The drive from Jonestown, MS to Gulfport, MS covers 351.9 miles and takes about 7h 2m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 59, US 49, US Highway 45 Aiternate for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 88.7 miles on I 59.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $53.15 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
176 miles from Jonestown, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 38m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 2m. Total distance: 351.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is a 7h 2m highway drive covering 351.9 miles, with most of the trip on I 59 and US 49. The longest continuous stretch is about 88.7 miles on I 59.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 59 is the longest continuous segment at about 88.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 197.1 miles in near I 59.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 351.9 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 197.1 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 285.8 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 289 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
197.1 mi into trip|~4h 3m in|I 59
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
7
285.8 mi into trip|~5h 39m in|US 98
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, Mobile
7
289 mi into trip|~5h 44m in
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gu...
9
289.3 mi into trip|~5h 44m in
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
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg
6
289.4 mi into trip|~5h 45m in|US 49
Turn right onto US 49
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jonestown, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
New Orleans
197.1 mi in|~4h 3m|via I 59
Mobile
285.8 mi in|~5h 39m|via US 98
Mississippi Gulf Coast
289 mi in|~5h 44m
Multi Purpose Center
289.3 mi in|~5h 44m
Hattiesburg
289.3 mi in|~5h 44m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 59
88.7 mi
1h 36m
US 49
62.4 mi
1h 17m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US 45
57.3 mi
1h 6m
US Highway 45 Alternate
54.7 mi
1h 6m
I 20
8.1 mi
9m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
County Road 514
4.8 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 59
— 88.7 mi, about 1h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jonestown, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on MS 2
293 ft·11 sec·Mississippi Highway 2
2
Turn right onto County Road 500
1.8 mi·4 min·County Road 500
3
At end of road, turn right onto County Road 500
0.6 mi·1 min·County Road 500
4
Turn left onto County Road 547
1.5 mi·4 min·County Road 547
5
Turn left onto County Road 514
4.8 mi·11 min·County Road 514
6
Turn right onto US 45
9.9 mi·11 min·US 45
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 45
43 mi·51 min·US 45
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
9
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
10
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
11
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
12
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
13
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian
17
Merge onto I 20; I 59
6.3 mi·7 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80
1.8 mi·2 min·I 20; I 59; US 80
Use the straight lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 59
89 mi·1 hr 36 min·I 59
Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New OrleansUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
26
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 176 miles from Jonestown, MS, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.7 miles.
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 77 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 176 miles or 3h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jonestown, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jonestown, MS
This is one driving day of about 351.9 miles and 7h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Jonestown, MS.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 59 for about 88.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 176 mi from Jonestown, MS
· 3h 38m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is five sections of hiking trail running roughly parallel to the 444-mile long Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road. The foot trails total more than 60 miles...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 48.7
Park Closure: Partial Closure of Rocky Springs Trail
Park Closure: Temporary Blackland Prairie Trail Closure to Equestrians
In July, 1864, federal forces, including men from the United States Colored Troops, marched into Tupelo, Mississippi. Disorganized Confederate soldiers fought fiercely but could not overpower the fede...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.15 one way
$106.29 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg123 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$58.34
$116.68
premium
$4.56
$63.16
$126.32
diesel
$5.61
$77.70
$155.39
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 123.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
105.6
1
$36.95
$16.89
Efficient EV
88
1
$30.79
$14.08
EV Truck/SUV
140.8
1
$49.27
$22.52
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Jonestown, MS
Morning
in Jonestown on Saturday
Local time
6:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Morning
in Gulfport on Saturday
Local time
6:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Meridian, MS
176 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
8 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 2m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jonestown, MS to Gulfport, MS covers 351.9 miles and takes about 7h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 59, US 49, US Highway 45 Aiternate. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 176 miles from Jonestown, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.15 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 351.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 197.1 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 285.8 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 289 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Jonestown, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and Tupelo National Battlefield.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
