Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
54m
Distance
47.1 mi
76 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Forest, MS
Wikimedia Commons
The drive from Jackson, MS to Forest, MS covers 47.1 miles and takes about 54m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 20, Highway 35 South, I 55 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 40.9 miles on I 20. At current regular gas prices, budget about $7.11 one way before food or hotel costs.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 54m. Total distance: 47.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This is a 54m highway drive covering 47.1 miles, with most of the trip on I 20 and Highway 35 South. The longest continuous stretch is about 40.9 miles on I 20.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and Highway 35 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South Lamar Street.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a short but busy drive. With 11 decision points packed into just 47.1 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 54m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South Lamar Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto South Lamar Street
Navigation decision point
Take the exit toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 East: Flowood, Meridian
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Turn left onto North Banks Street
Navigation decision point
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Jackson, MS to Forest, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Meridian along the way.
Meridian
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 40.9 mi | 44m |
| Highway 35 South | 2 mi | 3m |
| I 55 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| East Pascagoula Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| West 3rd Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East Pearl Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Lamar Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| North Banks Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Jackson, MS and Forest, MS.
Start on East Pearl Street
Turn left onto South Lamar Street
Turn left onto East Pascagoula Street
Take the ramp
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 55
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 20
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Turn left
Turn left onto MS 35
Turn slight right
Turn slight right onto US 80
Turn left onto North Banks Street
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 23.6 mi from Jackson, MS · 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
24 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 10 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 23.6 miles from Jackson, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Forest, MS if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$7.11 one way
$14.23 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $7.81 | $15.62 |
| premium | $4.56 | $8.45 | $16.91 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $10.40 | $20.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$7
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14.1 | 0 | $4.95 | $2.26 |
| Efficient EV | 11.8 | 0 | $4.12 | $1.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 18.8 | 0 | $6.59 | $3.01 |
Gas CO2
16 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (63% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Jackson on Thursday
Local time
4:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Destination
Afternoon in Forest on Thursday
Local time
4:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
56°F
Brandon, MS
24 mi in
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
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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