Best route from St. Louis to Gulf Shores

We have driven this a couple times and taken 55 all the way down to Jackson, MS, 49 to Hattiesburg then 98 to Mobile. I was just looking at AAA and Mapquest and they both recommend taking 45 down. Looks like you would take 55 down and get on to 412 around Hayti, Mo and take that to Jackson TN and head south on 45 the rest of the way.

Looks like it is more direct and about 35 miles less, and according to their (automated) estimation, it’s a full hour shorter (11 hours %26amp; 5 mins. compared to 12 hours %26amp; 5 mins.). The route on 45 looks pretty sparse and probably 2 lane highway for a long ways, but if it really saves and hour it may be worth a try.

Anyone out there familiar with this 45 route?

Anyone travel both and could compare?

Side note;

Best of luck with Gustav, hope it fades away.

Best route from St. Louis to Gulf Shores

Interesting...I did the route on Rand-McNally and they recommended that same route. When we lived in St Charles we always just came the way you have been using. Might be worth a try to check the other one out. I have been on 45 from Tupelo south and, while it is two-lane in some sections, the two times I%26#39;ve been on it there was very little traffic. Check it out and let us know!

Best route from St. Louis to Gulf Shores

We live north of Jackson Tn on 412 and have made the trip to GS many times down 45. It is now 4 lane all the way to the MS/Al state line. About 50 miles of 2 lane in AL. Most of the towns in MS have been bypassed with the new 4 lane. It is definitely a good way to go. Traffic is rarely heavy and most of the 18 wheelers are on the interstates. It is a piece of cake compared to driving on an Interstate. Just dont expect a lot of places to stop for food etc once you get south of West Point. Have to get off the 4 lane and detour into town most places.

Also 412 is good divided 4 lane all the way from Hayti to Jackson. Getting through Jackson will slow you down a little because of a few stop lights on the south side of town but nothing serious. When you get to Mobile be sure to get on the I65 spur that takes you downtown. When it ends just stay straight ahead for a few blocks and you will get on I-10. Only a few blocks of downtown traffic and usually not heavy.

Just dont slow down when you pass the Alamo/Bells exit on 412 cause I might try to hitch a ride ;-).

I havent ever been down I-55 but we used to go over and hit I-65 before they finished the 4 lane on 45. Wouldnt even think of going that way now.

Hope you have a good trip

Thanks for the info. I think we should give 45 a try.

I have a couple small children and in the past we%26#39;ve driven overnight while they sleep. Since we can%26#39;t get into our house until Sunday at 4:00 pm, I%26#39;m considering breaking this trip into two. Tupelo is pretty much the half way point. Is there anything to do in this town for a Saturday evening for two families with kids. Any unique restaurants or sites?

Anyone out there familiar with Tupelo?