Drive Time
2h 9m
Distance
102.3 mi
165 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
Photo: Hani Salama
Traveling from Houston to Olive Branch, Mississippi, covers a direct 102.3-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 9 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it serves perfectly as a straightforward day drive without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via MS 15, MS 30, and I-22 as you head north within the Southeast region. Expect to spend roughly $16 on fuel for the one-way trek. Since this route is highly efficient, it is an excellent choice for travelers who prefer to reach their destination quickly without unnecessary detours.
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
51.2 miles from Houston, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of your time spent on main thoroughfares. You will experience a mix of state highways and interstate driving, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 55 miles on I-22. The transition from local MS routes onto the interstate provides a shift in pace, allowing for consistent speeds as you move toward Olive Branch. While the experience is functional and fast, you should remain prepared for the steady flow of highway traffic that defines this corridor.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 22 and MS 15. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 3.3 miles in near MS 15.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 9m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.3 miles (MS 15): Navigation decision point; at 23.3 miles (MS 15): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.2 miles (MS 30): 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.
At end of road, turn right onto MS 15
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto MS 15
Lane positioning matters here
Take the ramp onto MS 30 toward I-22 West, US 78 West: Memphis
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Turn right onto Goodman Road
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 22 | 55 mi | 58m |
| MS 15 | 37.9 mi | 56m |
| MS 30 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| North Jackson Street | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| County Road 515 North | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Cockrum Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| East Hamilton Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Goodman Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Houston, MS and Olive Branch, MS.
Start on East Hamilton Street
Turn right onto North Jackson Street
Continue on County Road 515 North
At end of road, turn right onto MS 15
Turn left onto MS 15
Continue on MS 15
Continue on MS 15
Take the ramp onto MS 30
Continue on I 22; US 78
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto MS 305
Turn right onto Goodman Road
Arrive at destination
Since the duration is just over two hours, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete this drive in one go without needing scheduled stops, though keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise given the $16 estimated cost. Because the route relies heavily on I-22, try to avoid peak commuting hours if you want to ensure the smoothest possible transit. With zero formal stops required by the route plan, take advantage of the direct path to reach your destination efficiently. Prioritize checking local traffic reports before you leave to ensure the 55-mile stretch on I-22 remains clear.
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 80 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.2 miles or 1h 13m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Olive Branch, MS than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Houston, 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 Houston, MS
This is one driving day of about 102.3 miles and 2h 9m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.2 mi from Houston, MS · 1h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
51 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 51.2 miles from Houston, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Olive Branch, 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 Olive Branch, MS.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$15.64 one way
$31.28 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $17.15 | $34.31 |
| premium | $4.61 | $18.57 | $37.13 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $22.73 | $45.46 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 30.7 | 0 | $10.74 | $4.91 |
| Efficient EV | 25.6 | 0 | $8.95 | $4.09 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 40.9 | 0 | $14.32 | $6.55 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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 Houston on Sunday
Local time
4:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Olive Branch on Sunday
Local time
4:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
64°F
Collierville, TN
51 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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