How far is Meridian, MS from Columbia, MS?
The driving distance from Meridian, MS to Columbia, MS is about 116.9 miles (188.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 101.7 miles (163.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 16m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Mississippi, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Meridian and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Meridian and Columbia.
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1
Start on 25th Avenue
83 m · 17 sec · 25th Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 8th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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3
Turn left onto Airport Boulevard
1.1 mi · 2 min · Airport Boulevard
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4
Turn right onto North Frontage Road
907 ft · 15 sec · North Frontage Road
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5
Take the ramp slight left
1120 ft · 27 sec
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6
Merge slight left
1.6 mi · 2 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
82.8 mi · 1 hr 30 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 98 West: Columbia, Hardy Street
862 ft · 21 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on US 98 West: Hardy Street, University of Southern Mississippi, Columbia
72 m · 8 sec
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10
Turn right onto Hardy Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Hardy Street
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11
Continue straight
1971 ft · 38 sec
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12
Continue straight
1353 ft · 23 sec
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13
Continue straight
3.1 mi · 4 min
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14
Continue straight
1.7 mi · 2 min
-
15
Continue straight
19.1 mi · 22 min
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward Old Hwy 98 East
1.6 km · 2 min · Old Hwy 98 East
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17
Continue on Broad Street
2.1 mi · 4 min · Broad Street
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18
Continue on Main Street
125 m · 7 sec · Main Street
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19
Turn left onto 2nd Street
739 ft · 26 sec · 2nd Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Meridian and Columbia.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 59 South
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 South: Laurel, New Orleans
82.8 mi · 01h 30m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Meridian and Sunny near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Meridian to Columbia?
The road trip is about 116.9 miles (188.2 km) and usually takes 02h 16m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Laurel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.5 miles from Meridian and 58.5 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 101.7 miles (163.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.64 one way or $31.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Meridian and Sunny near Columbia.
Stop Ideas Near Laurel
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Laurel.
Laurel station
Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg station
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Meridian and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 101.69 mi (163.65 km).
#1 Meridian
City in and the county seat of Lauderdale County, Mississippi, United States
| Population | 36,011 |
| Coordinates | 32.3643100, -88.7036600 |
| Altitude | 105 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbia
City in Mississippi, United States
| Population | 5,850 |
| Coordinates | 31.2518400, -89.8375800 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbia (-89.83758, 31.25184)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 188 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $15.64 | $31.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $17.59 | $35.18 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $19.10 | $38.20 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $22.36 | $44.73 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Mississippi · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.