Spanning 382.1 miles from Horn Lake to Pascagoula, this journey across Mississippi takes approximately 7 hours and 19 minutes. Because the route relies on local roads rather than major interstates, it is best suited for a single, focused day of driving. You should budget about $58 for fuel to complete the trek. While you stay within the Southeast region, the transition from the northern reaches of the state to the Gulf Coast creates a significant change in scenery. Opting for this path provides a direct, albeit turn-heavy, experience that avoids the typical highway monotony. It is a straightforward trip, but be prepared for a full day behind the wheel.
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
191 miles from Horn Lake, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
193.5 mi
3h 29m
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
US 98
50.2 mi
58m
MS 63
36 mi
41m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
7.7 mi
8m
MS 613
6.5 mi
10m
US 49
2.2 mi
3m
Goodman Road West
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 193.5 mi, about 3h 29m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 57 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,443 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~141 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.3×
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 Horn Lake, MS and Pascagoula, MS.
1
Start on Camelot Road
193 ft·13 sec·Camelot Road
2
Turn left onto Hurt Road
0.5 mi·2 min·Hurt Road
3
Turn right onto MS 302
1.8 mi·2 min·Goodman Road West
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward Jackson
5
Merge onto I 55; I 69
194 mi·3 hr 29 min·I 55; I 69
6
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
8
Merge onto US 49
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Highway 49 South
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 49; MS 42
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 49; MS 42
1.1 mi·1 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf CoastUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 59
7.7 mi·8 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Toward Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight lane.
13
Take the exit onto US 98
18 mi·21 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 98
32 mi·37 min·US 98
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
16
Turn right onto MS 63
36 mi·41 min·MS 63
17
Turn right onto Old Saracennia Road
0.5 mi·48 sec·Old Saracennia Road
18
Turn left onto MS 613
6.5 mi·10 min·MS 613
19
Turn straight onto US 90
438 ft·11 sec·Denny Avenue
20
Turn left onto Pascagoula Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Pascagoula Street
21
Turn left
129 ft·3 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this 7-hour and 19-minute route involves frequent turns and local roads, plan to depart early in the morning to reach Pascagoula before dark. You have two scheduled stops, which are essential for maintaining your focus during this demanding stretch. Given the $58 fuel budget, check your tank before heading out to avoid unnecessary detours in unfamiliar areas. Because the route is entirely local, be mindful of changing speed limits and residential traffic patterns that can impact your arrival time. Use your two stops strategically to stretch your legs, as the continuous turning can be more physically tiring than highway driving.
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 191 miles from Horn Lake, MS, or about 3h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 193.5 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 84 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 191 miles or 3h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pascagoula, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Horn Lake, 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 Horn Lake, MS
This is one driving day of about 382.1 miles and 7h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Horn Lake, 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 I 55 for about 193.5 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 196.3 and 287.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
196.3 mi into trip|~3h 35m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattie...
6
197.2 mi into trip|~3h 36m in|US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49 toward Richland, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
7
279.8 mi into trip|~5h 17m 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
6
280.1 mi into trip|~5h 18m in|I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway toward Mississippi Gulf Coast
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Mississippi Gulf Coast
7
287.9 mi into trip|~5h 26m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.73 one way
$117.46 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg134 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$64.96
$129.91
premium
$4.65
$69.91
$139.81
diesel
$5.35
$80.48
$160.96
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
114.6
1
$40.12
$18.34
Efficient EV
95.5
1
$33.43
$15.28
EV Truck/SUV
152.8
1
$53.49
$24.45
Gas CO2
134 kg
EV CO2
45 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
Horn Lake, MS
Afternoon
in Horn Lake on Wednesday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph8% 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
Pascagoula, MS
Afternoon
in Pascagoula on Wednesday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Partly Cloudy
W 5 mph7% 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
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
6 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 19m 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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 197.6
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...
28 mi from route
~71 min detour
Free
near mile 65.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on driving experience, as this route consists entirely of local roads like Hurt Road, Goodman Road West, and Jackson, with a 0% highway share. This is a technical, turn-heavy drive that requires your full attention compared to a standard interstate cruise. You will navigate through varied local terrain, making for a consistent rather than monotonous pace. Without the high speeds of a freeway, you will feel the rhythm of the Mississippi landscape as you progress toward the coast. Prepare for a steady, engaged drive that keeps you off the major transit corridors.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 193.5 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Highway 49 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 196.3 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 382.1 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 196.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 197.2 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
379 ft11 ft
Total Climb
362 ft
Total Descent
646 ft
Highest Point
379 ft
~109.2 mi in
Elevation Range
368 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Horn Lake, MS and Pascagoula, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Mobile.
Pascagoula is on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, on the east side of the Pascagoula River. Besides beaches, it is the site of considerable industry with the Ingalls Shipbuilding Company and other operations. Hurricane Katrina's forces were so strong here in 2005 that they even damaged US Navy ships. Jimmy Buffett and Channing Tatum spent at least part of their childhood here.
Top landmarks
•Old Spanish Fort — historic house in Mississippi, United States
•Old Pascagoula High School — high school in Mississippi, United States
•Pascagoula station — train station in Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA serving Amtrak
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 19m. Total distance: 382.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 193.5 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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 Pascagoula, 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 196.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 197.2 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.8 miles: 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 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pascagoula, MS before the return drive.
