This 228.9-mile journey from Tchula, Mississippi, to West Gulfport, Mississippi, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 41 minutes. Given its manageable length and the relatively short duration, this route is ideal as a single-day trip. You'll be spending approximately 95% of your time on major highways, including Highway 49 South and US 49, with a brief segment on I-55. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $35. The drive connects two points within the Southeast region, offering a practical and efficient way to travel between these Mississippi locations.
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
114.4 miles from Tchula, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
US 49
62.1 mi
1h 16m
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 West 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
2.0 mi·3 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
23
Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
424 ft·14 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
24
Turn right onto Arkansas Avenue
31 ft·0 sec·Arkansas Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
Arkansas Avenue
Trip Plan
With a total duration of 4 hours and 41 minutes, this 228.9-mile trip is best tackled in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 80.3-mile stretch on Highway 49 South, as services might be less frequent. The estimated fuel cost of $35 is a good starting point for budgeting. Planning for just one stop is recommended, which you can easily adjust based on your needs since the drive isn't excessively long. Keep your tank topped off before leaving Tchula to ensure a smooth journey.
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 114.4 miles from Tchula, MS, or about 2h 22m 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 50 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.4 miles or 2h 22m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West 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 228.9 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 16
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
$34.57 one way
$69.14 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$37.95
$75.90
premium
$4.56
$41.08
$82.17
diesel
$5.61
$50.54
$101.08
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: 80.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.7
0
$24.03
$10.99
Efficient EV
57.2
0
$20.03
$9.16
EV Truck/SUV
91.6
1
$32.05
$14.65
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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 14, 2026
Origin
Tchula, MS
Night
in Tchula on Saturday
Local time
11:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
West Gulfport, MS
Night
in West Gulfport on Saturday
Local time
11:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Mostly Clear
SE 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
58°F
Sumrall, MS
114 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
14 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 41m 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 predominantly highway experience on this 228.9-mile route, with 95% of your travel occurring on major roadways like Highway 49 South and US 49. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80.3 miles on Highway 49 South, meaning you can settle in for a good period of consistent driving. While it’s largely a highway-focused drive, the transition between these main roads is generally smooth, making for an efficient transit. You'll notice the landscape consistent with the Mississippi terrain as you make your way south.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 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 16 significant decision points across 228.9 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 West Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile and Gulfport - among others.
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
Gulfport
168.4 mi in|~3h 27m
Multi Purpose Center
168.7 mi in|~3h 28m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 228.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m 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 West 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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at West Gulfport, MS, but most travelers stay overnight.
