Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from University, MS to Hattiesburg, MS

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

4h 53m

Distance

248.9 mi

401 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 40m ★
6 AM
4h 53m
8 AM
5h 20m
10 AM
5h 3m
12 PM
5h 0m
3 PM
5h 4m
5 PM
5h 19m
8 PM
4h 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
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown University, MS, MS

University, MS

DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ

Trip Overview

The drive from University, MS to Hattiesburg, MS covers 248.9 miles and takes about 4h 53m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on MS 7, Highway 49 South, I 55 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 144.2 miles on MS 7. At current regular gas prices, budget about $37.59 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

124.5 miles from University, MS

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 248.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 4h 53m highway drive covering 248.9 miles, with most of the trip on MS 7 and Highway 49 South. The longest continuous stretch is about 144.2 miles on MS 7.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MS 7 is the longest continuous segment at about 144.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MS 7 and Highway 49 South. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near South 9th Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 248.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.2 miles (South 9th Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.1 miles (MS 7): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 161 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | South 9th Street

Turn right onto South 9th Street

Navigation decision point

5
8.1 mi into trip | ~13m in | MS 7

Enter roundabout onto MS 7 toward MS 7 South: Water Valley

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
5
161 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattie...
6
161.9 mi into trip | ~3h 2m 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
5
162.7 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in | US 49 / Highway 49 South

Merge onto US 49 / Highway 49 South

Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.

On the drive from University, MS to Hattiesburg, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Richland along the way.

Richland

161.9 mi in | ~3h 2m | via US 49

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
MS 7 144.2 mi 2h 39m
Highway 49 South 80.3 mi 1h 37m
I 55 15.6 mi 18m
US 49 3.6 mi 6m
Old Highway 42 1.8 mi 3m
North Main Street 1.2 mi 2m
University Avenue 0.9 mi 2m
Tyler Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: MS 7 — 144.2 mi, about 2h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between University, MS and Hattiesburg, MS.

1

Start on Tyler Avenue

0.2 mi · 48 sec · Tyler Avenue
2

Turn right onto South 9th Street

376 ft · 23 sec · South 9th Street
3

Turn left onto MS 314

0.9 mi · 2 min · University Avenue
4

Enter roundabout

36 ft · 0 sec
5

Continue

0.2 mi · 19 sec
6

Merge onto MS 7

6.8 mi · 9 min · MS 7
7

Enter roundabout onto MS 7

124 ft · 1 sec · MS 7
Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
8

Continue on MS 7

36 mi · 41 min · MS 7
Toward MS 7 South: Water Valley
9

Take the exit onto MS 7

101 mi · 1 hr 48 min · MS 7
10

Continue on I 55

16 mi · 18 min · I 55
11

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 20 East, US 49 South: Meridian, Hattiesburg
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 49

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 49
Toward Richland, Hattiesburg
13

Merge onto US 49

80 mi · 1 hr 37 min · Highway 49 South
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on US 49; MS 42

0.4 mi · 35 sec · US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
15

Continue on US 49; MS 42

2.4 mi · 4 min · US 49; MS 42
Use the straight lane.
16

Turn left onto Old Highway 42

1.8 mi · 3 min · Old Highway 42
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto North Main Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Turn left onto Batson Street

154 ft · 8 sec · Batson Street
19

Turn right

329 ft · 25 sec
20

At end of road, turn right onto US 11

98 ft · 4 sec · East Pine Street
21

Arrive at destination

US 11

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 124.5 miles from University, MS, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 144.2 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 55 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.5 miles or 2h 20m 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 54m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hattiesburg, MS than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving University, 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 University, MS

This is one driving day of about 248.9 miles and 4h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from University, 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 MS 7 for about 144.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 124.5 mi from University, MS · 2h 20m into the drive

city in Rankin County, Mississippi, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Pearl, MS

124 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.

Popular next leg

Pearl, MS to Hattiesburg, MS

88.6 mi · 1h 53m

Pacing Suggestions

Grenada, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Madison, MS

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.5 miles from University, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before MS 7 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 144.2 miles.

Arriving in Hattiesburg, MS

The final approach into Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg, 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 154.5
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.59 one way

$75.18 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $41.26 $82.53
premium $4.56 $44.67 $89.35
diesel $5.61 $54.95 $109.91

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 87.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 74.7 0 $26.13 $11.95
Efficient EV 62.2 0 $21.78 $9.96
EV Truck/SUV 99.6 1 $34.85 $15.93

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

University, MS

Night in University on Thursday

Local time

10:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hattiesburg, MS

Night in Hattiesburg on Thursday

Local time

10:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

62°F

Pearl, MS

124 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

3 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

4h 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 University, MS to Hattiesburg, MS covers 248.9 miles and takes about 4h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MS 7, Highway 49 South, I 55. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 124.5 miles from University, MS. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.59 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 248.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.2 miles (South 9th Street): Navigation decision point; at 8.1 miles (MS 7): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 161 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from University, MS to Hattiesburg, MS, road signs begin pointing toward Richland along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Hattiesburg, MS

Olive Branch, MS 290.5 mi · 5h 36m Southaven, MS 284.8 mi · 5h 26m Belmont, MS 275.5 mi · 5h 26m Jonestown, MS 270.5 mi · 5h 22m

More trips to Hattiesburg, MS

Byhalia, MS 294.9 mi Olive Branch, MS 290.9 mi Ripley, MS 274.6 mi Booneville, MS 260 mi New Albany, MS 255.9 mi Fulton, MS 249.9 mi
Overnight trips from University, MS Scenic drives in MS

Explore more options from University, MS or browse trips ending in Hattiesburg, MS.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MS road trips.

Explore maps for University, MS or Hattiesburg, MS on MapSof.net.