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Trip from Laurel, MS to Southaven, MS

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 21m

Distance

284.3 mi

457 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 8m ★
6 AM
5h 21m
8 AM
5h 48m
10 AM
5h 31m
12 PM
5h 28m
3 PM
5h 32m
5 PM
5h 47m
8 PM
5h 13m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States

Laurel, MS

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Southaven, MS, MS

Southaven, MS

大 董

Trip Overview

This trip from Laurel, Mississippi, to Southaven, Mississippi, covers 284.3 miles and is estimated to take about 5 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey predominantly on I-55 and US 49, making it an ideal one-day drive. With a projected fuel cost of around $43, this route is budget-friendly for a single-day adventure. You'll spend about 90% of your time on main roads, with the longest uninterrupted stretch being a significant 195.7 miles on I-55, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent travel. Both destinations are within the Southeast region, keeping the drive geographically consistent.

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

142.1 miles from Laurel, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 195.7 mi 3h 31m
US 49 58.8 mi 1h 11m
Veterans Memorial Highway 27.2 mi 31m
Sawmill Road 0.6 mi 1m
Stateline Road West 0.4 mi <1m
West 5th Street 0.3 mi <1m
Millbranch Road 0.2 mi <1m
Haleville Drive 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 195.7 mi, about 3h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Laurel, MS and Southaven, MS.

1

Start on Yates Avenue

157 ft · 8 sec · Yates Avenue
2

Turn right onto North 5th Avenue

264 ft · 14 sec · North 5th Avenue
3

Turn left onto Sawmill Road

218 ft · 4 sec · Sawmill Road
4

Keep slight left at fork onto Sawmill Road

473 ft · 10 sec · Sawmill Road
5

Enter roundabout onto Sawmill Road

72 ft · 1 sec · Sawmill Road
6

Continue on Sawmill Road

0.5 mi · 59 sec · Sawmill Road
7

Continue on West 5th Street

0.3 mi · 41 sec · West 5th Street
8

Continue on US 84; MS 28

27 mi · 31 min · Veterans Memorial Highway
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 34 sec
Toward US 49 North: Jackson
10

Merge onto US 49

57 mi · 1 hr 9 min · US 49
11

Take the exit onto US 49

0.2 mi · 21 sec · US 49
12

Keep slight left at fork onto US 49

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 49
Toward Jackson
13

Keep slight right at fork onto US 49

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 49
14

Merge onto I 55

196 mi · 3 hr 31 min · I 55
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward Southaven, Horn Lake
16

Turn left onto Stateline Road West

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Stateline Road West
17

Turn left onto Millbranch Road

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Millbranch Road
18

Turn right onto Haleville Drive

0.2 mi · 53 sec · Haleville Drive
19

Turn left onto Five Oaks Drive North

0.1 mi · 28 sec · Five Oaks Drive North
20

Arrive at destination

Five Oaks Drive West

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 21-minute duration, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day drive. Consider an early morning departure from Laurel, MS, to maximize your daylight hours and arrive in Southaven, MS, with ample time. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or before embarking on the long 195.7-mile stretch on I-55. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as extended highway travel can consume gas quickly; the estimated $43 fuel cost is a helpful guide, but topping off before you leave is always a smart move. The flexibility of a single-day trip means you can adjust your timing as needed.

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 142.1 miles from Laurel, MS, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 195.7 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 15m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 142.1 miles or 2h 45m 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 23m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Southaven, MS than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Laurel, 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 Laurel, MS

This is one driving day of about 284.3 miles and 5h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Laurel, 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 I 55 for about 195.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jackson, MS

142 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Jackson, MS to Southaven, MS

196.7 mi · 3h 37m

Pacing Suggestions

Florence, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Madison, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.1 miles from Laurel, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 195.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

Red Samurai Express

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Madison, Mississippi

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch · 1h 55m in 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17693000654

Visit website

Bougie Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Florence, Mississippi

2.3 mi

Best coffee break · early in the drive

The Espresso Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richland, Mississippi

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 1h 32m in 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17692358869

Ward's Restaurant

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Laurel, Mississippi

Hours: 5:45 am–9 pm

+16016499278

Visit website

Mazzio’s Pizza & Wings

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Madison, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16018537778

Visit website

Red Samurai Express

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Madison, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17693000654

Visit website

Bougie Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Florence, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16017159972

Visit website

The Espresso Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Richland, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17692358869

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Southaven, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Horn Lake, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+19013102301

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

1.7 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Southaven, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Southaven, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.8 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Southaven, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Grenada, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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 0.1 and 283 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Sawmill Road

Keep slight left at fork onto Sawmill Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Sawmill Road

Enter roundabout onto Sawmill Road

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

6
28.3 mi into trip | ~33m in

Take the exit toward US 49 North: Jackson

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 49 North: Jackson
5
85.7 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in | US 49

Keep slight left at fork onto US 49 toward Jackson

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward Jackson
5
283 mi into trip | ~5h 17m in

Take the exit toward Southaven, Horn Lake

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Southaven, Horn Lake

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.94 one way

$85.87 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $47.13 $94.27
premium $4.56 $51.03 $102.06
diesel $5.61 $62.77 $125.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 99.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.3 1 $29.85 $13.65
Efficient EV 71.1 0 $24.88 $11.37
EV Truck/SUV 113.7 1 $39.80 $18.20

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 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

Laurel, MS

Late night in Laurel on Tuesday

Local time

3:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Southaven, MS

Late night in Southaven on Tuesday

Local time

3:56 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

3 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 21m 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.

Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

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 ~10 min detour Free near mile 88.2
View on nps.gov
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument

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 215.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a largely highway-focused drive on this route, with 90% of the journey utilizing major roads like I-55 and US 49. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency, particularly the extensive 195.7-mile segment on I-55. While the majority is highway, Veterans Memorial Highway offers a brief change of pace before you rejoin the main arteries. This route prioritizes getting you from point A to point B smoothly, rather than offering constant scenic detours, so settle in for a consistent travel experience for most of the 5-hour trip.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 195.7 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Sawmill Road.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 284.3 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 0.1 miles (Sawmill Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 0.2 miles (Sawmill Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 28.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Laurel, MS to Southaven, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Jackson along the way.

Jackson

85.7 mi in | ~1h 43m | via US 49

About the Cities

Starting in Laurel, MS

Full guide →

Laurel is a small city in the inland area of the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi. It's best known in American culture as the home base of husband-and-wife home renovation team Ben and Erin Napier, stars of the HGTV series Home Town.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 284.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 195.7 miles on I 55. 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 Southaven, 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 0.1 miles (Sawmill Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 0.2 miles (Sawmill Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 28.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Southaven, MS before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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