Nettleton to West Gulfport is 294.1 miles and takes about 5h 42m via I 59, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Mississippi, beginning in the Southeast region and ending in the same region. It's a predominantly highway-focused route, making it a straightforward, efficient journey for those looking to cover ground. Given its manageable duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
147 miles from Nettleton, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
88.7 mi
1h 36m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US 49
59.9 mi
1h 12m
US Highway 45 Alternate
54.7 mi
1h 6m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
US 45
7.6 mi
9m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
US 98
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 88.7 mi, about 1h 36m
Traffic on I-59
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~976 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,182
Quietest
2 AM
~88 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
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 Nettleton, MS and West Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on Main Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·Main Street
2
Turn slight right onto MS 145
1.0 mi·1 min·Will Robbins Highway
3
Turn right onto US 45; US 278
3.7 mi·4 min·US 45; US 278
4
Continue on MS 145
0.2 mi·19 sec·MS 145
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward US 45 Alternate South: West PointUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto US 45 ALT
1.2 mi·1 min·Martin Luther King Drive
7
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
8
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
9
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
10
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
12
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
16
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59
89 mi·1 hr 36 min·I 59
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New OrleansUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn straight onto US 49
2.0 mi·3 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
24
Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
424 ft·14 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
25
Turn right onto Arkansas Avenue
31 ft·0 sec·Arkansas Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
Arkansas Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a single-day drive of about 5 hours and 42 minutes, an early morning departure from Nettleton is recommended to maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop, plan your break strategically along I 59, perhaps around the 88.7-mile mark, to break up the longest stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, and consider filling up before embarking on any extended portions without frequent exits. The $44 fuel cost is an estimate, so actual prices may vary.
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 147 miles from Nettleton, MS, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.7 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 65 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147 miles or 2h 53m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Nettleton, 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 Nettleton, MS
This is one driving day of about 294.1 miles and 5h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Nettleton, 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 59 for about 88.7 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.1 and 234 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.1 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the exit toward US 45 Alternate South: West Point
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 45 Alternate South: West Point
8
141.8 mi into trip|~2h 48m in|I 59
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
7
230.5 mi into trip|~4h 24m 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
7
233.7 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Take the exit toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast
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 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gu...
9
234 mi into trip|~4h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.83 one way
$81.65 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$45.68
$91.36
premium
$4.29
$49.66
$99.32
diesel
$4.80
$55.53
$111.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
88.2
1
$30.88
$14.12
Efficient EV
73.5
0
$25.73
$11.76
EV Truck/SUV
117.6
1
$41.17
$18.82
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Nettleton, MS
Afternoon
in Nettleton on Sunday
Local time
1:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
NW 5 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Destination
West Gulfport, MS
Afternoon
in West Gulfport on Sunday
Local time
1:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
NW 5 to 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
73°F
Newton, MS
147 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
3 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
5h 42m 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.
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is almost entirely on highways, with a 99% highway share. Expect long stretches of consistent driving, including an uninterrupted segment of 88.7 miles on I 59. The route primarily utilizes I 59, US Highway 45 Alternate, and US 49, suggesting a profile that prioritizes speed and directness over winding, scenic byways. It’s a drive that allows you to settle into a rhythm, making good time as you traverse the state.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.7 mi on I 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US Highway 45 Aiternate. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 294.1 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 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.8 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.5 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
459 ft25 ft
Total Climb
498 ft
Total Descent
734 ft
Highest Point
459 ft
~147 mi in
Elevation Range
434 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Nettleton, MS and West Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 42m. Total distance: 294.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.7 miles on I 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 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 West Gulfport, 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 8 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.8 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.5 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Tupelo National Battlefield and Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at West Gulfport, MS before the return drive.
