This 286.6-mile drive from Gulfport, Mississippi, to Amory, Mississippi, will take you approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes. It's a manageable one-day trip, so you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stop. You'll be spending about half your time on major highways, with the rest on other significant roads. Expect to spend around $43 on fuel for this journey. Since both your origin and destination are in the Southeast region, you'll be staying within familiar territory throughout your travels.
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
143.3 miles from Gulfport, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 45
106.1 mi
2h 4m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
88.4 mi
1h 35m
25th Avenue
60.1 mi
1h 14m
I 59
9 mi
10m
MS 8
6.5 mi
9m
Highway 125
5.2 mi
9m
US 98
3.3 mi
4m
US 49
2.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 45
— 106.1 mi, about 2h 4m
Traffic on I-59
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~976 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,182
Quietest
2 AM
~88 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
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 Gulfport, MS and Amory, MS.
1
Start on US 49
60 mi·1 hr 14 min·25th Avenue
Use the straight lane.
2
Continue on US 49
2.4 mi·2 min·US 49
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi·51 sec
4
Merge onto US 98
2.5 mi·2 min·US 98
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
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.
6
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.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 59
9.0 mi·10 min·I 59
Toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, TuscaloosaUse the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Toward US 45 North: MaconUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto US 45
65 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.4 mi·4 min·US 45
Toward US 45 North: Columbus, Aberdeen
11
Continue on US 45
14 mi·16 min·US 45
12
Continue on Plymouth Bluff Access Road
312 ft·5 sec·Plymouth Bluff Access Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
3.9 mi·4 min
Toward US 82 East, US 45 North, MS 12 East: Columbus
14
Take the exit onto US 45
0.5 mi·55 sec·US 45
Toward US 45 North: AberdeenUse the slight right lane.
15
Continue on US 45; MS 50
13 mi·16 min·US 45; MS 50
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 45
2.0 mi·2 min·US 45
17
Continue on US 45
1.9 mi·2 min·US 45
18
Continue on US 45
1.8 mi·2 min·US 45
19
Continue on US 45
0.8 mi·55 sec·US 45
20
Continue on US 45
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45
21
Continue on US 45
0.8 mi·52 sec·US 45
22
Continue on US 45
0.3 mi·17 sec·US 45
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward MS 25 North, MS 8 East: Amory
24
Continue on MS 8; MS 25
6.5 mi·9 min·MS 8; MS 25
25
Turn left onto Highway 125
5.2 mi·9 min·Highway 125
26
Turn right onto US 278
0.4 mi·59 sec·US 278
27
Turn left onto MS 25
0.4 mi·40 sec·South Main Street
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue South
47 ft·2 sec·2nd Avenue South
29
Arrive at destination
2nd Avenue South
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 40-minute duration, starting your journey in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 106.1-mile stretch on US 45 where services might be less frequent. The estimated fuel cost is $43, so budget accordingly. A good tip for this route is to ensure your navigation is updated, as the mix of highway and local roads means paying attention to signage is key.
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 143.3 miles from Gulfport, MS, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.1 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 63 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.3 miles or 2h 46m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amory, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gulfport, 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 Gulfport, MS
This is one driving day of about 286.6 miles and 5h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Gulfport, 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 US 45 for about 106.1 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 65.3 and 246.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
65.3 mi into trip|~1h 20m 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
154.5 mi into trip|~2h 58m 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...
6
163.5 mi into trip|~3h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 45 North: Macon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 45 North: Macon
6
228.8 mi into trip|~4h 23m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 North: Columbus, Aberdeen
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 45 North: Columbus, Aberdeen
6
246.6 mi into trip|~4h 44m in
Take the exit toward US 82 East, US 45 North, MS 12 East: Columbus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 82 East, US 45 North, MS 12 East: Col...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.05 one way
$88.10 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$48.72
$97.44
premium
$4.65
$52.43
$104.87
diesel
$5.35
$60.37
$120.73
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: 100.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86
1
$30.09
$13.76
Efficient EV
71.7
0
$25.08
$11.46
EV Truck/SUV
114.6
1
$40.12
$18.34
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Gulfport, MS
Afternoon
in Gulfport on Wednesday
Local time
2:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Partly Cloudy
W 5 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:37PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:35PM CDT until June 1 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Destination
Amory, MS
Afternoon
in Amory on Wednesday
Local time
2:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:37PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:35PM CDT until June 1 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
88°F
Stonewall, MS
143 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
9 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
5h 40m 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...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 286.6
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 286.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience on this route, with 46% of it being on highways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 106.1 miles, primarily on US 45. This means you'll have periods of faster travel interspersed with segments that may involve more local traffic and lower speed limits. The road will likely evolve from more urban or suburban environments near Gulfport to a more rural feel as you head north through Mississippi.
46% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.1 mi on US 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 65.3 miles in near US 98.
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 286.6 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 65.3 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.5 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
437 ft20 ft
Total Climb
589 ft
Total Descent
369 ft
Highest Point
437 ft
~163.8 mi in
Elevation Range
417 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Gulfport, MS and Amory, MS, road signs point toward Laurel, Tuscaloosa and Aberdeen.
Laurel
65.3 mi in|~1h 20m|via US 98
Tuscaloosa
154.5 mi in|~2h 58m|via I 59
Aberdeen
228.8 mi in|~4h 23m|via US 45
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 40m. Total distance: 286.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.1 miles on US 45. 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 Amory, 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 65.3 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.5 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Tupelo National Battlefield and Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Amory, MS before the return drive.
