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Trip from Pearl River, MS to Tupelo, MS

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 52m

Distance

134.7 mi

217 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 42m ★
6 AM
2h 53m
8 AM
3h 15m
10 AM
3h 0m
12 PM
2h 58m
3 PM
3h 2m
5 PM
3h 14m
8 PM
2h 46m

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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river in China

Pearl River, MS

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Tupelo, MS, MS

Tupelo, MS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Pearl River to Tupelo covers 134.7 miles through the heart of Mississippi, typically taking about 2 hours and 52 minutes of drive time. Because this journey is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via MS 25, US Highway 45 Alternate, and MS 15, which makes for a straightforward transition through the Southeast region. Expect to budget approximately $21 for fuel, depending on your vehicle’s efficiency. This route offers a practical, highway-focused connection between these two points, making it a reliable choice for travelers who prefer a direct path over wandering backroads.

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

67.3 miles from Pearl River, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MS 25 43.5 mi 50m
US Highway 45 Alternate 34.6 mi 42m
MS 15 30.3 mi 44m
Martin Luther King Drive 18.1 mi 20m
MS 16 4.9 mi 7m
Martin Luther King, Junior Drive 1.5 mi 2m
East Main Street 0.7 mi 1m
MS 6 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: MS 25 — 43.5 mi, about 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pearl River, MS and Tupelo, MS.

1

Start on High School Circle

59 ft · 7 sec · High School Circle
2

Turn left onto Black Jack Road

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Black Jack Road
3

Continue on North Oswald Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · North Oswald Road
4

Turn left onto MS 16

4.9 mi · 7 min · MS 16
5

Turn left onto MS 15; MS 16; MS 21

0.8 mi · 1 min · MS 15; MS 16; MS 21
6

Keep slight left at fork onto MS 15

26 mi · 38 min · MS 15
7

Keep slight right at fork onto MS 15

3.4 mi · 4 min · MS 15
8

Take the exit onto MS 25

25 mi · 29 min · MS 25
9

Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25

2.4 mi · 2 min · MS 25
Use the left lane.
10

Continue on MS 25

3.8 mi · 4 min · MS 25
11

Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25

12 mi · 13 min · MS 25
Toward US 82 East, MS 25 North: Columbus, West Point
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward US 45 Alternate North, MS 25 North: West Point, Tupelo
13

Merge onto US 45 ALT; MS 25

35 mi · 42 min · US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on US 45 ALT

18 mi · 20 min · Martin Luther King Drive
15

Continue on US 45; MS 6

1.5 mi · 2 min · Martin Luther King, Junior Drive
16

Take the exit onto MS 6

0.4 mi · 49 sec · MS 6
Toward MS 6 East: Downtown Tupelo
17

Keep slight left at fork

170 ft · 7 sec
18

Turn left onto MS 6

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Main Street
Use the straight lane.
19

Turn right onto North Spring Street

230 ft · 10 sec · North Spring Street
20

Arrive at destination

North Spring Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 2-hour and 52-minute drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid midday traffic fluctuations. Since the itinerary is designed for a single day, you have the flexibility to plan your schedule around one well-timed stop to stretch your legs. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when you reach the halfway point, as the $21 estimated cost can vary based on your specific vehicle and current local pricing. Since the longest stretch is 43.5 miles on MS 25, use that segment to plan your audio entertainment or podcasts before hitting the transition to US Highway 45 Alternate. Being prepared for these road changes will ensure a smooth, stress-free arrival in Tupelo.

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 67.3 miles from Pearl River, MS, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.5 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 30 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67.3 miles or 1h 30m 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 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tupelo, MS than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Pearl River, 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 Pearl River, MS

This is one driving day of about 134.7 miles and 2h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Pearl River, 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 25 for about 43.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Oktibbeha County, MS, MS

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oktibbeha County, MS

67 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Louisville, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Starkville, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.3 miles from Pearl River, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Pearl River Resort

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

+18664473275

Visit website

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Choctaw, Mississippi

2.1 mi

Lake Tiak-O'Khata

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Mississippi

2.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Tupelo River Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tupelo, Mississippi

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.7

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16623468800

Visit website

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Tupelo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tupelo, Mississippi

0.6 mi

Lost + Found Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tupelo, Mississippi

