Little Rock to Gulfport Road Trip: Delta & Coast Guide

The drive from Little Rock, AR to Gulfport, MS spans 427 miles along a route shaped by the Mississippi River and its alluvial plain. You'll travel I-530, US-65, I-20, I-55, and I-10. The estimated driving time is 6 hours 45 minutes without stops. This route crosses the Arkansas Delta, passes by the legendary Mississippi River, and ends on the Gulf Coast.

A notable historical fact: the portion of US-65 from Pine Bluff to the Mississippi River was once part of the old 'King's Highway' used by Spanish explorers and early settlers. The landscape shifts from the rolling hills of central Arkansas to flat agricultural plains, then to the pine forests and wetlands of southern Mississippi.

Fuel costs for the round trip average $80-$100 depending on your vehicle. Gas stations are abundant along I-55 and I-10, but sparse on US-65 south of Pine Bluff. Plan to fill up at Greenville, MS or before crossing the river. For tips on finding hidden gems, check our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Best fuel stop: Exit 193 on I-55 (Jackson) has multiple stations with competitive prices.
• Toll roads: None on this route.
• Road conditions: US-65 is a two-lane highway; I-55 and I-10 are well-maintained interstates.

The Arkansas Delta offers flat agricultural vistas with cotton, rice, and soybean fields. Near the Mississippi River, you'll see expansive levees and oxbow lakes. The Mississippi Delta is famous for its blues heritage; stop in Clarksdale, MS for a taste of local music. The Gulf Coast beaches at Gulfport feature white sand and warm waters.

• Natural Attractions: Mississippi River Overlook at Greenville, MS; Bay St. Louis beaches.
• UNESCO: While none directly on route, the Poverty Point World Heritage Site is a 2-hour detour from Greenville.
• Local commerce: Try farm stands selling muscadine grapes and pecans near Leland, MS.

The route is generally safe, but watch for deer crossing on US-65 at dusk. Interstate segments are well-lit. Family-friendly stops include the Mississippi Children's Museum in Jackson and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport. Pet-friendly chains like La Quinta are common along I-55.

• Rest zones: Rest areas at mile marker 123 on I-55 and near Hattiesburg.
• Fatigue: Avoid driving between midnight and 6 AM; use the Vicksburg rest area.
• Hidden off-route: The catfish farms near Belzoni, MS offer a unique local lunch.