Southaven, MS to Nicholson, MS is 347.7 miles and takes about 6h 30m via I 55, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, entirely within Mississippi. It's a straightforward highway-focused journey, making it a solid choice for a single-day drive. Expect a pretty direct path for most of the trip, ideal if you're looking for efficiency and a clear route.
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
173.8 miles from Southaven, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 10m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 30m. Total distance: 347.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 30m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 80% of your travel on major roads like I 55 and Highway 49 South. You'll encounter an 80% highway share, meaning much of your time will be spent on faster, more direct routes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 195.5 miles on I 55, so be prepared for a significant period of consistent driving. Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway is also part of the journey, offering a slightly different road feel as you progress.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 195.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Highway 49 South. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near Millbranch Road.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 347.7 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 0.3 miles (Millbranch Road): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 197.7 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 280.2 miles: 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
0.3 mi into trip|~1m in|Millbranch Road
At end of road, turn left onto Millbranch Road
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
197.7 mi into trip|~3h 36m in|US 49
Keep slight right at fork onto US 49 toward Richland, Hattiesburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
7
280.2 mi into trip|~5h 17m 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
6
280.6 mi into trip|~5h 18m in|I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 59 / Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway toward Mississippi Gulf Coast
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Mississippi Gulf Coast
7
347.1 mi into trip|~6h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 11, MS 607: NASA John C. Stennis Space Center
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 11, MS 607: NASA John C. Stennis Spac...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Southaven, MS and Nicholson, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast and Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Hattiesburg
196.8 mi in|~3h 34m
Richland
197.7 mi in|~3h 36m|via US 49
Gulf Coast
280.2 mi in|~5h 17m
Mississippi Gulf Coast
280.6 mi in|~5h 18m|via I 59
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
195.5 mi
3h 31m
Highway 49 South
80.3 mi
1h 37m
Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
66.4 mi
1h 11m
US 49
2.2 mi
3m
US 11
0.5 mi
<1m
Stateline Road West
0.3 mi
<1m
Millbranch Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Haleville Drive
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 195.5 mi, about 3h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southaven, MS and Nicholson, MS.
1
Start on Five Oaks Drive West
0.1 mi·30 sec·Five Oaks Drive West
2
Turn right onto Haleville Drive
0.2 mi·53 sec·Haleville Drive
3
At end of road, turn left onto Millbranch Road
0.2 mi·38 sec·Millbranch Road
4
Turn right onto Stateline Road West
0.3 mi·29 sec·Stateline Road West
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·59 sec
6
Merge onto I 55; I 69
195 mi·3 hr 31 min·I 55; I 69
7
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, 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
66 mi·1 hr 11 min·Lance Corporal Roy M Wheat Memorial Highway
Toward Mississippi Gulf CoastUse the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 11, MS 607: NASA John C. Stennis Space Center
15
Keep slight right at fork
92 ft·3 sec
Toward US 11, MS 607: NASA John C. Stennis Space Center
16
Turn right onto US 11
0.5 mi·47 sec·US 11
17
Turn left onto Jackson Landing Road
374 ft·10 sec·Jackson Landing Road
18
Arrive at destination
Jackson Landing Road
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 30m duration, starting your drive in the morning will give you ample time to reach Nicholson, MS before evening. With only one recommended stop, it’s wise to plan this break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 195.5-mile stretch on I 55, as services can be spread out. The $53 fuel cost is an estimate, so checking local gas prices before you depart is a good idea.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 173.8 miles from Southaven, MS, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 195.5 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 76 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 173.8 miles or 3h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nicholson, MS than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Southaven, 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 Southaven, MS
This is one driving day of about 347.7 miles and 6h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Southaven, 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 195.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 173.8 mi from Southaven, MS
· 3h 10m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
3 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 191.8
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 71.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.51 one way
$105.02 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$57.64
$115.29
premium
$4.56
$62.41
$124.82
diesel
$5.61
$76.77
$153.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
6 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: good
Tesla Supercharger
Southaven, Mississippi
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Horn Lake, Mississippi
Tesla
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Memphis, Tennessee
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Southaven, Mississippi
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Southaven, Mississippi
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Nissan Charging Station
Southaven, Mississippi
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 3
Tesla: 2
Other: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.3
1
$36.51
$16.69
Efficient EV
86.9
0
$30.42
$13.91
EV Truck/SUV
139.1
1
$48.68
$22.25
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Southaven, MS
Night
in Southaven on Friday
Local time
10:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Nicholson, MS
Night
in Nicholson on Friday
Local time
10:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°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
2 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
6h 30m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Southaven, MS to Nicholson, MS covers 347.7 miles and takes about 6h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, Highway 49 South, 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 173.8 miles from Southaven, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $52.51 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 347.7 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 0.3 miles (Millbranch Road): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 197.7 miles (US 49): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 280.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Southaven, MS and Nicholson, MS, road signs point toward Hattiesburg, Richland, Gulf Coast and Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley 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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
