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Trip from Meridian, MS to Lucedale, 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

2h 15m

Distance

111.9 mi

180 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 6m ★
6 AM
2h 15m
8 AM
2h 34m
10 AM
2h 22m
12 PM
2h 20m
3 PM
2h 23m
5 PM
2h 33m
8 PM
2h 10m

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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Downtown Meridian, MS, MS

Meridian, MS

Wikimedia Commons

human settlement in George County, Mississippi, United States of America

Lucedale, MS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 111.9-mile drive from Meridian to Lucedale, Mississippi, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It's an ideal candidate for a single-day trip, allowing ample time for exploration at your destination. With an estimated fuel cost of $17, it's an economical option for traversing the Southeast region. The route primarily utilizes US 45, MS 57, and MS 63, offering a consistent driving experience. Given its relatively short distance and duration, this trip offers flexibility for departure times and on-the-road pacing.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

56 miles from Meridian, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 45 64.8 mi 1h 15m
MS 57 24.7 mi 28m
MS 63 13.5 mi 15m
Roebuck Drive 3.6 mi 5m
Beaver Dam Road 2 mi 4m
US 98 1.2 mi 1m
22nd Avenue 0.8 mi 1m
23rd Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 45 — 64.8 mi, about 1h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Meridian, MS and Lucedale, MS.

1

Start on 25th Avenue

272 ft · 14 sec · 25th Avenue
2

Turn right onto 8th Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · 8th Street
3

Turn right onto 23rd Avenue

0.2 mi · 27 sec · 23rd Avenue
4

At end of road, turn left onto Front Street

394 ft · 10 sec · Front Street
5

Turn right onto 22nd Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · 22nd Avenue
6

Continue on MS 145

3.6 mi · 5 min · Roebuck Drive
Use the straight lane.
7

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto US 45

7.1 mi · 8 min · US 45
Use the straight / slight left / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on US 45

0.7 mi · 46 sec · US 45
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on US 45

3.7 mi · 4 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
11

Continue on US 45

5.4 mi · 6 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on US 45

5.5 mi · 6 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on US 45

2.7 mi · 3 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on US 45

1.7 mi · 1 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
15

Continue on US 45

3.9 mi · 4 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
16

Continue on US 45

9.8 mi · 11 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on US 45

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on US 45

4.9 mi · 5 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
19

Continue on US 45

17 mi · 20 min · US 45
Use the straight lane.
20

Keep slight right at fork onto MS 57

2.2 mi · 2 min · MS 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on MS 57

23 mi · 25 min · MS 57
Use the straight lane.
22

Continue on MS 63

14 mi · 15 min · MS 63
23

Take the exit

111 ft · 3 sec
24

Turn left

0.3 mi · 48 sec
25

Merge onto US 98

1.2 mi · 1 min · US 98
26

Turn right onto Beaver Dam Road

2.0 mi · 4 min · Beaver Dam Road
27

Turn left onto Commerce Street

181 ft · 7 sec · Commerce Street
28

Arrive at destination

Commerce Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour 15-minute drive time, leaving Meridian in the morning will allow you to reach Lucedale with plenty of daylight. Since this is a shorter, highway-focused route, you won't need to plan for extensive stops, though a brief break during the 64.8-mile stretch on US 45 might be welcome. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach Lucedale, as the $17 estimated fuel cost suggests moderate consumption. The simplicity of this route means you can be quite flexible with your departure and any spontaneous stops you might decide to make.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 56 miles from Meridian, MS, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.8 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 25 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 56 miles or 1h 7m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 49m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Meridian, 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 Meridian, MS

This is one driving day of about 111.9 miles and 2h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Meridian, MS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 45 for about 64.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Clarke County, Mississippi, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Quitman, MS

56 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Quitman, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waynesboro, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 56 miles from Meridian, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 45 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.8 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

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Meridian, Mississippi

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16016933075

Visit website

El Norte Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Meridian, Mississippi

2.8 mi

The Daily Grind

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meridian, Mississippi

3 mi

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16016933075

Visit website

Chili's Grill & Bar

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16014823280

Visit website

El Norte Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16015538377

Visit website

The Daily Grind

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16014858099

Visit website

Cater's Market Meridian

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 8 am–5:30 pm

+16014825515

Visit website

PJ's Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+16012865941

Visit website

Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16015120270

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 70.1 — 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 | 8th Street

Turn right onto 8th Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | 23rd Avenue

Turn right onto 23rd Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | Front Street

At end of road, turn left onto Front Street

Navigation decision point

5
5.2 mi into trip | ~9m in | US 45

Merge onto US 45

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left / slight right lanes.
6
70.1 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in | MS 57

Keep slight right at fork onto MS 57

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.90 one way

$33.80 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $18.55 $37.10
premium $4.56 $20.08 $40.17
diesel $5.61 $24.71 $49.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 39.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.6 0 $11.75 $5.37
Efficient EV 28 0 $9.79 $4.48
EV Truck/SUV 44.8 0 $15.67 $7.16

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 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 20, 2026

Origin

Meridian, MS

Late night in Meridian on Tuesday

Local time

3:45 AM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lucedale, MS

Late night in Lucedale on Tuesday

Local time

3:45 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

85°F

Quitman, MS

56 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

2 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

2h 15m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-centric experience on this trip, with 93% of the route utilizing higher-speed roads. You'll cover a significant 64.8 miles on US 45 without a break, setting a consistent pace for a good portion of the journey. While the profile is largely highway-focused, the transition to state routes like MS 57 and MS 63 will introduce subtle shifts in the driving environment. This road's personality is one of steady progress rather than winding exploration, making it efficient for getting from point A to point B.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.8 mi on US 45.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45 and MS 57. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 8th Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 111.9 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (8th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (23rd Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (Front Street): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Starting in Meridian, MS

Full guide →

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.

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 2h 15m. Total distance: 111.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 64.8 miles on US 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Lucedale, 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. 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 (8th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (23rd Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (Front Street): Navigation decision point.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Lucedale, MS before heading back.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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