Drive Time
6h 30m
Distance
332.5 mi
535 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
Photo: Kei Scampa
Spanning 332.5 miles from Booneville to the Gulf Coast, this journey takes you across the state of Mississippi in approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Given the duration, it is entirely feasible as a single-day trip, though you should budget roughly $51 for fuel to cover the distance. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-59, US-49, and US Highway 45 Alternate, ensuring a consistent pace throughout your trek. You will be traveling entirely within the Southeast region, transitioning from the northern hills toward the coastal environment of Gulfport. Whether you are heading south for business or a change of scenery, this straightforward highway-focused drive provides a reliable connection between the state's two ends.
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
166.3 miles from Booneville, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 18m into the drive .
Expect a highly efficient transit, as 99 percent of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating high-speed corridors, with the longest uninterrupted stretch reaching 88.7 miles along I-59. While the road lacks the complexity of winding backroads, the transition from northern Mississippi to the coast offers a steady rhythm behind the wheel. The drive is designed for those who prioritize speed and predictability over scenic detours. Prepare for a focused experience that moves you steadily toward your destination with minimal interruptions to your momentum.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.2 miles in near MS 30.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 332.5 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 3.2 miles (MS 30): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.7 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 266.4 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Keep slight left at fork onto MS 30 toward US 45 South, MS 30 West: Tupelo, New Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
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
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
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
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
Between Booneville, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
New Orleans
Mobile
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Multi Purpose Center
Hattiesburg
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 59 | 88.7 mi | 1h 36m |
| US 49 | 62.4 mi | 1h 17m |
| US Highway 45 Aiternate | 60.6 mi | 1h 9m |
| US Highway 45 Alternate | 54.7 mi | 1h 6m |
| US 45 | 37 mi | 43m |
| I 20 | 8.1 mi | 9m |
| US 45 ALT | 7.2 mi | 8m |
| MS 30 | 6.8 mi | 8m |
Step-by-step road directions between Booneville, MS and Gulfport, MS.
Start on Washington Street
Turn left onto MS 145
Turn slight right
Turn straight onto MS 30
Keep slight left at fork onto MS 30
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45 ALT
Continue on US 45 ALT
Continue on US 45 ALT
Continue on US 45 ALT
Continue on US 45 ALT
Continue on US 45 ALT
Continue on US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
Take the exit
Merge onto I 20; I 59
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59
Take the exit onto US 98
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Turn right onto US 49
Turn straight onto US 49
Continue on US 49
Arrive at destination
To make the most of your 6.5-hour journey, plan to depart early in the morning to beat potential congestion and maximize daylight hours. Since the trip includes just one primary stop, try to time your break to coincide with a refueling session to keep your $51 budget on track. Be mindful that the heavy reliance on US-49 and I-59 means traffic patterns can shift quickly, so keep an eye on navigation apps for real-time updates. Because this is a high-speed, highway-focused route, ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained speeds before you leave Booneville. Flexibility is your main advantage here, so feel free to adjust your pace if you find yourself needing a rest during that long 88.7-mile stretch.
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.
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 80 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 166.3 miles or 3h 18m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Booneville, 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 Booneville, MS
This is one driving day of about 332.5 miles and 6h 30m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 166.3 mi from Booneville, MS · 3h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
166 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 166.3 miles from Booneville, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 59 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.7 miles.
The final approach into Gulfport, 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 Gulfport, MS.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$50.83 one way
$101.66 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $55.75 | $111.51 |
| premium | $4.61 | $60.35 | $120.69 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $73.87 | $147.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 99.8 | 1 | $34.91 | $15.96 |
| Efficient EV | 83.1 | 0 | $29.09 | $13.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 133 | 1 | $46.55 | $21.28 |
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 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. If you're planning ahead, check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Origin
Late night in Booneville on Sunday
Local time
2:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Gulfport on Sunday
Local time
2:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
86°F
Butler, AL
166 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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