This 149.8-mile journey from Newton, MS to West Gulfport, MS is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 13 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a single-day trip, especially with an estimated fuel cost of $23. The route primarily utilizes major highways, making it a practical choice for those looking to cover ground efficiently within the Southeast region. With a highway share of 75%, you'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads, so you can plan on arriving at your destination without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
74.9 miles from Newton, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 43m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 13m. Total distance: 149.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for this route, with 75% of your travel occurring on major roadways. You'll navigate segments of US 49, MS 15, and Lance Corporal Roy Wheat Memorial Highway, offering a consistent pace for most of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 59.9 miles on US 49, providing a good opportunity to settle in and make steady progress. This drive generally maintains a steady character, allowing for a predictable and efficient travel experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 49 is the longest continuous segment at about 59.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 49 and MS 15. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near MS 15.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 149.8 miles you will encounter 10 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 1.9 miles (MS 15): Lane positioning matters here; at 86.1 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 89.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.9 mi into trip|~4m in|MS 15
At end of road, turn right onto MS 15
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
86.1 mi into trip|~1h 55m 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
89.3 mi into trip|~2h 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
89.6 mi into trip|~2h 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
89.8 mi into trip|~2h 1m 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 Newton, MS and West Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Mobile, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
Mobile
86.1 mi in|~1h 55m|via US 98
Gulfport
89.3 mi in|~2h
Mississippi Gulf Coast
89.3 mi in|~2h
Multi Purpose Center
89.6 mi in|~2h
Hattiesburg
89.6 mi in|~2h
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 49
59.9 mi
1h 12m
MS 15
49.1 mi
1h 13m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
34.8 mi
37m
US 98
3.2 mi
4m
South Main Street
1.9 mi
4m
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
<0.1 mi
<1m
Arkansas Avenue
<0.1 mi
—
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
US 49
— 59.9 mi, about 1h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newton, MS and West Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on South Main Street
1.9 mi·4 min·South Main Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto MS 15
49 mi·1 hr 13 min·MS 15
Use the right lane.
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Use the slight right / right lanes.
4
Merge onto I 59
35 mi·37 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn straight onto US 49
2.0 mi·3 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
10
Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
424 ft·14 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
11
Turn right onto Arkansas Avenue
31 ft·0 sec·Arkansas Avenue
12
Arrive at destination
Arkansas Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour duration and 149.8-mile distance, this trip is best tackled in a single day. Consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With just one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without services is nearly 60 miles on US 49. The estimated fuel cost of $23 makes this an economical choice, so you can focus on enjoying the straightforward drive to West Gulfport.
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 74.9 miles from Newton, MS, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.9 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 33 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.9 miles or 1h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newton, 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 Newton, MS
This is one driving day of about 149.8 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Newton, 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 US 49 for about 59.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 74.9 mi from Newton, MS
· 1h 43m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.62 one way
$45.25 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg52 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$24.83
$49.67
premium
$4.56
$26.89
$53.77
diesel
$5.61
$33.07
$66.15
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 52.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44.9
0
$15.73
$7.19
Efficient EV
37.5
0
$13.11
$5.99
EV Truck/SUV
59.9
0
$20.97
$9.59
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (65% 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Newton, MS
Evening
in Newton on Friday
Local time
7:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
West Gulfport, MS
Evening
in West Gulfport on Friday
Local time
7:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
15 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 13m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Newton, MS to West Gulfport, MS covers 149.8 miles and takes about 3h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 49, MS 15, Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 74.9 miles from Newton, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.62 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 149.8 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles (MS 15): Lane positioning matters here; at 86.1 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 89.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Newton, MS and West Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Mobile, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.
