Origin
Mound Bayou, MS
Late night in Mound Bayou on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mound Bayou, MS to Auburn, MS
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 4m
Distance
147.5 mi
237 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 53m
★
6 AM
3h 5m
8 AM
3h 28m
10 AM
3h 13m
12 PM
3h 11m
3 PM
3h 14m
5 PM
3h 27m
8 PM
2h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mound Bayou, MS
Siarhei Nester
Auburn, MS
Dominik Gryzbon
Trip Overview
Mound Bayou to Auburn is 147.5 miles and takes about 3 hours 4 minutes via US 278, US 61, and I-22, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Mississippi, taking you from the Delta region to the central part of the state. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that's perfect for a single day of travel. Expect mostly interstate driving, making it an efficient way to cover the distance. Consider this route if you need a practical, no-fuss journey across Mississippi.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
73.7 miles from Mound Bayou, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 278 | 92.3 mi | 1h 57m |
| US 61 | 28.1 mi | 32m |
| I 22 | 12.7 mi | 13m |
| MS 9 | 9.8 mi | 11m |
| Edwards Avenue | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Auburn Road | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Moody Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| County Road 1438 | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 278
— 92.3 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mound Bayou, MS and Auburn, MS.
1
Start on MS 161
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Edwards Avenue
2
Turn right onto Moody Road
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
Moody Road
3
Turn left onto US 61; US 278
28 mi
·
32 min
·
US 61; US 278
4
Take the exit onto US 278
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
US 278
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 278
92 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
US 278
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
Toward MS 9: Pontotoc, Sherman
7
Keep slight left at fork
236 ft
·
12 sec
Toward MS 9 North: Sherman
8
Turn left onto MS 9
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
MS 9
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I-22 East, US 78 East: Tupelo
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 22; US 78
13 mi
·
13 min
·
I 22; US 78
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward Auburn Road
12
Keep slight left at fork
268 ft
·
7 sec
13
Turn left onto CR 931
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Auburn Road
14
Turn right onto County Road 1438
119 ft
·
5 sec
·
County Road 1438
15
Arrive at destination
County Road 1438
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3 hours and 4 minutes, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. You could easily depart in the morning and arrive before lunch, or even head out in the afternoon. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, it’s an economical choice. The longest stretch without a major turn is 92.3 miles on US 278, so plan your fuel and any quick breaks before embarking on that segment. There's only one recommended stop, suggesting this is a journey where you can keep moving without extensive planning.
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 73.7 miles from Mound Bayou, MS, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.3 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 32 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.7 miles or 1h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 32m
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 Mound Bayou, 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 Mound Bayou, MS
This is one driving day of about 147.5 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Mound Bayou, 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 278 for about 92.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73.7 miles from Mound Bayou, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 278 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 92.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 31.2 and 133.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
31.2 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
US 278
Keep slight right at fork onto US 278
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
123.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
Take the exit toward MS 9: Pontotoc, Sherman
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MS 9: Pontotoc, Sherman
5
123.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward MS 9 North: Sherman
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward MS 9 North: Sherman
6
123.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
|
MS 9
Turn left onto MS 9
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
133.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m 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
$22.28 one way
$44.55 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $24.45 | $48.91 |
| premium | $4.56 | $26.47 | $52.95 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.57 | $65.13 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.3 | 0 | $15.49 | $7.08 |
| Efficient EV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.91 | $5.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59 | 0 | $20.65 | $9.44 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Auburn, MS
Late night in Auburn on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Batesville, MS
74 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
22 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
3h 4m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 142.4
Park Closure: Partial Closure of Rocky Springs Trail
Park Closure: Temporary Blackland Prairie Trail Closure to Equestrians
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 142.4
View on nps.gov
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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 35.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the journey on major roads like US 278, US 61, and I-22. You'll experience long stretches of efficient travel, including one segment of 92.3 miles on US 278 where you can set a steady pace. The character of the drive is largely dictated by these high-speed corridors, minimizing local traffic and maximizing forward momentum. It's designed for getting from point A to point B smoothly and without many interruptions.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.3 mi on US 278.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 278 and US 61. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.2 miles in near US 278.
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 11 significant decision points across 147.5 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 31.2 miles (US 278): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Mound Bayou, MS to Auburn, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Sherman along the way.
Sherman
123.1 mi in
|
~2h 35m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 4m. Total distance: 147.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92.3 miles on US 278. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.2 miles (US 278): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Tupelo National Battlefield and Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Auburn, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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