New Hope, MS to Gulfport, MS is 258.1 miles and takes about 5h 5m via I 59 and US 49, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, connecting the Southeast region of the state from top to bottom. Given its predominantly highway nature and manageable duration, it's a straightforward drive suitable for a single day. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates and highways, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently. Consider this route if you're looking for a no-fuss drive with minimal navigation challenges.
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
129 miles from New Hope, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
88.7 mi
1h 36m
US 45
85.8 mi
1h 39m
US 49
62.4 mi
1h 17m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
MS 182
6.1 mi
10m
US 98
3.2 mi
4m
New Hope Road
1.9 mi
4m
Main Street
0.6 mi
1m
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 New Hope, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on New Hope Road
1.9 mi·4 min·New Hope Road
2
Turn left onto MS 182
6.1 mi·10 min·MS 182
Use the straight lane.
3
Enter roundabout onto MS 69; MS 182
60 ft·1 sec·Main Street
4
Continue on MS 69; MS 182
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
6
Merge onto US 45; US 82; MS 12
2.8 mi·3 min·US 45; US 82; MS 12
7
Take the exit onto US 45
0.2 mi·43 sec·US 45
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45
135 ft·7 sec·US 45
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
9
Turn left onto US 45
15 mi·16 min·US 45
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Continue on US 45
64 mi·1 hr 13 min·US 45
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
13
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
15
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.
16
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from New Hope to take advantage of lighter traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $38, you have flexibility in how you pace the trip. The longest stretch without an exit is nearly 89 miles on I 59, so ensure you have adequate fuel before entering that segment. Since this is a single-day trip, you can adjust your departure time based on your preferences, but an early start is generally advisable for highway travel. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 59 to US 49, as this is where the primary road changes.
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 129 miles from New Hope, MS, or about 2h 35m 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 57 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129 miles or 2h 35m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Hope, 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 Hope, MS
This is one driving day of about 258.1 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from New Hope, 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.9 and 195.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
11.9 mi into trip|~21m in|US 45
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
8
103.2 mi into trip|~2h 7m 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
192 mi into trip|~3h 43m 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
195.1 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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
195.4 mi into trip|~3h 48m 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
$35.83 one way
$71.66 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$40.09
$80.17
premium
$4.29
$43.58
$87.16
diesel
$4.80
$48.73
$97.47
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.4
0
$27.10
$12.39
Efficient EV
64.5
0
$22.58
$10.32
EV Truck/SUV
103.2
1
$36.13
$16.52
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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
New Hope, MS
Morning
in New Hope on Sunday
Local time
11:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:20AM CDT until July 18 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 11:57PM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Morning
in Gulfport on Sunday
Local time
11:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Clear
NW 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:20AM CDT until July 18 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 11:57PM CDT until July 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
92°F
Waynesboro, MS
129 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
5 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 5m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 99% of the drive on the main roads. You'll experience an 88.7-mile stretch on I 59, which is the longest continuous section without needing to exit. The transition from highway to surface roads will be minimal, likely occurring only as you approach your final destination in Gulfport. Expect consistent driving speeds and a steady flow of traffic typical of interstate travel.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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 45. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.9 miles in near US 45.
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 15 significant decision points across 258.1 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 11.9 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.2 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 192 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
439 ft20 ft
Total Climb
415 ft
Total Descent
621 ft
Highest Point
439 ft
~110.6 mi in
Elevation Range
419 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between New Hope, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 5m. Total distance: 258.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m 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 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 11.9 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.2 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 192 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gulfport, MS before the return drive.
