Trip from Tupelo, MS to Gulfport, MS

Data updated 3 hours ago

Drive Time

5h 53m

Distance

301.8 mi

486 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 40m ★

6 AM

5h 53m

8 AM

6h 19m

10 AM

6h 2m

12 PM

6h 0m

3 PM

6h 4m

5 PM

6h 18m

8 PM

5h 45m

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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Tupelo, MS

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Gulfport, MS

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Trip Overview

This highway-focused drive from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gulfport, Mississippi, covers 301.8 miles and is estimated to take 5 hours and 53 minutes. Given its duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, though you could certainly extend it if desired. You'll primarily navigate via I-59, US-49, and US Highway 45 Alternate. With a projected fuel cost of $46, it’s an economical journey through the heart of Mississippi. This drive is a straightforward way to get from the northern part of the state to the Gulf Coast.

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

150.9 miles from Tupelo, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 58m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a drive that is 96% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster-paced roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 88.7 miles along I-59, so be prepared for a significant period of consistent driving. While primarily an interstate experience, segments on US-49 and US Highway 45 Alternate will offer slight variations in scenery and speed. This route is designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, making it a practical choice for reaching your destination quickly.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 59 is the longest continuous segment at about 88.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 59 and US 49. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 147 miles in near I 59.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 301.8 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 147 miles (I 59): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 235.7 miles (US 98): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.9 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.

147 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in | I 59

Keep slight left at fork onto I 59 toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans

235.7 mi into trip | ~4h 30m 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

238.9 mi into trip | ~4h 34m 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...

239.2 mi into trip | ~4h 35m 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

239.4 mi into trip | ~4h 35m in | US 49

Turn right onto US 49

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Tupelo, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.

New Orleans

147 mi in | ~2h 54m | via I 59

Mobile

235.7 mi in | ~4h 30m | via US 98

Mississippi Gulf Coast

238.9 mi in | ~4h 34m

Multi Purpose Center

239.2 mi in | ~4h 35m

Hattiesburg

239.2 mi in | ~4h 35m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 59	88.7 mi	1h 36m
US 49	62.4 mi	1h 17m
US Highway 45 Aiternate	60.6 mi	1h 9m
US Highway 45 Alternate	54.7 mi	1h 6m
Martin Luther King Drive	8.7 mi	10m
I 20	8.1 mi	9m
US 45 ALT	7.2 mi	8m
US 45	3.9 mi	4m

Longest stretch: I 59 — 88.7 mi, about 1h 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tupelo, MS and Gulfport, MS.

Start on North Spring Street

68 ft · 5 sec · North Spring Street

Turn right onto Court Street

317 ft · 16 sec · Court Street

Turn right onto North Front Street

287 ft · 15 sec · North Front Street

Turn left onto East Main Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Main Street

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 55 sec

Merge onto US 45; MS 6

1.0 mi · 1 min · Martin Luther King Drive

Continue on US 45; MS 6

2.3 mi · 2 min · Martin Luther King, Junior Drive

Continue on US 45; US 278

7.7 mi · 8 min · Martin Luther King Drive

Continue on US 45 ALT

1.4 mi · 1 min · US 45 ALT

Continue on US 45 ALT

2.2 mi · 2 min · US 45 ALT

Continue on US 45 ALT

1.5 mi · 1 min · US 45 ALT

Continue on US 45 ALT

0.7 mi · 49 sec · US 45 ALT

Continue on US 45 ALT

1.4 mi · 1 min · US 45 ALT

Continue on US 45 ALT

55 mi · 1 hr 6 min · US Highway 45 Alternate

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 45

61 mi · 1 hr 9 min · US Highway 45 Aiternate

Keep slight right at fork onto US 45

3.9 mi · 4 min · US 45

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 59 South, I 20 West: Meridian

Merge onto I 20; I 59

6.3 mi · 7 min · I 20; I 59

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 20; I 59; US 80

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 20; I 59; US 80

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 59

89 mi · 1 hr 36 min · I 59

Toward I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto US 98

3.2 mi · 4 min · US 98

Toward US 98 East: Lucedale, Mobile Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec

Toward US 49: Wiggins, Gulfport, Mississippi Gulf Coast Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Toward Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto US 49

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · US 49

Use the straight lane.

Turn straight onto US 49

4.5 mi · 7 min · US 49

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 49

215 ft · 16 sec · 25th Avenue

Arrive at destination

US 49

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour and 53-minute drive, an early morning departure from Tupelo is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed arrival in Gulfport. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 88.7-mile stretch on I-59, as services can be spread out. The primary roads are well-maintained, making for a smooth journey. Consider packing snacks and drinks to minimize the need for stops and enjoy the efficiency of this direct 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 150.9 miles from Tupelo, MS, or about 2h 58m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.7 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 150.9 miles or 2h 58m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 45m

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 Tupelo, 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 Tupelo, MS

This is one driving day of about 301.8 miles and 5h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Tupelo, 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 59 for about 88.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 150.9 mi from Tupelo, MS · 2h 58m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Butler, AL

151 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

Butler, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Butler, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 150.9 miles from Tupelo, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 59 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.7 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$45.58 one way

$91.16 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 106 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$50.03	$100.07
premium	$4.56	$54.17	$108.34
diesel	$5.61	$66.63	$133.27

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$46

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$71–$96

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 105.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	90.5	1	$31.69	$14.49
Efficient EV	75.5	0	$26.41	$12.07
EV Truck/SUV	120.7	1	$42.25	$19.32

Gas CO2

106 kg

EV CO2

35 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 4 hours ago

Origin

Tupelo, MS

Morning in Tupelo on Wednesday

Local time

6:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gulfport, MS

Morning in Gulfport on Wednesday

Local time

6:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

48°F

Butler, AL

151 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

10 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

5h 53m 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 Tupelo, MS to Gulfport, MS covers 301.8 miles and takes about 5h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 59, US 49, US Highway 45 Aiternate. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 150.9 miles from Tupelo, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.58 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.

Between Tupelo, MS and Gulfport, MS, road signs point toward New Orleans, Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Multi Purpose Center and Hattiesburg.

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Return Trip

Gulfport, MS to Tupelo, MS

Plan the drive back the other way.

302.5 mi 5h 53m

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Trip from Tupelo, MS to Gulfport, MS

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Gulfport, MS

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Tupelo, MS

Gulfport, MS

Same local time

10 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 53m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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