Drive Time
3h 34m
Distance
170 mi
274 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
Photo: Kei Scampa
Driving from Crystal Springs to Gulfport covers 170 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 34 minutes. Because this is a straightforward, highway-focused route, you can easily complete the entire trip in a single day. You will primarily navigate via US 49, MS 27, and US 84 as you head south through Mississippi. Budgeting approximately $26 for fuel should cover your needs for the journey. It is a practical trek that connects the heart of the state to the Gulf Coast, making it an efficient option for travelers looking to reach the shoreline without unnecessary complications. Since both origin and destination sit within the Southeast region, you can expect a consistent climate and environment for the duration of your travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
85 miles from Crystal Springs, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Expect a trip defined by efficiency, as 93% of the journey takes place on highways. You will spend a significant portion of your time on US 49, which features the route's longest uninterrupted stretch of 85.5 miles. While the road is largely focused on speed and directness, the transition from Crystal Springs toward the coast provides a steady rhythm behind the wheel. The highway-focused profile means you will find a consistent, predictable driving experience that avoids the frequent stops of local surface streets. It is a functional drive designed to get you from point A to point B with minimal deviation, perfect for those who prefer steady cruising over technical maneuvering.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 49 and MS 27. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 95.8 miles in.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 170 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 95.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.2 miles (I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.9 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.
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
Merge onto I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway toward Mississippi Gulf Coast
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
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 Crystal Springs, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
Gulf Coast
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Mobile
Multi Purpose Center
Hattiesburg
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 49 | 85.5 mi | 1h 45m |
| MS 27 | 34.2 mi | 46m |
| US 84 | 34 mi | 39m |
| Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway | 7.7 mi | 8m |
| US 98 | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Lee Avenue | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| MS 184 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| North Jackson Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Crystal Springs, MS and Gulfport, MS.
Start on East Georgetown Street
Turn left onto North Jackson Street
Turn right onto Lee Avenue
Enter roundabout onto MS 27
Continue on MS 27
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 84
Continue on US 84
Continue on US 84
Take the exit
Turn straight onto MS 184
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 49
Continue on US 49; MS 42
Continue on US 49; MS 42
Take the exit
Merge 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
Planning for this trip is simple since it only requires one planned stop to break up the 170-mile distance. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your time once you arrive in Gulfport, and keep your $26 fuel budget in mind when selecting your fill-up location. Since the route is manageable in under four hours, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal preference. To make the most of your drive, take advantage of the 85.5-mile stretch on US 49 to settle into a comfortable pace, but remain alert for changing traffic patterns as you approach the coastal region. This route’s simplicity is its greatest advantage, allowing you to focus on the road ahead without the stress of complex navigation.
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.
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 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85 miles or 1h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Crystal Springs, 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 Crystal Springs, MS
This is one driving day of about 170 miles and 3h 34m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85 mi from Crystal Springs, MS · 1h 49m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 85 miles from Crystal Springs, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 49 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 85.5 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
$25.99 one way
$51.98 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $28.51 | $57.01 |
| premium | $4.61 | $30.85 | $61.71 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $37.77 | $75.54 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51 | 0 | $17.85 | $8.16 |
| Efficient EV | 42.5 | 0 | $14.87 | $6.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68 | 0 | $23.80 | $10.88 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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 Crystal Springs on Sunday
Local time
4:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Gulfport on Sunday
Local time
4:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
85°F
Magee, MS
85 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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