The drive from Auburn, MS to Ocean Springs, MS covers 312.6 miles and takes about 6h 7m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 45, US Highway 45 Aiternate, US Highway 45 Alternate for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 76.4 miles on US 45.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $47.21 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
156.3 miles from Auburn, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 7m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 7m. Total distance: 312.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 7m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is a 6h 7m highway drive covering 312.6 miles, with most of the trip on US 45 and US Highway 45 Aiternate. The longest continuous stretch is about 76.4 miles on US 45.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 45 is the longest continuous segment at about 76.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45 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 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 9 significant decision points across 312.6 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 138.5 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.9 miles (MS 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 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...
6
138.5 mi into trip|~2h 46m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
214.9 mi into trip|~4h 14m in|MS 57
Keep slight right at fork onto MS 57
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
309.1 mi into trip|~6h 1m in
Take the exit toward MS 609: Ocean Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward MS 609: Ocean Springs
5
309.2 mi into trip|~6h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 45
76.4 mi
1h 28m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US Highway 45 Alternate
54.7 mi
1h 6m
MS 63
50.4 mi
57m
MS 57
24.7 mi
28m
I 10
18.7 mi
20m
Martin Luther King Drive
7.7 mi
8m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
US 45
— 76.4 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Auburn, MS and Ocean Springs, 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
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
19 mi·21 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 45
0.7 mi·46 sec·US 45
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 45
3.7 mi·4 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 45
5.4 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 45
5.5 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 45
2.7 mi·3 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 45
1.7 mi·1 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 45
9.8 mi·11 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 45
2.0 mi·2 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 45
4.9 mi·5 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 45
17 mi·20 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto MS 57
2.2 mi·2 min·MS 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on MS 57
23 mi·25 min·MS 57
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on MS 63
50 mi·57 min·MS 63
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
30
Merge onto I 10
19 mi·20 min·I 10
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward MS 609: Ocean Springs
32
Keep slight left at fork
361 ft·9 sec
33
Turn left onto MS 609
3.3 mi·6 min·Washington Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
Washington Avenue
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 156.3 miles from Auburn, MS, or about 3h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.4 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 69 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 156.3 miles or 3h 7m 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 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ocean Springs, 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 312.6 miles and 6h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 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 US 45 for about 76.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 156.3 mi from Auburn, MS
· 3h 7m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Partial Closure of Rocky Springs Trail
Park Closure: Temporary Blackland Prairie Trail Closure to Equestrians
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 10.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.21 one way
$94.42 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$51.83
$103.65
premium
$4.56
$56.11
$112.22
diesel
$5.61
$69.02
$138.04
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
11 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Biloxi, Mississippi
Other
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Biloxi, Mississippi
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Tupelo, Mississippi
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Biloxi, Mississippi
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Biloxi, Mississippi
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Biloxi, Mississippi
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Moss Point, Mississippi
Blink
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Tupelo, Mississippi
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination: 4
Other: 3
ChargePoint: 2
Blink: 2
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.8
1
$32.82
$15.00
Efficient EV
78.2
0
$27.35
$12.50
EV Truck/SUV
125
1
$43.76
$20.01
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (66% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Auburn, MS
Late night
in Auburn on Friday
Local time
1:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 5 to 10 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Ocean Springs, MS
Late night
in Ocean Springs on Friday
Local time
1:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
80°F
Waynesboro, MS
156 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
26 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 7m 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 Ocean Springs, MS covers 312.6 miles and takes about 6h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 45, US Highway 45 Aiternate, US Highway 45 Alternate. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 156.3 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 $47.21 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 9 significant decision points across 312.6 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 138.5 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.9 miles (MS 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Auburn, MS to Ocean Springs, MS does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and Tupelo National Battlefield.
