Lynchburg to Auburn is 226.4 miles and takes about 4h 47m via I 55 and MS 6, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, traversing the Southeast region. With 90% of the drive on highways, expect a straightforward trip focused on covering ground efficiently. This route is well-suited for a single-day drive, making it a practical option for getting between these two points without much fuss.
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
113.2 miles from Lynchburg, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
91.9 mi
1h 38m
MS 7
42.7 mi
50m
MS 6
21.2 mi
24m
MS 22
15.4 mi
27m
I 22
12.7 mi
13m
US 278
10 mi
11m
MS 9
9.8 mi
11m
East Main Street
3.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 91.9 mi, about 1h 38m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~632 veh/hr typical
· worst 863
Quietest
2 AM
~70 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
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 Lynchburg, MS and Auburn, MS.
1
Start on Martin Road
3.1 mi·11 min·Martin Road
2
Turn right onto John Warren Road
0.9 mi·3 min·John Warren Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto MS 22
15 mi·25 min·MS 22
4
Turn left onto MS 22
0.2 mi·26 sec·South 4th Street
5
Turn right onto MS 22
0.3 mi·29 sec·West Madison Street
6
Continue on MS 22
0.4 mi·44 sec·East Main Street
7
Continue on MS 22
1.0 mi·1 min·Canton-Flora Road
8
Continue on MS 22
3.1 mi·5 min·East Main Street
9
Keep slight left at fork
11 mi·19 min
10
Continue on MS 22
0.7 mi·1 min·MS 22
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
12
Merge onto I 55
92 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 55
13
Take the exit onto MS 7
36 mi·41 min·MS 7
Toward MS 7 North: Coffeeville
14
Enter roundabout onto MS 7
171 ft·2 sec·MS 7
Toward MS 7 North: Oxford
15
Continue on MS 7
6.2 mi·8 min·MS 7
Toward MS 7 North: Oxford
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
17
Merge onto US 278; MS 6
1.0 mi·1 min·US 278; MS 6
18
Continue on MS 6; US 278
21 mi·24 min·MS 6; US 278
19
Continue on US 278; MS 6
9.0 mi·10 min·US 278; MS 6
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward MS 9: Pontotoc, Sherman
21
Keep slight left at fork
236 ft·12 sec
Toward MS 9 North: Sherman
22
Turn left onto MS 9
9.8 mi·11 min·MS 9
Use the straight lane.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I-22 East, US 78 East: TupeloUse the right lane.
24
Merge onto I 22; US 78
13 mi·13 min·I 22; US 78
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward Auburn Road
26
Keep slight left at fork
268 ft·7 sec
27
Turn left onto CR 931
0.9 mi·2 min·Auburn Road
28
Turn right onto County Road 1438
119 ft·5 sec·County Road 1438
29
Arrive at destination
County Road 1438
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 47 minute estimated drive time, starting your trip in Lynchburg in the morning will allow you to reach Auburn with plenty of daylight to spare. You'll want to plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway mark, to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, it's wise to fill up before leaving Lynchburg. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 91.9-mile stretch on I 55, as services can be spaced out on long highway segments.
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 113.2 miles from Lynchburg, MS, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.9 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 50 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.2 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Auburn, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lynchburg, 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 Lynchburg, MS
This is one driving day of about 226.4 miles and 4h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Lynchburg, 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 91.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Home stretch
4.9 mi from route
~12 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 212.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
4 mi into trip|~15m in|MS 22
At end of road, turn left onto MS 22
Navigation decision point
5
18.9 mi into trip|~41m in|MS 22 / West Madison Street
Turn right onto MS 22 / West Madison Street
Navigation decision point
5
164.2 mi into trip|~3h 31m in|MS 7
Enter roundabout onto MS 7 toward MS 7 North: Oxford
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward MS 7 North: Oxford
6
202.4 mi into trip|~4h 18m in|MS 9
Turn left onto MS 9
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
212.2 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Take the exit toward I-22 East, US 78 East: Tupelo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I-22 East, US 78 East: Tupelo
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.43 one way
$62.86 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$35.16
$70.33
premium
$4.29
$38.23
$76.46
diesel
$4.80
$42.75
$85.50
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.9
0
$23.77
$10.87
Efficient EV
56.6
0
$19.81
$9.06
EV Truck/SUV
90.6
1
$31.70
$14.49
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Lynchburg, MS
Late night
in Lynchburg on Monday
Local time
1:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
NW 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:23PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Auburn, MS
Late night
in Auburn on Monday
Local time
1:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:23PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
93°F
Grenada, MS
113 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 47m 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.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 218.6
Park Closure: Partial Closure of Rocky Springs Trail
Park Closure: Yockanookany Trail Section Closed to Equestrians
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 218.6
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 15.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 90% of the 226.4 miles on major roads like I 55 and MS 6. You'll encounter a long stretch of 91.9 miles on I 55, suggesting a period of consistent cruising. The shift to surface roads will occur as you approach Auburn, likely bringing more local traffic and a change in speed. Expect a relatively uninterrupted drive for the majority of the trip.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.9 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and MS 7. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4 miles in near MS 22.
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 19 significant decision points across 226.4 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 4 miles (MS 22): Navigation decision point; at 18.9 miles (MS 22 / West Madison Street): Navigation decision point; at 164.2 miles (MS 7): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
414 ft208 ft
Total Climb
419 ft
Total Descent
347 ft
Highest Point
414 ft
~177.9 mi in
Elevation Range
206 ft
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 Lynchburg, MS to Auburn, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Sherman along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 47m. Total distance: 226.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 47m 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 91.9 miles on I 55. 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 Auburn, 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 4 miles (MS 22): Navigation decision point; at 18.9 miles (MS 22 / West Madison Street): Navigation decision point; at 164.2 miles (MS 7): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Yes — Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Tupelo National Battlefield and Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Auburn, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
