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Trip from Nicholson, MS to Meridian, 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 46m

Distance

152.8 mi

246 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 36m ★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 9m
10 AM
2h 55m
12 PM
2h 52m
3 PM
2h 56m
5 PM
3h 8m
8 PM
2h 40m

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 Nicholson, MS, MS

Nicholson, MS

大 董

Downtown Meridian, MS, MS

Meridian, MS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 152.8-mile journey from Nicholson, MS, to Meridian, MS, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes. The route is almost entirely highway, making for efficient travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, it's an economical option for a quick trip within Mississippi. The drive offers a focused, efficient way to get from point A to point B. Consider this a practical transit, perfect for when you need to cover ground without much fuss.

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

76.4 miles from Nicholson, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 59 148.8 mi 2h 40m
US 11 1.8 mi 2m
8th Street 1.4 mi 2m
Jackson Landing Road <0.1 mi <1m
25th Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 59 — 148.8 mi, about 2h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Jackson Landing Road

374 ft · 11 sec · Jackson Landing Road
2

Turn right onto US 11

0.6 mi · 53 sec · US 11
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
4

Merge onto I 59

147 mi · 2 hr 38 min · I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 59

2.0 mi · 2 min · I 59
Toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, Tuscaloosa Use the straight lane.
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 44 sec
Toward South US 11, North Mississippi 19: Philadelphia, Meridian Airport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Turn left onto US 11

1.2 mi · 1 min · US 11
8

Turn right onto 8th Street

1.4 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
9

Turn right onto 25th Avenue

272 ft · 11 sec · 25th Avenue
10

Arrive at destination

25th Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, this route is ideally suited for a same-day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, which is plenty for a journey of this length. The fuel cost is estimated at $23, so be sure to factor that into your budget. Since the majority of the drive is on I-59, keep an eye on traffic patterns, especially as you approach Meridian. Having a full tank before you leave Nicholson is always a good idea for a smooth, uninterrupted trip.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.4 miles from Nicholson, MS, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.8 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 34 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 76.4 miles or 1h 22m 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 15m

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 Nicholson, 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 Nicholson, MS

This is one driving day of about 152.8 miles and 2h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Nicholson, 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 148.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Laurel, MS

76 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.

Popular next leg

Laurel, MS to Meridian, MS

57.1 mi · 1h 4m

Pacing Suggestions

Lumberton, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Laurel, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 76.4 miles from Nicholson, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 59 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 148.8 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 · home stretch

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Meridian, Mississippi

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 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 end, short detour

Home stretch 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 end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16014823280

Visit website

Ward's Restaurant

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Laurel, Mississippi

Hours: 5:45 am–9 pm

+16016499278

Visit website

El Norte Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 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 end, short detour

Home stretch 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 end, short detour

Home stretch 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 end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+16012865941

Visit website

ViaLynk Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Carriere, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Updown Trampoline Park

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+16019099060

Visit website

Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Meridian, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16015120270

Visit website

Time Will Tell Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hours: 1:30–8:30 pm

+16018136951

Visit website

Hattiesburg Zoo

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16015454576

Visit website

Dunn's Falls Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Enterprise, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16016558550

Visit website

Hattiesburg Pocket Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

African American Military History Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16014501942

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 152.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.9 mi into trip | ~1m in | I 59

Merge onto I 59

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
147.7 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | I 59

Keep slight right at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, Tuscaloosa

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward I 59 North, I 20 East: Meridian, Tuscalo...
7
149.7 mi into trip | ~2h 41m in

Take the exit toward South US 11, North Mississippi 19: Philadelphia, Meridian Airport

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 South US 11, North Mississippi 19: Phila...
4
151.3 mi into trip | ~2h 44m in | 8th Street

Turn right onto 8th Street

Navigation decision point

4
152.7 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | 25th Avenue

Turn right onto 25th Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.08 one way

$46.15 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $25.33 $50.66
premium $4.56 $27.43 $54.85
diesel $5.61 $33.74 $67.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.8 0 $16.04 $7.33
Efficient EV 38.2 0 $13.37 $6.11
EV Truck/SUV 61.1 0 $21.39 $9.78

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Nicholson, MS

Late night in Nicholson on Tuesday

Local time

3:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Meridian, MS

Late night in Meridian on Tuesday

Local time

3:56 AM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

84°F

Laurel, MS

76 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

17 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 46m 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-focused drive for 99% of this trip. You'll spend most of your time on I-59, experiencing a consistent pace for the longest stretch of 148.8 miles. This means the road's personality remains largely the same for the majority of your travel. While US-11 and 8th Street are part of the itinerary, their contribution to the overall driving experience is minimal given the highway's dominance. It’s a route designed for steady progress rather than varied scenery.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 148.8 mi on I 59.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US 11. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near I 59.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 46m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (I 59): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.7 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 149.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving 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 46m. Total distance: 152.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 148.8 miles on I 59. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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: at 0.9 miles (I 59): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.7 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 149.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Meridian, 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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