Drive Time
38m
Distance
32.9 mi
53 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
Photo: 大 董
If you are planning a quick transit through Mississippi, the 32.9-mile journey from Forest to Brandon is a straightforward commute. You can easily complete this drive in about 38 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of just $5, it is an incredibly economical route that requires no overnight stops or extensive planning. You will be traveling entirely within the Southeast region, moving from Forest toward the Brandon area. Whether you are running errands or heading to a meeting, the efficiency of this connection allows for maximum flexibility in your schedule.
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
16.4 miles from Forest, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 19m into the drive .
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused experience behind the wheel. With 97% of the route consisting of highway driving, you will spend the vast majority of your time cruising on I-20, which accounts for a 27.8-mile uninterrupted stretch. While you begin your journey utilizing Highway 35 South and US 80, the transition onto the interstate is swift. The road personality is functional and direct, providing a consistent pace that minimizes navigation stress. You should prepare for a smooth, high-speed drive that prioritizes speed and convenience over secondary road exploration.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US 80. 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 / West 3rd Street.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Forest, MS to Brandon, MS is easy. At 38m with 97% 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 / West 3rd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (MS 35 / Highway 35 South): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles (I 20): Merge point - match speed before joining.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto US 80 / West 3rd Street
Lane positioning matters here
Turn left onto MS 35 / Highway 35 South
Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto I 20
Merge point - match speed before joining
Take the exit toward US 80: East Brandon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Turn left onto US 80
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 27.8 mi | 29m |
| US 80 | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Highway 35 South | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| West 3rd Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| North Banks Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East Government Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Step-by-step road directions between Forest, MS and Brandon, MS.
Start on North Banks Street
Turn right onto US 80
Turn left onto MS 35
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 20
Take the exit
Turn left onto US 80
Arrive at destination
Since this is a short 38-minute trip, you have the advantage of total departure flexibility. You will not need to worry about planning for rest stops, as the distance is short enough to drive straight through without fatigue. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Forest, though the $5 estimate suggests even a modest tank will get you to Brandon with ease. Because the route relies so heavily on I-20, it is wise to check for typical highway traffic patterns before you hit the road to ensure your timing remains accurate. Take advantage of the quick transit time to enjoy a relaxed arrival at your destination.
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 32.9 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 16.4 miles or 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brandon, MS than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Forest, 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 Forest, MS
This is one driving day of about 32.9 miles and 38m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 16.4 mi from Forest, MS · 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
16 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.
The final approach into Brandon, 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 Brandon, MS.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$5.03 one way
$10.06 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $5.52 | $11.03 |
| premium | $4.61 | $5.97 | $11.94 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $7.31 | $14.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 11.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 9.9 | 0 | $3.45 | $1.58 |
| Efficient EV | 8.2 | 0 | $2.88 | $1.32 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 13.2 | 0 | $4.61 | $2.11 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 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 Forest on Sunday
Local time
5:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Brandon on Sunday
Local time
5:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
85°F
Magee, MS
16 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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