This 231.4-mile drive from Tchula, Mississippi, to Gulfport, Mississippi, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 46 minutes on the road, primarily on Highway 49 South and US 49, with a short stint on I-55. With 95% of the drive on highways, it's a quick trip through the Southeast region of Mississippi. The estimated fuel cost is around $35, making it an economical option for a day trip. This route is perfect if you're looking for an efficient way to get from central Mississippi down to the Gulf Coast.
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
115.7 miles from Tchula, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
US 49
64.7 mi
1h 20m
I 55
48.8 mi
54m
MS 17
12.7 mi
18m
MS 12
11.2 mi
16m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
7.7 mi
8m
US 98
3.2 mi
4m
Yazoo Street
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Highway 49 South
— 80.3 mi, about 1h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tchula, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on this road
43 ft·8 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Main Street
116 ft·5 sec·Main Street
3
Continue on Main Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·Main Street
4
Turn slight right onto US 49E
0.2 mi·18 sec·Martin Luther King Drive
5
Continue on MS 12
11 mi·16 min·MS 12
6
Turn slight right onto MS 12; MS 17
489 ft·8 sec·MS 12; MS 17
7
Turn right onto MS 17
0.4 mi·42 sec·Yazoo Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Continue on MS 17
13 mi·18 min·MS 17
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
10
Merge onto I 55
49 mi·54 min·I 55
11
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
13
Merge onto US 49
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Highway 49 South
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 49; MS 42
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 49; MS 42
1.1 mi·1 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf CoastUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto I 59
7.7 mi·8 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Toward Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight lane.
18
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
22
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4-hour and 46-minute duration, this trip is ideal as a day excursion, so you can focus on enjoying your destination rather than breaking up the drive. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Gulfport and explore. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 80 miles, so plan your single stop strategically for fuel or a quick break. With a fuel cost estimate of $35, you'll want to ensure your tank is full before departing Tchula to maximize your time on the road.
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 115.7 miles from Tchula, MS, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.3 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 51 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.7 miles or 2h 23m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tchula, 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 Tchula, MS
This is one driving day of about 231.4 miles and 4h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Tchula, 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 Highway 49 South for about 80.3 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 74.6 and 168.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
74.6 mi into trip|~1h 33m in|US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49 toward Richland, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
7
157.1 mi into trip|~3h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
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 I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
7
165.2 mi into trip|~3h 23m in|US 98
Take the exit onto US 98 toward US 98 East: Lucedale, Mobile
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, Mobile
7
168.4 mi into trip|~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gu...
9
168.7 mi into trip|~3h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.95 one way
$69.89 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$38.36
$76.73
premium
$4.56
$41.53
$83.07
diesel
$5.61
$51.09
$102.18
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.4
0
$24.30
$11.11
Efficient EV
57.9
0
$20.25
$9.26
EV Truck/SUV
92.6
1
$32.40
$14.81
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Tchula, MS
Late night
in Tchula on Sunday
Local time
2:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Late night
in Gulfport on Sunday
Local time
2:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
58°F
Sumrall, MS
116 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
19 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
4h 46m 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?
The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 95% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 80.3 miles on Highway 49 South, which forms the backbone of this journey. While primarily a highway experience, the transitions between Highway 49 South, US 49, and I-55 are seamless, maintaining a consistent pace. This isn't a winding backroad adventure; it's a direct path designed for covering distance efficiently.
95% 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: 80.3 mi on Highway 49 South.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Highway 49 South and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 74.6 miles in near US 49.
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 14 significant decision points across 231.4 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: at 74.6 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.2 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tchula, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile and Multi Purpose Center.
Hattiesburg
73.7 mi in|~1h 31m
Richland
74.6 mi in|~1h 33m|via US 49
Gulf Coast
157.1 mi in|~3h 14m
Mississippi Gulf Coast
157.5 mi in|~3h 15m|via I 59
Mobile
165.2 mi in|~3h 23m|via US 98
Multi Purpose Center
168.7 mi in|~3h 28m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 46m. Total distance: 231.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.3 miles on Highway 49 South. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Gulfport, 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: at 74.6 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.2 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Gulfport, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
