Starkville to Waveland is 266 miles and takes about 5 hours 17 minutes via I-59 and US-45 Alt, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Mississippi, covering ground from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a fairly straightforward drive that's mostly highway, making it a solid choice for a single-day excursion. Planning for this route means considering the efficient pace it allows, with just one recommended stop to break up the 5+ hours of driving.
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
133 miles from Starkville, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
121.1 mi
2h 10m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
MS 603
25 mi
37m
US Highway 45 Alternate
18.4 mi
21m
South Main Street
15.7 mi
23m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
US 82
5.9 mi
6m
US 45
3.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 121.1 mi, about 2h 10m
Traffic on I-59
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~906 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,135
Quietest
1 AM
~87 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Starkville, MS and Waveland, MS.
1
Start on this road
290 ft·26 sec·this road
2
Turn left
214 ft·16 sec
3
Continue on Victory Lane
0.2 mi·38 sec·Victory Lane
4
Continue on Eckford Drive
0.1 mi·36 sec·Eckford Drive
5
Turn right onto MS 12
1.8 mi·3 min·MS 12
6
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward MS 182 East
7
Turn straight onto MS 182
0.9 mi·1 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Drive East
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Continue on MS 182
1.0 mi·1 min·Highway 182 East
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward US 82 East, MS 12 East, MS 25 North: Columbus, West PointUse the right lane.
10
Merge onto US 82; MS 12; MS 25
5.9 mi·6 min·US 82; MS 12; MS 25
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward US 45 Alternate South: Meridian
12
Merge onto US 45 ALT
18 mi·21 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
16
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59
121 mi·2 hr 10 min·I 59
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New OrleansUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward MS 53: Poplarville, Necaise
20
Turn left onto MS 53
16 mi·23 min·South Main Street
21
Continue on MS 603
25 mi·37 min·MS 603
22
Continue on Nicholson Avenue
0.2 mi·34 sec·Nicholson Avenue
23
Turn right onto McLaurin Street
0.5 mi·1 min·McLaurin Street
24
Turn right onto Saint Anthony Street
82 ft·8 sec·Saint Anthony Street
25
Turn left onto Saint Joseph Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Saint Joseph Street
26
Turn left onto Coleman Avenue
0.1 mi·15 sec·Coleman Avenue
27
Turn right onto Central Avenue
397 ft·10 sec·Central Avenue
28
Arrive at destination
Central Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Starkville to maximize daylight. With just one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to pause. The longest stretch on I-59 is over 121 miles, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps before or after this segment. Given the relatively short duration, you can easily complete this trip in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, splitting it is also an option. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-59 to US Highway 45 Alternate as you approach your destination.
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 133 miles from Starkville, MS, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.1 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 59 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133 miles or 2h 35m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waveland, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Starkville, 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 Starkville, MS
This is one driving day of about 266 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Starkville, 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 59 for about 121.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.3 and 102.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
4.3 mi into trip|~8m in
Take the ramp toward US 82 East, MS 12 East, MS 25 North: Columbus, West Point
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 82 East, MS 12 East, MS 25 North: Col...
5
10.9 mi into trip|~16m in|US 45 ALT / US Highway 45 Alternate
Merge onto US 45 ALT / US Highway 45 Alternate
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
93.9 mi into trip|~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
5
94.4 mi into trip|~1h 53m in|I 20; I 59
Merge onto I 20; I 59
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
102.5 mi into trip|~2h 2m in|I 59
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.97 one way
$77.94 round trip
$3.72/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.13
$43.26
$86.52
premium
$4.49
$46.98
$93.96
diesel
$5.60
$58.64
$117.27
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.8
0
$27.93
$12.77
Efficient EV
66.5
0
$23.28
$10.64
EV Truck/SUV
106.4
1
$37.24
$17.02
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Aug 27, 2026
Origin
Starkville, MS
Morning
in Starkville on Friday
Local time
9:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph55% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued August 27 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued August 27 at 12:19AM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
Destination
Waveland, MS
Morning
in Waveland on Friday
Local time
9:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 mph36% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued August 27 at 12:28AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued August 27 at 12:19AM CDT by NWS Jackson MS
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 17m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 92% of the route on major roads. You'll encounter a lengthy stretch of 121.1 miles on I-59 before transitioning to other highways. Expect a significant amount of highway cruising, with the bulk of the driving occurring on I-59. The remaining 8% of the trip will be on surface roads like US Highway 45 Alternate and MS 603, offering a change of pace from the interstate.
92% 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: 121.1 mi on I 59.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US Highway 45 Aiternate. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.3 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 266 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 4.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.9 miles (US 45 ALT / US Highway 45 Alternate): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
459 ft17 ft
Total Climb
537 ft
Total Descent
852 ft
Highest Point
459 ft
~133 mi in
Elevation Range
442 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Starkville, MS and Waveland, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans and Necaise.
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 5h 17m. Total distance: 266 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 121.1 miles on I 59. 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 Waveland, 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: at 4.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.9 miles (US 45 ALT / US Highway 45 Alternate): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Waveland, MS before the return drive.
