Biloxi is about 110 to 115 miles from Gulf Shores, a drive of roughly two hours in normal traffic.
If you are planning a beach hop along the northern Gulf Coast, one of the first details to sort out is the drive between Biloxi and Gulf Shores. These two towns share the same stretch of warm water and pale sand, so many travelers link them in a single weekend. The distance is short enough for a laid-back day trip yet long enough to feel like a fresh, nearby change of scene.
How Far Is Biloxi From Gulf Shores Alabama? Driving Overview
The drive between Biloxi, Mississippi and Gulf Shores, Alabama is about 114 miles by road, with most routing apps showing a drive time close to two hours in light traffic. That number can slide closer to two and a half hours once you add gas, coffee, and photo stops.
| Route Or Option | Approx. Miles | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest drive via I-10 & AL-59 | About 110–115 | 1 hr 55 min–2 hr 10 min |
| Scenic coastal drive via US-90 then AL-59 | About 115–125 | 2 hr 15 min–2 hr 45 min |
| Drive to Gulf Shores via Orange Beach | About 110 | Just over 2 hr |
| Taxi to Mobile + bus to Biloxi (reverse direction) | Not listed, road distance similar | Around 3 hr including transfers |
| Driving from Biloxi to Gulf Shores by boat equivalent (sea miles) | About 73 nautical miles | Half-day trip or more by small boat |
| Straight line distance “as the crow flies” | About 72 road-free miles | No direct travel, just map distance |
| Extra time to allow for summer weekend traffic | — | Add 20–40 minutes |
Driving Distance And Time
Most mapping tools and trip calculators agree on a driving distance of roughly 114 miles between Gulf Shores and Biloxi, with a predicted drive time of just under two hours in steady conditions.
This puts the trip in the same bucket as a moderate weekend commute rather than a long road slog. You can leave Biloxi after breakfast and still reach Gulf Shores in time for an early lunch and beach time, or leave Gulf Shores after dinner and roll into Biloxi before midnight.
Straight Line Distance And Why It Looks Shorter
On a map, the two cities appear close together, and the straight line distance comes out near seventy two miles. That figure can fool new visitors. The shoreline bends, bridges limit crossings, and highways swing inland, so the real drive usually lands roughly somewhere around one hundred ten to one hundred fifteen miles.
Traveling Without A Car
If you prefer not to drive, the options between Biloxi and Gulf Shores are less direct. At the moment there is no single through bus that runs the whole way. One common pattern is a taxi or rideshare from Gulf Shores to Mobile, then a regional bus to Biloxi, or the same in reverse. Total travel time usually lands above two hours and can stretch past three once you include waiting at stops.
Biloxi To Gulf Shores Alabama Drive Distance And Routes
Biloxi sits on Coastal Mississippi, with casino resorts, a lighthouse, and a long man-made beach that runs beside Highway 90. Gulf Shores lies on the Alabama Gulf Coast with soft white sand, boardwalk access, and easy entry to Gulf State Park and nearby Orange Beach.
Tourism boards on both sides keep updated visitor information. The Coastal Mississippi tourism page for Biloxi outlines attractions along Highway 90 and near the Biloxi Lighthouse, while the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach visitor guide gives a feel for the beaches and park access around AL-59 and the state line.
Fastest Interstate-Heavy Route
The most direct choice strings together I-110 out of Biloxi, westbound I-10, and then AL-59 south through Foley. Once you leave the casino strip and cross the I-110 bridge, you join I-10 east toward Mobile. Near the Baldwin Beach Express or AL-59 exits, you drop south toward Foley and carry on into Gulf Shores.
This route keeps you on higher speed roads for most of the trip and tends to be the choice for travelers who want the simplest path. Gas and food stops cluster around the I-10 exits, and signage toward “Beaches” or “Gulf Shores” is clear once you reach Baldwin County.
Scenic Coastal Route Along US-90
If you prefer a slower pace with water views, you can shadow the shoreline along US-90 across Coastal Mississippi and into coastal Alabama before angling down to Gulf Shores. This way takes you through small beach towns, islands of live oak trees, and views of the Mississippi Sound.
US-90 runs close to the water through Biloxi and nearby communities, then eventually ties back toward the main highways that lead down to Foley and Gulf Shores. Driving time increases, because the road carries local traffic, traffic lights, and lower speed limits, but many road-trippers treat that as part of the fun.
