Drive Time
1h 27m
Distance
78.3 mi
126 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
Photo: RDNE Stock project
If you are planning a quick transit across Mississippi, the 78.3-mile trip from Brandon to Meridian is a straightforward option. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 27 minutes behind the wheel, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. With a fuel budget of approximately $12, it is an economical choice for those looking to reach their destination without significant expense. Since both cities are located within the Southeast region, you will remain in a familiar landscape throughout the journey. Because the total duration is quite short, there is no need to worry about overnight logistics. Overall, this route is best viewed as a practical, efficient connection between two Mississippi hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
39.2 miles from Brandon, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 43m into the drive .
Expect a focus on high-speed efficiency, as this route is 96% highway-driven. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-20, which accounts for a 72.8-mile uninterrupted stretch of the journey. The drive maintains a consistent, highway-focused personality that favors steady travel over winding, technical roads. As you progress toward Meridian, you will eventually transition off the interstate onto 8th Street and US 11 to reach your final destination. While the experience is largely a standard interstate grind, the high highway percentage ensures a predictable and reliable pace for the duration of the 78.3-mile trip.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and 8th Street. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 80 / East Government Street.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Brandon, MS to Meridian, MS is easy. At 1h 27m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 80 / East Government Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 75.3 miles: 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.
Depart onto US 80 / East Government Street
Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto I 20
Merge point - match speed before joining
Take the exit toward South US 11, North Mississippi 19: Philadelphia, Meridian Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn right onto 8th Street
Navigation decision point
Turn right onto 25th Avenue
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 72.8 mi | 1h 18m |
| 8th Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| US 11 | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| US 80 | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| East Government Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| 25th Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Brandon, MS and Meridian, MS.
Start on US 80
Continue on US 80
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 20
Take the exit
Turn left onto US 11
Turn right onto 8th Street
Turn right onto 25th Avenue
Arrive at destination
Given the short 1-hour and 27-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete this drive in one go without the need for scheduled stops, as the route is designed for continuous transit. Keep in mind that since the longest stretch is over 72 miles on I-20, you should ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the interstate to avoid unnecessary detours. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak commuting traffic around the Brandon and Meridian areas. Taking advantage of the route's brevity allows you to maximize your time at your destination rather than focusing on complex travel logistics.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 78.3 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.2 miles or 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meridian, MS than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Brandon, 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 Brandon, MS
This is one driving day of about 78.3 miles and 1h 27m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 39.2 mi from Brandon, MS · 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
39 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 78.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 39.2 miles from Brandon, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.8 miles.
The final approach into Meridian, 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 Meridian, MS.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$11.97 one way
$23.94 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $13.13 | $26.26 |
| premium | $4.61 | $14.21 | $28.42 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $17.40 | $34.79 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.5 | 0 | $8.22 | $3.76 |
| Efficient EV | 19.6 | 0 | $6.85 | $3.13 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31.3 | 0 | $10.96 | $5.01 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Brandon on Sunday
Local time
3:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Meridian on Sunday
Local time
3:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
85°F
Magee, MS
39 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
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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