The drive from Auburn, MS to Carthage, MS covers 318.9 miles and takes about 6h 20m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on MS 25, I 55, US 84 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 136.2 miles on MS 25.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $48.16 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
159.5 miles from Auburn, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 11m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 20m. Total distance: 318.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 20m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is a 6h 20m highway drive covering 318.9 miles, with most of the trip on MS 25 and I 55. The longest continuous stretch is about 136.2 miles on MS 25.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MS 25 is the longest continuous segment at about 136.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MS 25 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.2 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 16 significant decision points across 318.9 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 6.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.9 miles (MS 25): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
6.2 mi into trip|~11m in
Turn left toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontotoc
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontot...
5
58.9 mi into trip|~1h 15m in|MS 25
Take the exit onto MS 25 toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 25 South: Starkville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 25 South: Sta...
6
201.3 mi into trip|~3h 59m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
5
255.1 mi into trip|~4h 57m in
Take the exit toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
7
255.4 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Auburn, MS and Carthage, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans and Natchez.
New Orleans
201.3 mi in|~3h 59m|via I 55
Natchez
255.1 mi in|~4h 57m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MS 25
136.2 mi
2h 36m
I 55
59.9 mi
1h 5m
US 84
59.4 mi
1h 8m
US Highway 45 Alternate
35.7 mi
43m
Martin Luther King Drive
7.7 mi
8m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
North Eason Boulevard
5.1 mi
8m
Carthage Point Road
2.3 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
MS 25
— 136.2 mi, about 2h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Auburn, MS and Carthage, MS.
1
Start on County Road 1438
119 ft·10 sec·County Road 1438
2
Turn left onto CR 931
1.1 mi·2 min·Auburn Road / County Road 931
3
Continue on North Eason Boulevard
5.1 mi·8 min·North Eason Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn left
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, PontotocUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto US 45; MS 6
1.9 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Drive
6
Continue on US 45; US 278
7.7 mi·8 min·Martin Luther King Drive
7
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
8
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
9
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
10
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
12
Continue on US 45 ALT
36 mi·43 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit onto MS 25
12 mi·13 min·MS 25
Toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 25 South: Starkville
14
Take the exit onto MS 25
5.0 mi·6 min·MS 25
Toward MS 25 South: Louisville
15
Continue on MS 25
1.9 mi·2 min·MS 25
Use the left lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto MS 25
25 mi·28 min·MS 25
17
Take the exit onto MS 25
93 mi·1 hr 46 min·MS 25
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
19
Merge onto I 55
6.1 mi·7 min·I 55
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
54 mi·57 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
22
Keep slight right at fork
409 ft·9 sec
Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez
23
Merge onto US 84
53 mi·1 hr 1 min·US 84
24
Keep slight left at fork onto US 84
6.5 mi·7 min·US 84
25
Turn right onto Highland Boulevard
1.0 mi·2 min·Highland Boulevard
26
Turn left onto Lower Woodville Road
0.8 mi·2 min·Lower Woodville Road
27
Continue on Carthage Point Road
2.3 mi·8 min·Carthage Point Road
28
Turn slight right
45 ft·1 sec
29
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 159.5 miles from Auburn, MS, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.2 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 70 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 159.5 miles or 3h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carthage, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Auburn, 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 Auburn, MS
This is one driving day of about 318.9 miles and 6h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Auburn, 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 136.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 159.5 mi from Auburn, MS
· 3h 11m into the drive
The midpoint is around 159.5 miles from Auburn, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before MS 25 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 136.2 miles.
Arriving in Carthage, MS
The final approach into Carthage, MS usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Carthage, MS.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
Discover the history of all the peoples of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement, African enslavement, the American cotton economy, to the Civil Rights struggle on the lower Mississippi River...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 318.9
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is five sections of hiking trail running roughly parallel to the 444-mile long Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road. The foot trails total more than 60 miles...
In July, 1864, federal forces, including men from the United States Colored Troops, marched into Tupelo, Mississippi. Disorganized Confederate soldiers fought fiercely but could not overpower the fede...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.16 one way
$96.32 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg112 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$52.87
$105.74
premium
$4.56
$57.24
$114.48
diesel
$5.61
$70.41
$140.82
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95.7
1
$33.48
$15.31
Efficient EV
79.7
0
$27.90
$12.76
EV Truck/SUV
127.6
1
$44.65
$20.41
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Auburn, MS
Afternoon
in Auburn on Friday
Local time
4:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Carthage, MS
Afternoon
in Carthage on Friday
Local time
4:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°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
21 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
6h 20m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Auburn, MS to Carthage, MS covers 318.9 miles and takes about 6h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MS 25, I 55, US 84. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 159.5 miles from Auburn, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $48.16 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 318.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.9 miles (MS 25): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Auburn, MS and Carthage, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans and Natchez.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, Natchez National Historical Park and Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