Using The Foley Beach Express
Another tweak is to leave I-10 earlier and follow the Foley Beach Express toward the coast. This toll road can shave a little time during busy hours because it bypasses some of the traffic lights on AL-59. You still finish the trip by dropping back onto local roads close to the beach, but the inland portion moves a bit faster.
Best Time Of Day To Drive Between Biloxi And Gulf Shores
Because the distance between Biloxi and Gulf Shores is modest, timing still counts. Weekends and holiday periods along the Gulf Coast bring heavy traffic toward the water. Late morning on a Saturday in peak summer can stretch a two hour drive, especially on AL-59 and the final stretch into Gulf Shores. Early starts or late returns usually keep the ride steady and calm.
Seasonal Weather And Road Conditions
Along this route, heat, storms, and humidity demand a little respect. Summer thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast can build quickly, cutting visibility and slowing traffic on the I-10 bridge segments. During the peak of hurricane season, local officials may issue travel advisories or close parts of the coast, so watch local news and weather before you set off.
In winter, you usually avoid snow and ice, but heavy rain and fog still appear. Giving yourself a buffer of an extra 20 to 30 minutes keeps the schedule comfortable without rushing in poor visibility.
What To Expect On The Road Between Biloxi And Gulf Shores
Now that you know how far is biloxi from gulf shores alabama?, it helps to picture the feel of the drive. The route mixes short bridge hops, stretches of pine forest, and flashes of open water. Service stations, chain restaurants, and small diners show up at regular intervals, so you are never far from gas or snacks.
Scenery Along The Way
Leaving Biloxi, you roll past stretches of white sand and the Biloxi Lighthouse before the road swings inland toward the interstate. Once on I-10, the scenery turns greener, with long, straight sections framed by pine and occasional marsh views. As you close in on Baldwin County, billboards and roadside signs start to mention Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Gulf State Park.
The final leg down AL-59 runs through Foley, which has plenty of food stops and stores, then through low-lying coastal areas with glimpses of bay water and beach condos. The closer you get to Gulf Shores, the more beach traffic you share the road with, including rental cars and RVs.
Traffic Patterns You Should Know
During spring break, summer, and long holiday weekends, the main pinch points usually appear around the I-10 Mobile Bay bridge, the Foley area, and the causeway segments near Gulf Shores. Local drivers know these patterns well, so you might see sudden speed drops near popular exits even on clear days.
Outside of those peak periods, the road network handles traffic well. You may meet slowdowns near popular exits, yet long stops are uncommon on clear days. Checking a live map before departure helps, and leaving earlier keeps the drive relaxed.
Stops Worth Making Between Biloxi And Gulf Shores
Part of the appeal of this trip comes from the places between the two cities. Instead of rushing straight through, you can pause for seafood, boardwalk views, or nature walks and still reach your hotel before dark.
| Stop | Distance From Biloxi | Why Travelers Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Biloxi Visitors Center And Lighthouse | 0–2 miles | Classic photo stop and quick exhibit before heading east |
| Ocean Springs Downtown | About 5–10 miles | Walkable streets, coffee shops, and small galleries |
| Coastal Views Along US-90 | Within first 20–30 miles | Pull-offs with sand, water, and live oak shade |
| Downtown Mobile | Roughly halfway | Historic streets, restaurants, and riverfront walks |
| Foley Outlets And Restaurants | About 90 miles | Chain dining, shopping, and a break before the beach |
| Gulf State Park Trails | Just north of Gulf Shores | Lakeside boardwalks and paved paths through dunes and pines |
| Gulf Shores Public Beach | 110–115 miles | Wide white sand with easy access and plenty of nearby food |
Planning Your Biloxi And Gulf Shores Beach Time
Once you know how far is biloxi from gulf shores alabama?, planning turns into fine-tuning. Decide which city will be your main base, then treat the other as a bonus day trip. Some travelers split nights evenly, using Biloxi for casino nights and Gulf Shores for beach-heavy days. Others stay on one side of the state line and drive the loop once.
Whatever mix you choose, leave room in the schedule for weather, traffic, and spur-of-the-moment detours for shrimp, oysters, or sunset photos. A little flexibility turns a simple two-hour drive into an easy string of memories along one of the most relaxed stretches of road on the Gulf Coast.