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Trip from Olive Branch, MS to Forest, MS

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

4h 10m

Distance

198 mi

319 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 58m ★
6 AM
4h 11m
8 AM
4h 37m
10 AM
4h 20m
12 PM
4h 17m
3 PM
4h 21m
5 PM
4h 36m
8 PM
4h 3m

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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city in DeSoto County, Mississippi, United States

Olive Branch, MS

Wikimedia Commons

city in Mississippi, United States

Forest, MS

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Olive Branch, MS to Forest, MS covers 198 miles and takes about 4h 10m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 55, Veterans Memorial Drive, MS 35 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 106.4 miles on I 55. At current regular gas prices, budget about $29.90 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

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

99 miles from Olive Branch, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 10m. Total distance: 198 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 4h 10m highway drive covering 198 miles, with most of the trip on I 55 and Veterans Memorial Drive. The longest continuous stretch is about 106.4 miles on I 55.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 Veterans Memorial Drive. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near MS 305 / Cockrum Road.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 10m drive. You will face about 13 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 13 key points

These 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
Veterans Memorial Drive 47 mi 1h 9m
MS 35 24.3 mi 36m
I 269 9.2 mi 9m
Cockrum Road 6.2 mi 11m
South Huntington Street 1.4 mi 2m
Woodland Drive North 1.2 mi 1m
West 3rd Street 0.3 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 Forest, 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

47 mi · 1 hr 9 min · Veterans Memorial Drive
13

Continue on MS 35

1.2 mi · 1 min · Woodland Drive North
14

Turn left onto US 80

0.3 mi · 35 sec · West 3rd Street
15

Turn left onto North Banks Street

187 ft · 5 sec · North Banks Street
16

Arrive at destination

North Banks Street

Trip Plan

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 99 miles from Olive Branch, MS, or about 1h 52m 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 44 miles or 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 99 miles or 1h 52m 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 17m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Forest, 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 198 miles and 4h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 99 mi from Olive Branch, MS · 1h 52m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Winona, MS

99 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

Senatobia, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grenada, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99 miles from Olive Branch, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.4 miles.

Arriving in Forest, MS

The final approach into Forest, 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 Forest, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Ward's Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Carthage, Mississippi

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 169.7

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16012678653

Visit website

Carthage donuts & coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Carthage, Mississippi

1.5 mi

Golden Palace Chinese Buffet Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Carthage, Mississippi

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Brewed Bean

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Carthage, Mississippi

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 169.7

Hours: 6:30 am–5:30 pm

+17692846050

Visit website

Greenhouse Coffee Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Winona, Mississippi

1.7 mi

Star donuts and coffee Winona

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Winona, Mississippi

1.2 mi

Sonic Drive-In

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 169.7

Carthage, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+16012674555

Visit website

Ward's Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 169.7

Carthage, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16012678653

Visit website

Carthage donuts & coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 169.7

Carthage, Mississippi

Hours: 4 am–2 pm

+16015641722

Taco Bell

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 56.6

Batesville, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

+16625638941

Visit website

Golden Palace Chinese Buffet Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 169.7

Carthage, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16012675555

Visit website

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 169.7

Carthage, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+16016542045

Visit website

2 Crazy Fellas

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Olive Branch, Mississippi

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16624084815

Visit website

Pizza Hut

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 169.7

Carthage, Mississippi

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+16012675658

Visit website

The Brewed Bean

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 169.7

Carthage, Mississippi

Hours: 6:30 am–5:30 pm

+17692846050

Visit website

Greenhouse Coffee Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 113.1

Winona, Mississippi

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+16626336811

Star donuts and coffee Winona

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.1

Winona, Mississippi

Hours: 5 am–1 pm

+16622296266

The Delta Bean Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.1

Winona, Mississippi

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 113.1

Winona, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 14.1

Hernando, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 14.1

Southaven, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.8 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 14.1

Southaven, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument

National Monument

In 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till traveled to Money, Mississippi, to visit relatives. He was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered after reportedly whistling at a white woman. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley...

28 mi from route ~71 min detour Free near mile 75.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.90 one way

$59.81 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $32.83 $65.65
premium $4.56 $35.54 $71.08
diesel $5.61 $43.72 $87.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.4 0 $20.79 $9.50
Efficient EV 49.5 0 $17.33 $7.92
EV Truck/SUV 79.2 0 $27.72 $12.67

Gas CO2

69 kg

EV CO2

23 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Olive Branch, MS

Night in Olive Branch on Thursday

Local time

10:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Forest, MS

Night in Forest on Thursday

Local time

10:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Winona, MS

99 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

25 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

4h 10m 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 Olive Branch, MS to Forest, MS covers 198 miles and takes about 4h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, Veterans Memorial Drive, MS 35. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 99 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 $29.90 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.
This is a straightforward 4h 10m drive. You will face about 13 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 Forest, MS does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.

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