Olive Branch to Picayune is 350.5 miles and takes about 6h 38m via I 55 and Highway 49 South, with a fuel budget near $55 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. With 80% of the drive on highways, expect a fairly direct trip. It's a solid option if you're looking for a single-day drive across the state, keeping you on well-traveled roads for most of the way.
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
175.3 miles from Olive Branch, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
186.1 mi
3h 21m
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
60.7 mi
1h 5m
I 269
9.2 mi
9m
Cockrum Road
6.2 mi
11m
US 49
2.2 mi
3m
US 11
1.5 mi
2m
Highway 43 North
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 186.1 mi, about 3h 21m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 57 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,443 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~141 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.3×
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 Olive Branch, MS and Picayune, MS.
1
Start on Goodman Road
260 ft·12 sec·Goodman Road
2
Turn left onto MS 305
6.2 mi·11 min·Cockrum Road
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward Tunica
4
Merge onto I 269; MS 304
9.2 mi·9 min·I 269; MS 304
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 55 South: Jackson
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 55 South: Jackson
7
Merge onto I 55
186 mi·3 hr 21 min·I 55
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
10
Merge onto US 49
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Highway 49 South
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 49; MS 42
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 49; MS 42
1.1 mi·1 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf CoastUse the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 59
61 mi·1 hr 5 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Toward Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward MS 43: North Picayune
16
Turn right onto MS 43
1.0 mi·1 min·Highway 43 North
17
Turn straight
496 ft·21 sec
18
Turn left onto US 11
1.5 mi·2 min·US 11
19
Turn left onto East Canal Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·East Canal Street
20
Arrive at destination
East Canal Street
Trip Plan
Aim to depart in the morning to make the most of daylight for this 6-hour-plus drive. The longest stretch without a major road change is 186.1 miles on I 55, so plan a break before or after this segment. With a fuel cost estimated around $55, it's wise to fill up before heading out. While this trip is manageable in one day, consider breaking it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 55 to Highway 49 South, as this marks a significant change in the driving environment.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 175.3 miles from Olive Branch, MS, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 186.1 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 77 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 175.3 miles or 3h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Picayune, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Olive Branch, 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 Olive Branch, MS
This is one driving day of about 350.5 miles and 6h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Olive Branch, 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 55 for about 186.1 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 16.1 and 286.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
16.1 mi into trip|~22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 South: Jackson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 55 South: Jackson
5
203 mi into trip|~3h 45m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattie...
6
203.9 mi into trip|~3h 46m in|US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49 toward Richland, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
7
286.4 mi into trip|~5h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
6
286.8 mi into trip|~5h 28m in|I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway toward Mississippi Gulf Coast
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Mississippi Gulf Coast
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.87 one way
$107.74 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg123 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$59.59
$119.17
premium
$4.65
$64.12
$128.25
diesel
$5.35
$73.83
$147.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 122.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
105.2
1
$36.80
$16.82
Efficient EV
87.6
1
$30.67
$14.02
EV Truck/SUV
140.2
1
$49.07
$22.43
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Olive Branch, MS
Afternoon
in Olive Branch on Wednesday
Local time
2:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:37PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:35PM CDT until June 1 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Destination
Picayune, MS
Afternoon
in Picayune on Wednesday
Local time
2:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:37PM CDT until June 3 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 7:35PM CDT until June 1 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
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
6h 38m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
National Monument
Medgar and Myrlie Evers were partners in the civil rights struggle. The assassination of Medgar Evers in the carport of their home on June 12, 1963, was the first murder of a nationally significant le...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 193.4
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...
28 mi from route
~71 min detour
Free
near mile 72.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 80% of your time on major highways, covering 280.4 miles on interstates and main roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 186.1 miles on I 55. After this, you'll transition to surface roads for the final portion of the trip. Expect to encounter a dense pattern of exits and merges as you navigate through various towns and interchanges.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 186.1 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Highway 49 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.1 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 350.5 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 16.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 203 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 203.9 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
388 ft60 ft
Total Climb
398 ft
Total Descent
722 ft
Highest Point
388 ft
~250.4 mi in
Elevation Range
328 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Olive Branch, MS and Picayune, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast and Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 38m. Total distance: 350.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 38m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 186.1 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Picayune, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 203 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 203.9 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Picayune, MS before the return drive.
