Traveling from Gulf Hills to Meridian covers 166 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes. This route serves as an efficient connection through the Southeast, making it a straightforward excursion that is easily manageable as a single-day trip. You should budget approximately $25 for fuel to complete the journey. Because the drive is relatively short, you won't need to worry about overnight logistics, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare. It is a practical path for those looking to move between the coast and the inland regions of Mississippi without a complicated itinerary.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
83 miles from Gulf Hills, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
88.4 mi
1h 35m
US 49
42.2 mi
49m
Biloxi-D'Iberville Scenic Expressway
20.4 mi
23m
US 98
3.3 mi
4m
I 10
2.2 mi
2m
I 59
2 mi
2m
Washington Avenue
1.9 mi
3m
8th Street
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
— 88.4 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gulf Hills, MS and Meridian, MS.
1
Start on West el Bonito Drive
0.2 mi·55 sec·West el Bonito Drive
2
Turn right onto Shore Drive
0.1 mi·25 sec·Shore Drive
3
Continue on Shore Drive
192 ft·8 sec·Shore Drive
4
Continue on Ridge Road
0.2 mi·58 sec·Ridge Road
5
Turn left
288 ft·12 sec
6
Continue on Hugh Seymour Lane
0.2 mi·48 sec·Hugh Seymour Lane
7
Turn left onto MS 609
1.9 mi·3 min·Washington Avenue
8
Turn left
0.4 mi·49 sec
9
Merge onto I 10
2.2 mi·2 min·I 10
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 46D-BToward I 110, MS 15, MS 67: Biloxi, Keesler Air Force Base
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 46CToward MS 15, MS 67: MS 15, MS 67
13
Merge onto MS 15; MS 67
20 mi·23 min·Biloxi-D'Iberville Scenic Expressway
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward US 49 North: Hattiesburg, Jackson
15
Merge onto US 49
40 mi·46 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 49
2.4 mi·2 min·US 49
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·51 sec
18
Merge onto US 98
2.5 mi·2 min·US 98
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto US 98
0.8 mi·1 min·US 98
Toward I 59 North, US 98 West: Columbia, LaurelUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 59; US 98
88 mi·1 hr 35 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 59
2.0 mi·2 min·I 59
Toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, TuscaloosaUse the straight lane.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·44 sec
Toward South US 11, North Mississippi 19: Philadelphia, Meridian AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn left onto US 11
1.2 mi·1 min·US 11
24
Turn right onto 8th Street
1.4 mi·2 min·8th Street
25
Turn right onto 25th Avenue
272 ft·11 sec·25th Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
25th Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day drive with only one recommended stop, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during that long 88.4-mile stretch to ensure you aren't caught off guard between service points. Pacing your single stop midway through the drive is a smart way to break up the 3-hour and 14-minute travel time and stay alert. Because the route relies on a mix of highway and local roads, stay mindful of changing speed limits as you transition between the Biloxi-D'Iberville Scenic Expressway and US 49. Planning your stop near the transition point between these major arteries will help you maintain a consistent momentum throughout the day.
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 83 miles from Gulf Hills, MS, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.4 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 37 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83 miles or 1h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meridian, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gulf Hills, 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 Gulf Hills, MS
This is one driving day of about 166 miles and 3h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Gulf Hills, 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 Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway for about 88.4 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.3 and 163 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.3 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 110, MS 15, MS 67: Biloxi, Keesler Air Force Base
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 46D-B
Toward I 110, MS 15, MS 67: Biloxi, Keesler Air...
7
5.6 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward MS 15, MS 67: MS 15, MS 67
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 46C
Toward MS 15, MS 67: MS 15, MS 67
7
71.8 mi into trip|~1h 29m in|US 98
Take the exit onto US 98 toward I 59 North, US 98 West: Columbia, Laurel
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 I 59 North, US 98 West: Columbia, Laurel
8
160.9 mi into trip|~3h 6m in|I 59
Keep slight right at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, Tuscaloosa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, Tuscalo...
7
163 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward South US 11, North Mississippi 19: Philadelphia, Meridian Airport
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 South US 11, North Mississippi 19: Phila...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.07 one way
$50.14 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg58 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$27.52
$55.04
premium
$4.56
$29.80
$59.59
diesel
$5.61
$36.65
$73.30
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
49.8
0
$17.43
$7.97
Efficient EV
41.5
0
$14.52
$6.64
EV Truck/SUV
66.4
0
$23.24
$10.62
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Gulf Hills, MS
Morning
in Gulf Hills on Sunday
Local time
11:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Meridian, MS
Morning
in Meridian on Sunday
Local time
11:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°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
21 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
3h 14m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip offers a mixed driving profile, balancing local roads with major thoroughfares like the Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway, US 49, and the Biloxi-D'Iberville Scenic Expressway. With about 43% of your time spent on highways, the experience transitions from coastal access roads to more sustained stretches of pavement. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted segment of 88.4 miles on the Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway, which dictates the pace of your travel. Expect a varied driving experience that shifts as you move away from the Gulf region and head toward the heart of the state.
43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.4 mi on Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.3 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 20 significant decision points across 166 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 5.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71.8 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 Gulf Hills, MS and Meridian, MS, road signs point toward Jackson and Laurel.
Meridian is a city in Mississippi. It was a titan of commerce of sorts during the Reconstruction era and up through the Great Depression, even after General Tecumseh Sherman had torched it, due to its being a hub to five major rail lines and manufacturing during its golden age. It is now a treasure trove for some of the architecture preserved from that period. Meridian is also noted for being the location of the US v. Cecil Price court case, where several Ku Klux Klan members were charged for the abduction and murder of three Civil Rights workers in 1964 in nearby Neshoba County, an event analogously portrayed in the film Mississippi Burning.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 14m. Total distance: 166 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.4 miles on Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway. 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 Meridian, 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 5.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71.8 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 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Meridian, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
