Embark on a 263.6-mile journey from Olive Branch, Mississippi, to Taylorsville, Mississippi, a drive that will take approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 90% of it utilizing major roadways, making it a feasible one-day trip. Budget around $40 for fuel, and plan for a single stop to break up the drive. The Southeast regions of Mississippi offer a consistent landscape as you travel south. This is a straightforward drive, perfect for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
131.8 miles from Olive Branch, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
186.1 mi
3h 21m
Highway 49 South
39.8 mi
48m
Laurel Drive
9.8 mi
14m
I 269
9.2 mi
9m
North Railroad Street
8.6 mi
12m
Cockrum Road
6.2 mi
11m
US 49
0.7 mi
1m
Pinola Drive
0.3 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 Taylorsville, 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
40 mi·48 min·Highway 49 South
11
Turn left onto MS 28
280 ft·8 sec·MS 28
12
At end of road, turn right onto MS 28
0.3 mi·45 sec·Pinola Drive
13
At end of road, turn left onto MS 28; MS 149
432 ft·9 sec·MS 28; MS 149
14
Turn right onto Co-Op Road Southeast
0.1 mi·34 sec·Co-Op Road Southeast
15
Turn right onto MS 28
9.8 mi·14 min·Laurel Drive
16
Continue on MS 28
8.6 mi·12 min·North Railroad Street
17
At end of road, turn right onto MS 28; MS 37
115 ft·7 sec·Welcome Street
18
Turn left onto MS 28
0.2 mi·16 sec·Front Street
19
Arrive at destination
MS 28
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive in Olive Branch early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and arrive in Taylorsville with ample time. The 186.1-mile stretch on I-55 is substantial, so consider a mid-drive break around the halfway point of that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you leave the interstate; the estimated fuel cost is $40. This route is well-suited for a single-day adventure, so enjoy the flexibility of not needing an overnight stay.
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 131.8 miles from Olive Branch, MS, or about 2h 28m 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 58 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.8 miles or 2h 28m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Taylorsville, 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 263.6 miles and 5h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.1 and 244.7 — 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
5
244.4 mi into trip|~4h 37m in|MS 28 / Pinola Drive
At end of road, turn right onto MS 28 / Pinola Drive
Navigation decision point
6
244.7 mi into trip|~4h 38m in|MS 28; MS 149
At end of road, turn left onto MS 28; MS 149
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.52 one way
$81.03 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$44.81
$89.62
premium
$4.65
$48.23
$96.45
diesel
$5.35
$55.52
$111.04
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: 92.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.1
0
$27.68
$12.65
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.07
$10.54
EV Truck/SUV
105.4
1
$36.90
$16.87
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Olive Branch, MS
Afternoon
in Olive Branch on Wednesday
Local time
3:07 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
Taylorsville, MS
Afternoon
in Taylorsville on Wednesday
Local time
3:07 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph7% 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
71°F
Madison, MS
132 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 6m 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.
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...
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 72.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with an impressive 90% of the route utilizing major roads. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 186.1 miles on I-55, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. The transition to Highway 49 South and then Laurel Drive will introduce a slight change in scenery and speed as you move toward your destination. Expect a predominantly smooth, high-speed travel experience for most of this trip.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 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?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Highway 49 South. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 16.1 miles in.
Driving Effort5/10
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 263.6 miles you will encounter 16 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: 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
421 ft204 ft
Total Climb
329 ft
Total Descent
433 ft
Highest Point
421 ft
~113 mi in
Elevation Range
217 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 Taylorsville, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg and Richland.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 6m. Total distance: 263.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 15 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.
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 15 rest areas 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 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 Taylorsville, MS before the return drive.
