This 258.6-mile drive, estimated to take about 5 hours and 10 minutes, offers a straightforward journey through Mississippi. Primarily utilizing MS 7, I 55, and US 84, this route is almost entirely highway, making it a manageable day trip. With a projected fuel cost of $39, it's an economical option for a single day's adventure. The drive remains within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout. Given its duration and highway focus, you can comfortably complete this loop and return to Oxford, MS, within a single day.
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
129.3 miles from Oxford, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MS 7
144.2 mi
2h 39m
I 55
71.6 mi
1h 19m
US 84
22.7 mi
26m
Gloster Road
6.5 mi
15m
Oxford-Meadville Road
6.3 mi
15m
Yap 3 Road
2.6 mi
6m
US 98
1.9 mi
2m
MS 184
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
MS 7
— 144.2 mi, about 2h 39m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 59 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,530 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~145 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.4×
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 Oxford, MS.
1
Start on Courthouse Square
148 ft·11 sec·Courthouse Square
2
Continue on Courthouse Square
92 ft·4 sec·Courthouse Square
3
Turn right
55 ft·2 sec
4
Turn right onto South Lamar Boulevard
0.1 mi·26 sec·South Lamar Boulevard
5
Turn left onto MS 314
0.7 mi·1 min·University Avenue
6
Enter roundabout
36 ft·0 sec
7
Continue
0.2 mi·19 sec
8
Merge onto MS 7
6.8 mi·9 min·MS 7
9
Enter roundabout onto MS 7
124 ft·1 sec·MS 7
Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
10
Continue on MS 7
36 mi·41 min·MS 7
Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
11
Take the exit onto MS 7
101 mi·1 hr 48 min·MS 7
12
Continue on I 55
18 mi·21 min·I 55
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
54 mi·57 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
15
Keep slight right at fork
409 ft·9 sec
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
16
Merge onto US 84
23 mi·26 min·US 84
17
Turn left onto MS 184
1.4 mi·2 min·MS 184
18
Turn left onto US 98
1.9 mi·2 min·US 98
19
Turn right onto Yap 3 Road
2.6 mi·6 min·Yap 3 Road
20
Continue on Gloster Road
3.8 mi·9 min·Gloster Road
21
At end of road, turn right onto Gloster Road
2.8 mi·6 min·Gloster Road
22
Continue on Oxford-Meadville Road
6.3 mi·15 min·Oxford-Meadville Road
23
Arrive at destination
Oxford-Meadville Road
Trip Plan
This route is well-suited for a single-day excursion from Oxford, MS, so you have flexibility in planning your departure. Aiming for an early start will allow ample time for the 5-hour, 10-minute drive and any brief stops you might need. The longest stretch on MS 7 is over two hours, so plan a fuel and rest stop before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning between the main roads, as services can be spaced out on longer highway sections. A concrete tip: ensure you have a full tank before beginning the 144.2-mile segment on MS 7 to avoid any potential delays.
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 129.3 miles from Oxford, MS, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 144.2 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 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.3 miles or 2h 24m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oxford, 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 258.6 miles and 5h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 7 for about 144.2 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 0.1 and 217.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|South Lamar Boulevard
Turn right onto South Lamar Boulevard
Navigation decision point
5
7.9 mi into trip|~12m in|MS 7
Enter roundabout onto MS 7 toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
6
163.1 mi into trip|~3h 3m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
5
216.9 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Take the exit toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
7
217.1 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.90 one way
$71.80 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$40.16
$80.33
premium
$4.29
$43.67
$87.33
diesel
$4.80
$48.83
$97.66
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: 90.5 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
77.6
0
$27.15
$12.41
Efficient EV
64.7
0
$22.63
$10.34
EV Truck/SUV
103.4
1
$36.20
$16.55
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
Oxford, MS
Late night
in Oxford on Sunday
Local time
2:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
0 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
Destination
Oxford, MS
Late night
in Oxford on Sunday
Local time
2:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
W 0 to 5 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
93°F
Madison, 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
1 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 10m 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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 160.5
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 249.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience on this route, with 93% of the drive taking place on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 144.2 miles on MS 7, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While primarily interstate and highway, the route does incorporate other main roads like US 84, potentially offering slight variations in scenery and speed. This drive is designed for efficient travel, prioritizing getting you to your destination quickly.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 144.2 mi on MS 7.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MS 7 and I 55. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South Lamar Boulevard.
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 258.6 miles you will encounter 15 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 0.1 miles (South Lamar Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 7.9 miles (MS 7): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 163.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
508 ft218 ft
Total Climb
621 ft
Total Descent
699 ft
Highest Point
508 ft
Elevation Range
290 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 Oxford, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans and Natchez.
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...
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...
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 10m. Total distance: 258.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 144.2 miles on MS 7. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 12 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 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South Lamar Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 7.9 miles (MS 7): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 163.1 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Oxford, MS before the return drive.
