This 173.3-mile drive from Raymond to Gulfport, Mississippi, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 39 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $26. The route primarily utilizes Highway 49 South and US 49, making up 94% of the drive. Given its manageable length and the direct nature of the path through Mississippi's Southeast region, it's an ideal day trip without the need for an overnight stop. This trip offers a practical way to get from your starting point to the coast.
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
86.7 miles from Raymond, 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 3h 39m. Total distance: 173.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Your drive will largely consist of highway travel, with 94% of the route on major roads like Highway 49 South and US 49. You'll experience a significant stretch of 80.3 miles without interruption on Highway 49 South, allowing for consistent progress. The profile is best described as a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll find yourself on well-maintained, higher-speed roads for the majority of your journey. While the data doesn't specify scenic changes, this type of route typically offers a consistent driving experience as you traverse through the state.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Highway 49 South is the longest continuous segment at about 80.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Highway 49 South and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16 miles in near I 20; US 49.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 173.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 16 miles (I 20; US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.2 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
16 mi into trip|~25m in|I 20; US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 49 toward Meridian, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Meridian, Hattiesburg
7
99.1 mi into trip|~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf Coast
7
107.2 mi into trip|~2h 16m 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
110.4 mi into trip|~2h 21m 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
110.7 mi into trip|~2h 21m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Raymond, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Meridian, Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Mobile - among others.
Meridian
16 mi in|~25m|via I 20; US 49
Hattiesburg
16 mi in|~25m|via I 20; US 49
Richland
16.6 mi in|~26m|via US 49
Gulf Coast
99.1 mi in|~2h 7m
Mississippi Gulf Coast
99.5 mi in|~2h 8m|via I 59
Mobile
107.2 mi in|~2h 16m|via US 98
Multi Purpose Center
110.7 mi in|~2h 21m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
US 49
65.2 mi
1h 21m
MS 18
8.9 mi
15m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
7.7 mi
8m
I 20
5.5 mi
6m
US 98
3.2 mi
4m
East Main Street
1.3 mi
2m
25th Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Highway 49 South
— 80.3 mi, about 1h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Raymond, MS and Gulfport, MS.
1
Start on East Main Street
1.3 mi·2 min·East Main Street
2
Turn left onto MS 18
8.9 mi·15 min·MS 18
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
4
Merge onto I 20
4.3 mi·5 min·I 20
5
Merge onto I 20; I 55; US 49
1.1 mi·1 min·I 20; I 55; US 49
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 20; US 49
347 ft·4 sec·I 20; US 49
Toward Meridian, Hattiesburg
7
Take the exit onto US 49
0.6 mi·42 sec·US 49
Toward Hattiesburg
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49
0.7 mi·1 min·US 49
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
9
Merge onto US 49
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Highway 49 South
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 49; MS 42
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 49; MS 42
1.1 mi·1 min·US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward I 59 South: New Orleans, Gulf CoastUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 59
7.7 mi·8 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Toward Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight lane.
14
Take the exit onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·US 98
Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, MobileUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Multi Purpose Center, HattiesburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Turn right onto US 49
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 49
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn straight onto US 49
4.5 mi·7 min·US 49
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 49
215 ft·16 sec·25th Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
US 49
Trip Plan
With a total duration of under four hours, this trip offers flexibility. You can leave Raymond, MS, in the morning and arrive in Gulfport by lunchtime, or depart later in the day. Consider starting your drive earlier in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach the Gulf Coast. You'll encounter only one designated stop along the way, so plan your personal breaks accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without interruption is over 80 miles; ensuring you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment is a key consideration for this route.
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 86.7 miles from Raymond, MS, or about 1h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.3 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 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.7 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 2h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gulfport, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Raymond, 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 Raymond, MS
This is one driving day of about 173.3 miles and 3h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Raymond, 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 Highway 49 South for about 80.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 86.7 mi from Raymond, MS
· 1h 52m into the drive
The midpoint is around 86.7 miles from Raymond, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Highway 49 South if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.3 miles.
Arriving in Gulfport, MS
The final approach into Gulfport, 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 Gulfport, MS.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
National Monument
Medgar and Myrlie Evers were partners in the civil rights struggle. The assassination of Medgar Evers in the carport of their home on June 12, 1963, was the first murder of a nationally significant le...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.17 one way
$52.34 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg61 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$28.73
$57.46
premium
$4.56
$31.11
$62.21
diesel
$5.61
$38.26
$76.52
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: 60.6 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
52
0
$18.20
$8.32
Efficient EV
43.3
0
$15.16
$6.93
EV Truck/SUV
69.3
0
$24.26
$11.09
Gas CO2
61 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Raymond, MS
Morning
in Raymond on Friday
Local time
10:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Gulfport, MS
Morning
in Gulfport on Friday
Local time
10:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
58°F
Sumrall, MS
87 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
6 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
3h 39m 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 Raymond, MS to Gulfport, MS covers 173.3 miles and takes about 3h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Highway 49 South, US 49, MS 18. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.7 miles from Raymond, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.17 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 demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 173.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 16 miles (I 20; US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.2 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Raymond, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward Meridian, Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Mobile - among others.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
