Origin
Olive Branch, MS
Night in Olive Branch on Wednesday
Local time
10:58 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Olive Branch, MS to Sardis, MS
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
4h 40m
Distance
244.2 mi
393 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 27m
★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Olive Branch, MS
Wikimedia Commons
Sardis, MS
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 244.2-mile journey from Olive Branch, MS to Sardis, MS is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55 and I-269, this drive is heavily highway-focused, making it a straightforward trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $37, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or a direct transit. The route stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout. You'll find it’s a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient drive with minimal fuss.
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
122.1 miles from Olive Branch, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 94% of the 244.2 miles on major interstates like I-55 and I-269. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 218.9 miles on I-55, allowing for steady progress. While this means efficient travel, be prepared for the consistent pace of interstate driving. Cockrum Road represents a small portion of local road navigation, offering a brief change of pace before returning to the main highways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 218.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 269. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 16.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 244.2 miles you will encounter 12 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 16.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 205.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
6
205.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m 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
5
235.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward MS 28: Hazlehurst, Fayette
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MS 28: Hazlehurst, Fayette
5
236 mi into trip
|
~4h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
238 mi into trip
|
~4h 25m in
|
Georgetown Street
Turn right onto Georgetown Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Olive Branch, MS to Sardis, MS, road signs begin pointing toward New Orleans along the way.
New Orleans
205.2 mi in
|
~3h 48m
|
via I 55
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 218.9 mi | 3h 56m |
| I 269 | 9.2 mi | 9m |
| Cockrum Road | 6.2 mi | 11m |
| Monticello Road | 5 mi | 12m |
| Monticello Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Caldwell Drive | 1 mi | 1m |
| MS 28 | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| West Gallatin Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 218.9 mi, about 3h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Olive Branch, MS and Sardis, 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
188 mi
·
3 hr 24 min
·
I 55
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
31 mi
·
32 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: McComb, New Orleans
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward MS 28: Hazlehurst, Fayette
10
Keep slight left at fork
396 ft
·
10 sec
11
Turn straight onto MS 28
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
MS 28
12
Turn right onto US 51
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Caldwell Drive
13
Turn left onto West Gallatin Street
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
West Gallatin Street
14
Turn right onto Georgetown Street
486 ft
·
13 sec
·
Georgetown Street
15
Continue on Monticello Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Monticello Street
16
Turn straight onto Monticello Road
5.0 mi
·
12 min
·
Monticello Road
17
Arrive at destination
Monticello Road
Trip Plan
Given its 4 hour and 40 minute duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight hours and allow for a relaxed pace. With just one recommended stop, you can strategically plan your break around the halfway point or closer to your destination. The longest stretch on I-55 means you might want to ensure you have ample fuel before embarking on that segment, as services can be more spread out on interstates compared to local roads. Your estimated fuel cost of $37 makes budgeting straightforward.
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 122.1 miles from Olive Branch, MS, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 218.9 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 54 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.1 miles or 2h 18m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sardis, 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 244.2 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 218.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 122.1 mi from Olive Branch, MS · 2h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
122 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 122.1 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 218.9 miles.
Arriving in Sardis, MS
The final approach into Sardis, 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 Sardis, 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
$36.88 one way
$73.76 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
85 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $40.49 | $80.97 |
| premium | $4.56 | $43.83 | $87.66 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.92 | $107.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.3 | 0 | $25.64 | $11.72 |
| Efficient EV | 61.1 | 0 | $21.37 | $9.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97.7 | 1 | $34.19 | $15.63 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Sardis, MS
Night in Sardis on Wednesday
Local time
10:58 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
27 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 40m 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 Sardis, MS covers 244.2 miles and takes about 4h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, I 269, Cockrum Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 122.1 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 $36.88 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 244.2 miles you will encounter 12 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 16.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 205.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Olive Branch, MS to Sardis, MS, road signs begin pointing toward New Orleans along the way.
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