This 211.4-mile journey from Petal, Mississippi, to Greenville, Mississippi, is a manageable one-day drive, estimated to take about 4 hours and 26 minutes. It's a straightforward trip primarily focused on highway travel, with 80% of the route on main roads like US 49 and US 49W. You can expect a fuel cost of around $32 for this drive, which spans across the Southeast region of Mississippi. With only one recommended stop, this route is well-suited for a single day's adventure, making it an efficient option if you're looking to cover ground without an overnight commitment.
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
105.7 miles from Petal, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 49
90.3 mi
1h 51m
US 49W
46.7 mi
56m
Medgar Evers Boulevard
39.5 mi
48m
US 82
15.8 mi
19m
MS 182
9.2 mi
13m
I 20
4.3 mi
5m
Old Highway 42
2.8 mi
4m
South Main Street
0.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 49
— 90.3 mi, about 1h 51m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~2,710 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,827
Quietest
2 AM
~220 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 Petal, MS and Greenville, MS.
1
Start on Morris Street
111 ft·9 sec·Morris Street
2
Turn left onto East Central Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·East Central Avenue
3
Turn slight left onto US 11
0.8 mi·1 min·US 11
4
Turn straight
348 ft·6 sec
5
Continue on Old Highway 42
2.8 mi·4 min·Old Highway 42
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn slight right
0.1 mi·12 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Turn straight onto US 49
2.2 mi·3 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 49; MS 42
5.4 mi·6 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 49
5.3 mi·6 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 49
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 49
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 49
4.2 mi·4 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 49
66 mi·1 hr 20 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit onto US 49
0.2 mi·21 sec·US 49
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Jackson
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 49
1.0 mi·1 min·US 49
16
Merge onto I 20; I 55; US 49
1.6 mi·2 min·I 20; I 55; US 49
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 49
2.7 mi·3 min·I 20; US 49
Toward I 20 West, US 49 North: Vicksburg, Yazoo City
18
Take the exit onto US 49
5.2 mi·6 min·US 49
Toward I 220 North, I 49 North: North Jackson, Yazoo City
19
Take the exit onto US 49
0.3 mi·33 sec·US 49
Toward US 49 North: Yazoo City
20
Merge onto US 49
39 mi·48 min·Medgar Evers Boulevard
21
Take the exit onto US 49W
47 mi·56 min·US 49W
Toward US 49W North, MS 3 South: Indianola, Vicksburg
22
Turn left onto US 82
2.4 mi·3 min·US 82
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 82
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 82
24
Keep slight left at fork onto US 82
13 mi·15 min·US 82
25
Turn right onto MS 182
9.2 mi·13 min·MS 182
26
Turn right onto South Main Street
0.9 mi·2 min·South Main Street
27
Turn right onto MS 814
10 ft·0 sec·South Broadway Street
28
Arrive at destination
MS 814
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 26-minute duration, starting your drive from Petal in the morning will allow you ample time to reach Greenville without feeling rushed. Plan for your single recommended stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point, to break up the 90.3-mile stretch on US 49. The estimated fuel cost of $32 suggests that filling up before you depart Petal is a wise move. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your preferences, but an early start is generally best for highway travel.
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 105.7 miles from Petal, MS, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 90.3 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 47 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.7 miles or 2h 13m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Greenville, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Petal, 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 Petal, MS
This is one driving day of about 211.4 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Petal, 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 US 49 for about 90.3 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 138.7 — 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|East Central Avenue
Turn left onto East Central Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
87.7 mi into trip|~1h 50m in|US 49
Keep slight left at fork onto US 49 toward Jackson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Jackson
6
91 mi into trip|~1h 55m in|I 20; US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 49 toward I 20 West, US 49 North: Vicksburg, Yazoo City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 20 West, US 49 North: Vicksburg, Yazoo...
5
93.7 mi into trip|~1h 58m in|US 49
Take the exit onto US 49 toward I 220 North, I 49 North: North Jackson, Yazoo City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 220 North, I 49 North: North Jackson,...
5
138.7 mi into trip|~2h 54m in|US 49W
Take the exit onto US 49W toward US 49W North, MS 3 South: Indianola, Vicksburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 49W North, MS 3 South: Indianola, Vic...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.35 one way
$58.69 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$32.83
$65.67
premium
$4.29
$35.70
$71.39
diesel
$4.80
$39.92
$79.83
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.4
0
$22.20
$10.15
Efficient EV
52.9
0
$18.50
$8.46
EV Truck/SUV
84.6
1
$29.60
$13.53
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Petal, MS
Morning
in Petal on Sunday
Local time
6:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Clear
NW 0 to 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
Greenville, MS
Morning
in Greenville on Sunday
Local time
6:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 5 to 10 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
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
4h 26m 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...
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 drive for the majority of this trip, with 80% of the mileage on main thoroughfares. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 90.3 miles on US 49, offering a good opportunity to settle in. While the profile suggests a predominantly highway experience, keep in mind that sections might involve local road transitions, especially as you approach your destination in Greenville. This route offers a consistent pace for much of the journey, allowing for steady progress.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 90.3 mi on US 49.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 49 and US 49W. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Central Avenue.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 211.4 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 (East Central Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 87.7 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 91 miles (I 20; US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
439 ft107 ft
Total Climb
427 ft
Total Descent
460 ft
Highest Point
439 ft
~45.3 mi in
Elevation Range
333 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Petal, MS and Greenville, MS, road signs point toward Jackson, Yazoo City and Vicksburg.
Greenville is a city in Washington County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 30,000 in 2020, making it the ninth largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Washington County.
Top landmarks
•Doe's Eat Place — restaurant in Greenville, Mississippi, United States
•First National Bank of Greenville — historic building in Greenville, Mississippi
•Washington County Courthouse — Courthouse in Greenville, Mississippi
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 26m. Total distance: 211.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 90.3 miles on US 49. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 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 Greenville, 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 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Central Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 87.7 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 91 miles (I 20; US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Greenville, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