0.9 mi

Pearl River Resort

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Philadelphia, Mississippi

+18664473275

Visit website

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Choctaw, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16016634100

Lake Tiak-O'Khata

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 28.9

Louisville, Mississippi

+16627737853

Visit website

Old Mexico Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+16016566686

Hondumex Authentic Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16016630546

The Little Dooey of Starkville

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 67.3

Starkville, Mississippi

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+16623236094

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–12 pm

+16016565250

Visit website

Hardee's

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 4:30 am–10 pm

+16016560964

Visit website

Tupelo River Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.7

Tupelo, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16623468800

Visit website

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Tupelo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.7

Tupelo, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+16623500215

Visit website

Lost + Found Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.7

Tupelo, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16622693675

Visit website

Whiskey Bean

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16016630066

Visit website

Mc Clelland Cafe & Grocery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+16016567793

The Grindhouse MS

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+16018854494

Visit website

The Coffee Depot

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 67.3

Starkville, Mississippi

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16622683139

CrisMont Creations

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 6:30 am–5:30 pm

+16015750317

EV Connect Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 134.7

Tupelo, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 67.3

Starkville, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 134.7

Tupelo, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 86.6

West Point, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 134.7

Tupelo, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Geyser Falls Water Theme Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Philadelphia, Mississippi

+16013893100

Visit website

Northside Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+16016564101

Legion State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 38.5

Louisville, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+16627738323

Visit website

Golden Moon Hotel & Casino

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Choctaw, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18664473275

Visit website

West Memorial Funeral Home

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 67.3

Starkville, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16623236674

Visit website

Depot Family Fun Center

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: 3–10 pm

+16016560770

Visit website

Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 67.3

Starkville, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+16623232766

Visit website

Burnside State Park

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 9.6

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 79.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Black Jack Road

Turn left onto Black Jack Road

Navigation decision point

6
60.6 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in | MS 25

Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
66.8 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in | MS 25

Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25 toward US 82 East, MS 25 North: Columbus, West Point

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 82 East, MS 25 North: Columbus, West...
5
79.1 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the exit toward US 45 Alternate North, MS 25 North: West Point, Tupelo

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 45 Alternate North, MS 25 North: West...
5
79.4 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in | US 45 ALT; MS 25 / US Highway 45 Alternate

Merge onto US 45 ALT; MS 25 / US Highway 45 Alternate

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

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.34 one way

$40.69 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $22.33 $44.66
premium $4.56 $24.18 $48.35
diesel $5.61 $29.74 $59.48

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.4 0 $14.14 $6.47
Efficient EV 33.7 0 $11.79 $5.39
EV Truck/SUV 53.9 0 $18.86 $8.62

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 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 11, 2026

Origin

Pearl River, MS

Night in Pearl River on Saturday

Local time

11:35 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Sunny

SSE 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Tupelo, MS

Night in Tupelo on Saturday

Local time

11:35 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

6 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 52m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

With 84% of the trip spent on highways, you should prepare for a consistent, steady pace behind the wheel. The route is defined by its efficiency, featuring a notable 43.5-mile uninterrupted stretch along MS 25 that allows you to settle into a comfortable rhythm. As you navigate the transition between these major roads, the character of the drive remains focused on speed and directness rather than technical maneuvers. You won't find yourself dealing with the monotony of a single interstate grind; instead, the mix of state highways provides a varied experience that keeps the drive engaging. It is an ideal setup for those who want to cover ground quickly while maintaining a clear view of the changing Mississippi landscape.

84% 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: 43.5 mi on MS 25.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MS 25 and US Highway 45 Alternate. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Black Jack Road.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 134.7 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: near the start (Black Jack Road): Navigation decision point; at 60.6 miles (MS 25): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.8 miles (MS 25): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

533 ft 190 ft

Total Climb

371 ft

Total Descent

616 ft

Highest Point

533 ft

~33.7 mi in

Elevation Range

343 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Pearl River, MS to Tupelo, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Point along the way.

Point

66.8 mi in | ~1h 30m | via MS 25

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 52m. Total distance: 134.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 43.5 miles on MS 25. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Tupelo, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Black Jack Road): Navigation decision point; at 60.6 miles (MS 25): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.8 miles (MS 25): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tupelo, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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