Origin
Olive Branch, MS
Night in Olive Branch on Wednesday
Local time
11:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Olive Branch, MS to Carthage, MS
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 30m
Distance
171 mi
275 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 37m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 54m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Olive Branch, MS
Wikimedia Commons
Carthage, MS
Anton Ivanov
Trip Overview
This straightforward 171-mile drive from Olive Branch, MS to Carthage, MS is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 82% of the journey on interstates and major roads like I-55 and MS 35. With an estimated fuel cost of $26, this trip is budget-friendly. This drive is a solid option if you're looking for an efficient way to travel within Mississippi, moving from the Southeast region to the same region. Its direct nature makes it ideal for a single day's travel, requiring just one planned 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
85.5 miles from Olive Branch, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 171-mile journey. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-55, which forms the backbone of the drive for a continuous 106.4 miles. After leaving the interstate, the route transitions to MS 35 and then Veterans Memorial Drive, offering a change of pace but still maintaining a predominantly highway feel. This profile suggests a drive characterized by steady progress and efficient travel, rather than winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 106.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and MS 35. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near MS 305 / Cockrum Road.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 30m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (MS 305 / Cockrum Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 15.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
MS 305 / Cockrum Road
Turn left onto MS 305 / Cockrum Road
Navigation decision point
4
6.3 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the ramp toward Tunica
Navigation decision point
Toward Tunica
4
15.8 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Jackson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 55 South: Jackson
5
16.1 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 South: Jackson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 55 South: Jackson
4
123.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
|
MS 35; MS 430
Turn left onto MS 35; MS 430
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 106.4 mi | 1h 54m |
| MS 35 | 24.3 mi | 36m |
| Veterans Memorial Drive | 21.6 mi | 32m |
| I 269 | 9.2 mi | 9m |
| Cockrum Road | 6.2 mi | 11m |
| South Huntington Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| East Jefferson Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Goodman Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 106.4 mi, about 1h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Olive Branch, MS and Carthage, MS.
1
Start on Goodman Road
260 ft
·
12 sec
·
Goodman Road
2
Turn left onto MS 305
6.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Cockrum Road
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward Tunica
4
Merge onto I 269; MS 304
9.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 269; MS 304
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 55 South: Jackson
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 55 South: Jackson
7
Merge onto I 55
106 mi
·
1 hr 54 min
·
I 55
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
9
Turn left onto MS 35; MS 430
24 mi
·
36 min
·
MS 35; MS 430
10
Turn left onto East Jefferson Street
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
East Jefferson Street
11
Turn right onto South Huntington Street
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Huntington Street
12
Turn right onto MS 19; MS 35
22 mi
·
32 min
·
Veterans Memorial Drive
13
Arrive at destination
MS 35
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3.5-hour duration and 171-mile distance, this route offers flexibility for departure times. Aiming to leave Olive Branch in the morning will allow ample time for your single stop and arrival in Carthage with daylight to spare. The longest uninterrupted stretch is over 100 miles on I-55, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before heading out on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $26, and it's always wise to top off before longer highway sections.
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 85.5 miles from Olive Branch, MS, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.4 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 38 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.5 miles or 1h 37m 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 44m
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 Olive Branch, 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 Olive Branch, MS
This is one driving day of about 171 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Olive Branch, 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 55 for about 106.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85.5 mi from Olive Branch, MS · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.5 miles from Olive Branch, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.4 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.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.83 one way
$51.65 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $28.35 | $56.70 |
| premium | $4.56 | $30.69 | $61.38 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.75 | $75.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.3 | 0 | $17.96 | $8.21 |
| Efficient EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.96 | $6.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.4 | 0 | $23.94 | $10.94 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Carthage, MS
Night in Carthage on Wednesday
Local time
11:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Grenada, MS
86 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
19 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 30m 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 Olive Branch, MS to Carthage, MS covers 171 miles and takes about 3h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, MS 35, Veterans Memorial Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 85.5 miles from Olive Branch, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.83 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 is a straightforward 3h 30m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (MS 305 / Cockrum Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 15.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from Olive Branch, MS to Carthage, MS does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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