Trip from Meridian, MS to Carthage, MS

Drive Time

4h 1m

Distance

209.1 mi

337 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 49m ★

6 AM

4h 2m

8 AM

4h 28m

10 AM

4h 11m

12 PM

4h 8m

3 PM

4h 12m

5 PM

4h 26m

8 PM

3h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Meridian, MS

RDNE Stock project

Carthage, MS

大董

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Meridian to Carthage, expect a 209.1-mile journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 1 minute to complete. Because this route is entirely within the Southeast region of Mississippi, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. It is perfectly suited as a one-day excursion, meaning you can easily head out and arrive without needing to book an overnight stay. Budgeting approximately $32 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Given the straightforward nature of this highway-focused drive, it serves as a practical connection between these two Mississippi points.

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

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

104.6 miles from Meridian, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a high-speed travel experience, as 96% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating I-20, US-84, and I-55, providing a very efficient transit between your start and end points. The most significant leg of the journey is an 88.5-mile stretch along I-20, which demands steady focus and minimal turns. While the road is designed for speed and directness rather than winding scenery, the transition between these major arteries keeps the drive moving quickly. Be prepared for a consistent pace that favors interstate travel over local backroads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 88.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and US 84. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 209.1 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles (I 20; US 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 91.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

2.7 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

4.6 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 20; US 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 80 toward I 20 West: Jackson

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 20 West: Jackson

91.5 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans

145.3 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in

Take the exit toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez

145.5 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez

Towns Along This Route

Between Meridian, MS and Carthage, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans and Natchez.

New Orleans

91.5 mi in | ~1h 40m | via I 55

Natchez

145.3 mi in | ~2h 38m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 20	88.5 mi	1h 35m
US 84	59.4 mi	1h 8m
I 55	53.8 mi	57m
Carthage Point Road	2.3 mi	8m
8th Street	1.4 mi	2m
Airport Boulevard	1.1 mi	1m
Highland Boulevard	1 mi	2m
Lower Woodville Road	0.8 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 20 — 88.5 mi, about 1h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Meridian, MS and Carthage, MS.

Start on 25th Avenue

272 ft · 17 sec · 25th Avenue

Turn left onto 8th Street

1.4 mi · 2 min · 8th Street

Turn left onto MS 19

1.1 mi · 1 min · Airport Boulevard

Turn right onto North Frontage Road

0.2 mi · 15 sec · North Frontage Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 20; I 59; US 80

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 20; I 59; US 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 80

85 mi · 1 hr 31 min · I 20; US 80

Toward I 20 West: Jackson Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 20; I 55; US 49

1.6 mi · 2 min · I 20; I 55; US 49

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

54 mi · 57 min · I 55

Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez

Keep slight right at fork

409 ft · 9 sec

Toward US 84: South Brookhaven, Natchez

Merge onto US 84

53 mi · 1 hr 1 min · US 84

Keep slight left at fork onto US 84

6.5 mi · 7 min · US 84

Turn right onto Highland Boulevard

1.0 mi · 2 min · Highland Boulevard

Turn left onto Lower Woodville Road

0.8 mi · 2 min · Lower Woodville Road

Continue on Carthage Point Road

2.3 mi · 8 min · Carthage Point Road

Turn slight right

45 ft · 1 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a four-hour drive, try to depart in the morning to maximize your daylight hours in Carthage. You have the flexibility of one recommended stop along the way, which is a great opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. Because the vast majority of your time will be spent on major highways, keep an eye on your cruise control settings during that 88.5-mile stretch on I-20 to maintain a steady pace. If you are traveling during peak hours, factor in a little extra time for potential highway congestion near the interstate interchanges. Staying mindful of your fuel gauge before leaving the major interstate segments will ensure you reach your destination without any unnecessary stress.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 104.6 miles from Meridian, MS, or about 1h 54m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.5 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 104.6 miles or 1h 54m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 9m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carthage, MS than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Meridian, 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 Meridian, MS

This is one driving day of about 209.1 miles and 4h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Meridian, MS.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 20 for about 88.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 104.6 mi from Meridian, MS · 1h 54m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Magee, MS

105 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Magee, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Magee, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104.6 miles from Meridian, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.5 miles.

Arriving in Carthage, MS

The final approach into Carthage, 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 Carthage, MS.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.97 one way

$63.93 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.26	$35.06	$70.12
premium	$4.61	$37.95	$75.90
diesel	$5.64	$46.45	$92.91

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	62.7	0	$21.96	$10.04
Efficient EV	52.3	0	$18.30	$8.36
EV Truck/SUV	83.6	1	$29.27	$13.38

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Meridian, MS

Evening in Meridian on Sunday

Local time

7:05 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Carthage, MS

Evening in Carthage on Sunday

Local time

7:05 PM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

3 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

4h 1m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Meridian, MS to Carthage, MS covers 209.1 miles and takes about 4h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 20, US 84, I 55. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 104.6 miles from Meridian, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.97 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Meridian, MS and Carthage, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans and Natchez.

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Return Trip

Carthage, MS to Meridian, MS

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209.2 mi 4h 1m

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Trip from Meridian, MS to Carthage, MS

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Carthage, MS

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Meridian, MS

Carthage, MS

Same local time

3 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 1m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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