Origin
New Albany, MS
Late night in New Albany on Sunday
Local time
2:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Albany, MS to Meridian, 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 21m
Distance
168 mi
270 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 9m
★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Albany, MS
Wikimedia Commons
Meridian, MS
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
New Albany to Meridian is 168 miles and takes about 3 hours 21 minutes via US Highway 45 Alternate and I 22, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive stays within Mississippi, moving you through the Southeast region. Expect a straightforward journey primarily on well-maintained highways, making it a practical choice for a quick trip between these two points. With a highway share of 98%, this route is designed for efficient travel. It's a solid option if you're looking to cover ground without significant detours.
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
84 miles from New Albany, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 45 Aiternate | 60.6 mi | 1h 9m |
| US Highway 45 Alternate | 54.7 mi | 1h 6m |
| I 22 | 21.8 mi | 23m |
| US 45 | 14.1 mi | 17m |
| US 45 ALT | 7.2 mi | 8m |
| Old Highway 45 North | 4.8 mi | 7m |
| West Bankhead Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| Mississippi Highway 15 | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 45 Aiternate
— 60.6 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Albany, MS and Meridian, MS.
1
Start on Highland Street
96 ft
·
9 sec
·
Highland Street
2
Turn left onto North Railroad Avenue
210 ft
·
15 sec
·
North Railroad Avenue
3
Turn left onto MS 178
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Bankhead Street
4
Turn right onto MS 15; MS 30
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Mississippi Highway 15
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I-22 East, US 78 East: Tupelo
Use the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 22; US 78
22 mi
·
23 min
·
I 22; US 78
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 45:south: Tupelo
8
Merge onto US 45
14 mi
·
17 min
·
US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
US 45 ALT
10
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 45 ALT
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
US 45 ALT
12
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
US 45 ALT
13
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
US 45 ALT
14
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 45
61 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
US Highway 45 Aiternate
16
Keep slight left at fork onto Old Highway 45 North
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Old Highway 45 North
17
Continue on MS 884
0.6 mi
·
54 sec
·
Dale Drive
18
Continue on Front Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Front Street
19
Continue on 4th Street
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
4th Street
20
Turn slight left onto 2nd Street
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
2nd Street
21
Turn right onto 22nd Avenue
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
22nd Avenue
22
Turn left onto 8th Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
8th Street
23
Turn left onto 25th Avenue
272 ft
·
11 sec
·
25th Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
25th Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3 hours and 21 minutes, this trip is easily completed in a single day. You can depart any time of day, but an early start will give you ample flexibility for an unplanned stop or two. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $26, it's a budget-friendly excursion. Pay attention to the transitions between US Highway 45 Alternate and I 22 to ensure you're on the most efficient path. Since the longest stretch is over 60 miles, consider a brief break before or after that segment.
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 84 miles from New Albany, MS, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.6 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 37 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84 miles or 1h 41m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meridian, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Albany, 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 New Albany, MS
This is one driving day of about 168 miles and 3h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from New Albany, 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 Highway 45 Aiternate for about 60.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84 miles from New Albany, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 45 Aiternate if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.6 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 0 and 168 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Railroad Avenue
Turn left onto North Railroad Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
MS 15; MS 30 / Mississippi Highway 15
Turn right onto MS 15; MS 30 / Mississippi Highway 15
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I-22 East, US 78 East: Tupelo
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I-22 East, US 78 East: Tupelo
5
24.4 mi into trip
|
~29m in
|
US 45
Merge onto US 45
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
168 mi into trip
|
~3h 21m in
|
25th Avenue
Turn left onto 25th Avenue
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.37 one way
$50.74 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $27.85 | $55.70 |
| premium | $4.56 | $30.15 | $60.31 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.09 | $74.18 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.4 | 0 | $17.64 | $8.06 |
| Efficient EV | 42 | 0 | $14.70 | $6.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.2 | 0 | $23.52 | $10.75 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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
Meridian, MS
Late night in Meridian on Sunday
Local time
2:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°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
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
3h 21m 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 23.2
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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 29
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 predominantly highway driving, with 98% of it utilizing major roads like US Highway 45 Alternate and I 22. You'll encounter a long, uninterrupted stretch of 60.6 miles on US Highway 45 Alternate, offering a consistent pace. The character is largely that of a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster roads designed for covering distance. While not explicitly scenic, the focus is on efficiency and smooth progress, making it a predictable and manageable drive.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.6 mi on US Highway 45 Aiternate.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 45 Aiternate and US Highway 45 Alternate. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Railroad Avenue.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 168 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: near the start (North Railroad Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (MS 15; MS 30 / Mississippi Highway 15): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 168 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60.6 miles on US Highway 45 Aiternate. 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Railroad Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (MS 15; MS 30 / Mississippi Highway 15): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and Tupelo National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Meridian, 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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