Oxford to Starkville is 224 miles and takes about 4h 38m via MS Hwy 25 and I 55, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Mississippi, traversing the Southeast region. With a high percentage of highway driving, it's a straightforward route. You'll find it's a practical option for a single-day drive, offering a direct connection between these two Mississippi locales. Plan for a solid chunk of time behind the wheel, but it's manageable within daylight hours.
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
112 miles from Oxford, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MS Hwy 25
79.6 mi
1h 30m
I 55
59.5 mi
1h 4m
MS 25
27.8 mi
32m
US 84
22.9 mi
26m
Lakeland Drive
12.3 mi
14m
Gloster Road
6.5 mi
15m
Oxford-Meadville Road
6.3 mi
15m
Yap 3 Road
2.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
MS Hwy 25
— 79.6 mi, about 1h 30m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 29 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,767 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~166 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.7×
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 Oxford, MS and Starkville, MS.
1
Start on Oxford-Meadville Road
6.3 mi·15 min·Oxford-Meadville Road
2
Continue on Gloster Road
2.8 mi·6 min·Gloster Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto Gloster Road
3.8 mi·9 min·Gloster Road
4
Continue on Yap 3 Road
2.6 mi·6 min·Yap 3 Road
5
Turn left onto US 98
1.8 mi·2 min·United States Highway 98
6
Turn right onto MS 184
1.4 mi·2 min·Old US Hwy 84
7
Turn right onto US 84
23 mi·26 min·US 84
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
9
Merge onto I 55
53 mi·57 min·I 55
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
2.1 mi·2 min·I 55
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
4.2 mi·5 min·I 55
Toward Grenada, Memphis
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward MS 25 North: Carthage
13
Turn right onto MS 25
12 mi·14 min·Lakeland Drive
14
Continue on MS 25
80 mi·1 hr 30 min·MS Hwy 25
15
Take the exit onto MS 25
25 mi·29 min·MS 25
16
Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25
2.4 mi·2 min·MS 25
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on MS 25
0.4 mi·28 sec·MS 25
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward MS 12: Starkville, AckermanUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn left onto MS 12
2.2 mi·4 min·MS 12
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn right onto Eckford Drive
0.1 mi·34 sec·Eckford Drive
21
Continue on Victory Lane
0.2 mi·38 sec·Victory Lane
22
Turn right
214 ft·17 sec
23
Turn right
290 ft·21 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 224-mile drive, departing in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight, especially since it's designed for a single day. The 4h 38m duration means you can comfortably complete it without needing an overnight stay. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch on MS Hwy 25 is nearly 80 miles, so it's wise to refuel before embarking on that segment. The estimated fuel cost of $33 should give you a good baseline for budgeting.
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 112 miles from Oxford, MS, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.6 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 49 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112 miles or 2h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Starkville, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Oxford, 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 Oxford, MS
This is one driving day of about 224 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Oxford, 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 MS Hwy 25 for about 79.6 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 9.1 and 221.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
9.1 mi into trip|~21m in|Gloster Road
At end of road, turn left onto Gloster Road
Navigation decision point
4
95 mi into trip|~2h 6m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
97.1 mi into trip|~2h 8m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward Grenada, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Grenada, Memphis
6
218.4 mi into trip|~4h 28m in|MS 25
Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 32m in
Take the exit toward MS 12: Starkville, Ackerman
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 MS 12: Starkville, Ackerman
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.10 one way
$62.19 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$34.79
$69.58
premium
$4.29
$37.82
$75.65
diesel
$4.80
$42.30
$84.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.2
0
$23.52
$10.75
Efficient EV
56
0
$19.60
$8.96
EV Truck/SUV
89.6
1
$31.36
$14.34
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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
Oxford, MS
Late night
in Oxford on Sunday
Local time
5:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
NW 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:23PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Starkville, MS
Late night
in Starkville on Sunday
Local time
5:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
NW 5 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 1:23PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
95°F
Pearl, MS
112 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 38m 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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 100.4
Discover the history of all the peoples of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement, African enslavement, the American cotton economy, to the Civil Rights struggle on the lower Mississippi River...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 7.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 87% of the route on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 79.6 miles on MS Hwy 25, likely offering a more open cruising feel. The remaining miles will transition to other highways, including I 55. Expect a consistent driving pace for most of the trip. The transition away from the longest highway stretch will involve more varied road conditions and potentially more frequent exits as you approach your destination.
87% 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: 79.6 mi on MS Hwy 25.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MS Hwy 25 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.1 miles in near Gloster Road.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 224 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 9.1 miles (Gloster Road): Navigation decision point; at 95 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 97.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
557 ft211 ft
Total Climb
651 ft
Total Descent
748 ft
Highest Point
557 ft
~192 mi in
Elevation Range
346 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Oxford, MS and Starkville, MS, road signs point toward Grenada and Memphis.
Oxford is a historic, picturesque town in North Central Mississippi. With its scenic town square, acclaimed restaurants, unique boutiques, oak-shaded neighborhoods, and friendly people, Oxford is the model Southern town. Named after Oxford, England, in hopes of attracting a university, the town was selected as the home of the University of Mississippi in 1848, which dominates life here today.
Top landmarks
•Rowan Oak — William Faulkner's former home in Oxford, Mississippi
•Barnard Observatory — observatory at the University of Mississippi, USA
•Lyceum-The Circle Historic District — collection of historic buildings at the University of Mississippi in Oxford (USA...
Starkville is a city in East Mississippi. Mississippi State University is located just to the east of the city limits, and is included in this article.
Top landmarks
•Odd Fellows Cemetery — African-American cemetery in Starkville, Mississippi
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 38m. Total distance: 224 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.6 miles on MS Hwy 25. 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 Starkville, 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 9.1 miles (Gloster Road): Navigation decision point; at 95 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 97.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and Natchez National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Starkville, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
