Drive Time
1h 6m
Distance
52.2 mi
84 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
Photo: RDNE Stock project
If you are planning to travel from Waynesboro to Meridian, you are looking at a straightforward 52.2-mile trek through the heart of Southeast Mississippi. This drive typically takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes, making it an ideal candidate for a simple day trip that requires no overnight stay. You should budget approximately $8 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because the route stays entirely within the state, you won't experience significant regional transitions, ensuring a consistent driving experience. It is a practical, no-nonsense connection between these two points, perfect for travelers prioritizing efficiency over complex sightseeing. Whether you are heading north for business or a quick visit, this route offers a reliable and predictable path.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
26.1 miles from Waynesboro, MS
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 32m into the drive .
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 92% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend the bulk of your time on US 45, which accounts for a 43.2-mile stretch of the journey, providing a steady pace behind the wheel. The road transitions from this primary artery into MS 145 and Mississippi Drive as you approach your final destination. Because it is largely a highway drive, the character is functional rather than technical, favoring consistent speed over winding, scenic detours. You can anticipate a smooth, uninterrupted flow that allows you to cover the distance without the fatigue associated with navigating complex local road networks.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45 and MS 145. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near MS 145 / Mississippi Drive.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 1h 6m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (MS 145 / Mississippi Drive): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (US 45): Lane positioning matters here; at 46.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto MS 145 / Mississippi Drive
Navigation decision point
At end of road, turn left onto US 45
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward MS 145: Meridian
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
At end of road, turn left onto MS 145
Lane positioning matters here
Turn left onto 25th Avenue
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 45 | 43.2 mi | 50m |
| MS 145 | 4.8 mi | 8m |
| Mississippi Drive | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Azalea Drive | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| 8th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 25th Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Waynesboro, MS and Meridian, MS.
Start on MS 184
Turn left onto MS 145
At end of road, turn left onto US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Continue on US 45
Take the exit
At end of road, turn left onto MS 145
Turn left onto 8th Street
Turn left onto 25th Avenue
Arrive at destination
Since this is a short trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. With no mandatory stops required to complete the 52.2-mile distance, you can easily drive the entire segment in one go. Keep in mind that the majority of your time is spent on US 45, so stay alert for changing speed limits as you transition onto MS 145 and Mississippi Drive near Meridian. It is helpful to fuel up before leaving Waynesboro to take advantage of your $8 budget estimate and avoid unnecessary stops. By maintaining a steady pace on the highway, you can reach your destination in just over an hour without needing to break up the drive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 52.2 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 26.1 miles or 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meridian, MS than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Waynesboro, 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 Waynesboro, MS
This is one driving day of about 52.2 miles and 1h 6m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 26.1 mi from Waynesboro, MS · 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
26 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.
A short stop after about 52.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 26.1 miles from Waynesboro, MS, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Meridian, 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 Meridian, MS.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$7.98 one way
$15.96 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $8.75 | $17.51 |
| premium | $4.61 | $9.47 | $18.95 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $11.60 | $23.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 15.7 | 0 | $5.48 | $2.51 |
| Efficient EV | 13.1 | 0 | $4.57 | $2.09 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 20.9 | 0 | $7.31 | $3.34 |
Gas CO2
18 kg
EV CO2
6 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. If you're planning ahead, check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Origin
Late night in Waynesboro on Sunday
Local time
3:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Meridian on Sunday
Local time
3:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
86°F
Butler, AL
26 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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