If you are planning a trip from Fulton to Oxford, Mississippi, expect a journey covering 313.4 miles that typically takes about 6 hours and 26 minutes to complete. Because this is a highway-focused drive, it is best suited for a single day of travel if you are comfortable spending significant time behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $48 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the Southeast, you will rely primarily on MS 25, I-55, and US Highway 45 Alternate to reach your destination. While the trip is manageable in one go, consider your own endurance levels before deciding if you need an overnight stay to break up the drive.
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
156.7 miles from Fulton, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MS 25
136.2 mi
2h 36m
I 55
59.9 mi
1h 5m
US Highway 45 Alternate
35.7 mi
43m
US 84
22.7 mi
26m
I 22
14.2 mi
15m
Martin Luther King Drive
7.7 mi
8m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
Gloster Road
6.5 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
MS 25
— 136.2 mi, about 2h 36m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 29 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,767 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~166 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.7×
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 Fulton, MS and Oxford, MS.
1
Start on North Cummings Street
121 ft·8 sec·North Cummings Street
2
Turn left onto MS 178
0.5 mi·1 min·West Main Street
3
Turn right onto South Adams Street
2.0 mi·3 min·South Adams Street
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward Tupelo
5
Merge onto I 22; US 78
14 mi·15 min·I 22; US 78
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Auburn Road
7
Keep slight left at fork
182 ft·6 sec
8
Turn left
115 ft·2 sec
9
Turn straight onto CR 931
0.4 mi·54 sec·Auburn Road
10
Continue on North Eason Boulevard
5.1 mi·8 min·North Eason Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn left
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, PontotocUse the left lane.
12
Merge onto US 45; MS 6
1.9 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Drive
13
Continue on US 45; US 278
7.7 mi·8 min·Martin Luther King Drive
14
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
15
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
16
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
17
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
18
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
19
Continue on US 45 ALT
36 mi·43 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the exit onto MS 25
12 mi·13 min·MS 25
Toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 25 South: Starkville
21
Take the exit onto MS 25
5.0 mi·6 min·MS 25
Toward MS 25 South: Louisville
22
Continue on MS 25
1.9 mi·2 min·MS 25
Use the left lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25
25 mi·28 min·MS 25
24
Take the exit onto MS 25
93 mi·1 hr 46 min·MS 25
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
26
Merge onto I 55
6.1 mi·7 min·I 55
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
54 mi·57 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
29
Keep slight right at fork
409 ft·9 sec
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
30
Merge onto US 84
23 mi·26 min·US 84
31
Turn left onto MS 184
1.4 mi·2 min·MS 184
32
Turn left onto US 98
1.9 mi·2 min·US 98
33
Turn right onto Yap 3 Road
2.6 mi·6 min·Yap 3 Road
34
Continue on Gloster Road
3.8 mi·9 min·Gloster Road
35
At end of road, turn right onto Gloster Road
2.8 mi·6 min·Gloster Road
36
Continue on Oxford-Meadville Road
6.3 mi·15 min·Oxford-Meadville Road
37
Arrive at destination
Oxford-Meadville Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 313.4-mile trek, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic delays on the interstate portions. Since you are only planning for one major stop, choose a location that aligns with your halfway point to keep your momentum steady. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 136.2-mile stretch on MS 25, as finding a station may be less convenient than on the busier I-55 sections. Having the flexibility to complete this in one day is a major advantage, but do not hesitate to build in extra time if you encounter unexpected road work. Planning your single stop in advance will help you maintain your estimated 6-hour and 26-minute arrival time.
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 156.7 miles from Fulton, MS, or about 3h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.2 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 69 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 156.7 miles or 3h 8m 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 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oxford, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fulton, 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 Fulton, MS
This is one driving day of about 313.4 miles and 6h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Fulton, 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 MS 25 for about 136.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
First break
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
$20 to $30
Tupelo, Mississippi
Hours: 6 AM–9:30 PM
+16622690096
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.3 and 271.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
17.3 mi into trip|~21m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
7
22.8 mi into trip|~30m in
Turn left toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontotoc
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontot...
5
75.4 mi into trip|~1h 34m in|MS 25
Take the exit onto MS 25 toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 25 South: Starkville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 25 South: Sta...
6
217.9 mi into trip|~4h 19m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
7
271.9 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.51 one way
$87.01 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg110 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$48.68
$97.35
premium
$4.29
$52.92
$105.84
diesel
$4.80
$59.18
$118.35
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94
1
$32.91
$15.04
Efficient EV
78.4
0
$27.42
$12.54
EV Truck/SUV
125.4
1
$43.88
$20.06
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Fulton, MS
Late night
in Fulton on Sunday
Local time
4:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 to 10 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Oxford, MS
Late night
in Oxford on Sunday
Local time
4:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
W 5 mph2% chanceLive 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
1 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
6h 26m 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.
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...
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 216.2
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 21.6
Discover the history of all the peoples of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement, African enslavement, the American cotton economy, to the Civil Rights struggle on the lower Mississippi River...
30 mi from route
~75 min detour
Free
near mile 302.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily centered on high-speed travel, with highways accounting for 89% of the total distance. You will experience a mix of road types, but the longest uninterrupted stretch—a 136.2-mile run along MS 25—defines the core of the experience. Expect a consistent pace as you transition between these major thoroughfares. The drive feels efficient and direct, moving you steadily across the state. Because the majority of your time is spent on major roads, you can anticipate a fairly uniform experience behind the wheel for the duration of the journey.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 136.2 mi on MS 25.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MS 25 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.3 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 313.4 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 17.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 22.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.4 miles (MS 25): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
556 ft226 ft
Total Climb
805 ft
Total Descent
718 ft
Highest Point
556 ft
~134.3 mi in
Elevation Range
329 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fulton, MS and Oxford, MS, road signs point toward Pontotoc, New Orleans and Natchez.
Oxford is a historic, picturesque town in North Central Mississippi. With its scenic town square, acclaimed restaurants, unique boutiques, oak-shaded neighborhoods, and friendly people, Oxford is the model Southern town. Named after Oxford, England, in hopes of attracting a university, the town was selected as the home of the University of Mississippi in 1848, which dominates life here today.
Top landmarks
•Rowan Oak — William Faulkner's former home in Oxford, Mississippi
•Barnard Observatory — observatory at the University of Mississippi, USA
•Lyceum-The Circle Historic District — collection of historic buildings at the University of Mississippi in Oxford (USA...
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 26m. Total distance: 313.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 26m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 136.2 miles on MS 25. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 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 Oxford, 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 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 17.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 22.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.4 miles (MS 25): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Tupelo National Battlefield, Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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 Oxford, MS before the return drive.
