Friars Point to Gulfport is 327.8 miles and takes about 7 hours 6 minutes via Highway 49 South, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, moving from the state's Southeast region down to its coast. It's a straightforward drive for a single day, primarily on highways. You'll want to be prepared for a solid amount of time behind the wheel, but it's manageable if you get an early start.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
163.9 miles from Friars Point, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
US 49
73.9 mi
1h 32m
North Martin Luther King Drive
46.2 mi
55m
US 61
43.9 mi
54m
Jerry Clower Boulevard
38.8 mi
47m
MS 448
13.5 mi
23m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
7.7 mi
8m
Stovall Road
6.5 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
Highway 49 South
— 80.3 mi, about 1h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Friars Point, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on 3rd Street
506 ft·27 sec·3rd Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto Washington Street
410 ft·11 sec·Washington Street
3
Turn right onto Sheriff Ridge Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Sheriff Ridge Avenue
4
At end of road, turn left onto South Street
246 ft·8 sec·South Street
5
Turn right onto Friars Point Road
2.7 mi·6 min·Friars Point Road
6
Turn slight right onto MS 1
2.3 mi·3 min·Mississippi Highway 1
7
Turn left onto Stovall Road
6.5 mi·15 min·Stovall Road
8
Turn right onto West Lee Drive
1.0 mi·2 min·West Lee Drive
9
At end of road, turn left onto MS 322
1.4 mi·2 min·Sherard Road
10
At end of road, turn right onto MS 161
1.2 mi·2 min·MS 161
11
Turn right onto US 61; US 278
44 mi·54 min·US 61; US 278
12
Turn left onto MS 448
1.1 mi·2 min·East Peeler Avenue
13
Turn right onto MS 448
13 mi·23 min·MS 448
14
Turn left onto US 82
0.7 mi·1 min·US 82
15
Turn right onto US 49W
46 mi·55 min·North Martin Luther King Drive
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49W
0.5 mi·53 sec·US 49W
Toward US 49 South: Jackson
17
Merge onto US 49
39 mi·47 min·Jerry Clower Boulevard
18
Take the exit onto US 49
4.9 mi·5 min·US 49
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 49
3.8 mi·5 min·US 49
20
Merge onto I 20; I 55; US 49
1.1 mi·1 min·I 20; I 55; US 49
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 49
347 ft·4 sec·I 20; US 49
Toward Meridian, Hattiesburg
22
Take the exit onto US 49
0.6 mi·42 sec·US 49
Toward Hattiesburg
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
24
Merge onto US 49
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Highway 49 South
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 49; MS 42
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 49; MS 42
1.1 mi·1 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf CoastUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto I 59
7.7 mi·8 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Toward Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight lane.
29
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
33
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
35
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
For this 7-hour drive, starting in the morning is your best bet to ensure you arrive with plenty of daylight. With only 2 recommended stops, you can easily manage them without feeling rushed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that longest stretch of 80.3 miles on Highway 49 South, to avoid any unexpected delays. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your stop times based on how you feel during the drive.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 163.9 miles from Friars Point, MS, or about 3h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.3 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 72 miles or 1h 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 163.9 miles or 3h 44m 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 53m
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 Friars Point, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Friars Point, MS
This is one driving day of about 327.8 miles and 7h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Friars Point, MS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Highway 49 South for about 80.3 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 170.4 and 265.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
170.4 mi into trip|~3h 53m in|I 20; US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 49 toward Meridian, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Meridian, Hattiesburg
7
253.6 mi into trip|~5h 35m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
7
261.7 mi into trip|~5h 44m 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
264.9 mi into trip|~5h 48m 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
265.2 mi into trip|~5h 49m 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
$49.51 one way
$99.01 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg115 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$54.35
$108.69
premium
$4.56
$58.84
$117.67
diesel
$5.61
$72.37
$144.75
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: 114.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
98.3
1
$34.42
$15.73
Efficient EV
82
0
$28.68
$13.11
EV Truck/SUV
131.1
1
$45.89
$20.98
Gas CO2
115 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (67% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Friars Point, MS
Morning
in Friars Point on Tuesday
Local time
7:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Morning
in Gulfport on Tuesday
Local time
7:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
81°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
19 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
7h 6m 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.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
National Monument
Medgar and Myrlie Evers were partners in the civil rights struggle. The assassination of Medgar Evers in the carport of their home on June 12, 1963, was the first murder of a nationally significant le...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 158.2
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
National Monument
In 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till traveled to Money, Mississippi, to visit relatives. He was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered after reportedly whistling at a white woman. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 22.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 67% of this drive is on highways. You'll encounter your longest stretch without a major break at 80.3 miles on Highway 49 South. Expect a steady cruising experience for the majority of the route, with Highway 49 South serving as the main artery. As you get closer to your destination, the number of exits will likely increase.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.3 mi on Highway 49 South.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Highway 49 South and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 170.4 miles in near I 20; US 49.
Driving Effort10/10
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 28 significant decision points across 327.8 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 170.4 miles (I 20; US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261.7 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 Friars Point, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Meridian, Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Mobile - among others.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 6m. Total distance: 327.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 6m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.3 miles on Highway 49 South. 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 170.4 miles (I 20; US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261.7 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.2 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.
