 mi·13 min·Corridor V
9
Continue on US 278; MS 6
0.6 mi·58 sec·South Green Street
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto US 278
8.0 mi·9 min·US 278
Toward US 45 South, US 278 East: Amory, ColumbusUse the right lane.
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
12
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
13
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
14
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
15
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
16
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
20
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
22
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.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Toward MoselleUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
117 ft·6 sec
Toward MoselleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
25
Turn left onto Moselle-Seminary Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Moselle-Seminary Road
26
Turn straight onto US 11
13 mi·19 min·US 11
27
Turn right onto US 11
0.4 mi·50 sec·East Pine Street
28
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
Consider an early morning departure from Ecru to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With a drive time under five hours and only one recommended stop, you have the flexibility to be spontaneous. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 67.8-mile stretch on I 59, as service areas might be spaced out. The $37 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but check local prices before you depart. This route is well-suited for a single-day transit, allowing you to arrive in Hattiesburg with plenty of time to spare.
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 125.6 miles from Ecru, MS, or about 2h 32m 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 55 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.6 miles or 2h 32m 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 3m
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 Ecru, 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 Ecru, MS
This is one driving day of about 251.3 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Ecru, 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.5 and 236.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
5.5 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the ramp toward US 278 East, MS 6 East: Tupelo
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 278 East, MS 6 East: Tupelo
7
25.9 mi into trip|~34m in|US 278
Take the exit onto US 278 toward US 45 South, US 278 East: Amory, Columbus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 45 South, US 278 East: Amory, Columbu...
8
168.9 mi into trip|~3h 23m 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
236.7 mi into trip|~4h 36m 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
236.8 mi into trip|~4h 37m 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
$34.89 one way
$69.77 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$39.03
$78.06
premium
$4.29
$42.43
$84.87
diesel
$4.80
$47.45
$94.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.4
0
$26.39
$12.06
Efficient EV
62.8
0
$21.99
$10.05
EV Truck/SUV
100.5
1
$35.18
$16.08
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Ecru, MS
Late night
in Ecru on Sunday
Local time
5:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny
WNW 5 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:20AM CDT until July 18 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Destination
Hattiesburg, MS
Late night
in Hattiesburg on Sunday
Local time
5:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
98°F
Sunny
NNW 0 to 5 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 4:25AM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:20AM CDT until July 18 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
92°F
Livingston, AL
126 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
5 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
4h 58m 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.
Tupelo National Battlefield
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend 94% of your time on highways, with the longest continuous stretch covering 67.8 miles on I 59. This means you'll experience extended periods of high-speed cruising. The transition to surface roads will likely occur near your destination or at specific interchanges, offering a change of pace from the interstate. Expect a consistent flow of traffic, typical of major highways in the Southeast.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 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?
9/10
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 5.5 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 251.3 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 5.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.9 miles (US 278): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
392 ft164 ft
Total Climb
478 ft
Total Descent
683 ft
Highest Point
392 ft
~161.5 mi in
Elevation Range
228 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ecru, MS and Hattiesburg, MS, road signs point toward Columbus, 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.
Top landmarks
•Hattiesburg station — Amtrak station in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
•Old Hattiesburg High School — high school in Mississippi, United States
•African American Military History Museum — United States historic place
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 58m. Total distance: 251.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). 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.
Yes — we found about 7 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 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. There are 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.9 miles (US 278): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Tupelo National Battlefield and Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Hattiesburg, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
