National Car Rental
Mississippi

Travelers can typically find National Car Rental services at Mississippi's major airports, including Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN) and Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT). The primary difference is their geographic focus; JAN serves as the central hub for the capital city and central Mississippi, while GPT is the gateway to the Gulf Coast's beaches and casinos. At both locations, the rental car counters are conveniently located within or very near the main terminal building. This ensures a streamlined process for travelers to collect their vehicle shortly after arrival, whether they are heading to a business meeting in Jackson or a vacation in Biloxi.

Finding the National Car Rental area at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is designed to be a simple process for arriving passengers. After you deplane and collect your luggage from the baggage claim area on the first level, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars." The rental car counters, including National's, are conveniently located in the terminal building, just a short walk from baggage claim. Following these clear directional signs will lead you directly to the service desk to complete your rental process.

During a busy travel weekend at JAN, it's wise to budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you're driving away. This timeframe accounts for deplaning, walking to the baggage claim, waiting for and collecting your luggage, and then proceeding to the rental counter to finalize your vehicle pickup. While the process is typically efficient, holiday weekends or event days can increase wait times slightly. Planning for this buffer helps ensure a relaxed and unhurried start to your Mississippi travels.

For a straightforward drive from JAN to downtown Jackson, the most direct route is via Interstate 20. From the airport's exit road, follow the signs for I-20 West toward Jackson. This major interstate will take you directly to the edge of the downtown area. You can then take one of the clearly marked exits, such as State Street or Gallatin Street, to reach your specific destination. This route avoids complex local roads and is the simplest way for a first-time visitor to navigate into the city center.

The most direct route from JAN to the northern suburbs of Madison and Ridgeland is to take Interstate 55 North. From the airport, you will first get on I-20 West for a very short distance before merging onto I-55 North. While you may encounter some typical evening rush hour congestion, especially around the I-20/I-55 interchange, this remains the most efficient and well-marked path. Staying on this main interstate allows you to avoid complex surface streets and navigate directly to the exits for Ridgeland and Madison.

First-time drivers in downtown Jackson should be mindful of the grid of one-way streets, particularly in the blocks immediately surrounding the Mississippi State Capitol. It's helpful to use a GPS to avoid wrong turns. Traffic is generally busiest during weekday work hours but is typically manageable compared to larger cities. For parking near the Capitol and other downtown attractions, you'll find a mix of metered street parking and public parking garages, so it's a good idea to have a plan before you arrive.

Visitors to the acclaimed "Two Mississippi Museums" complex will find parking to be very convenient. The museums share a dedicated parking garage located directly adjacent to the buildings, accessible from North Street. This is the most common and recommended option, as it provides secure and easy access to the museum entrances. Using this garage eliminates the need to search for street parking and allows you to focus on your visit to these important cultural institutions.

For a stress-free visit to a Jackson State University event, the best approach is to plan ahead and arrive early. Check the university's website or the event information for specific instructions on visitor parking, as they often designate certain lots for guests. Driving to the campus is straightforward using major roads like J. R. Lynch Street, but on-campus parking can become limited during popular events like football games or graduation. Arriving well before the event starts gives you the best chance to find a convenient spot and walk to your destination without rushing.

Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway is a uniquely serene and scenic experience, as it's a commercial-free road with a strictly enforced low speed limit. From the Jackson area, one of the easiest access points is just north of the city in Ridgeland, directly off I-55. Expect a leisurely, two-lane drive through beautiful forests and past historical markers. The parkway is perfect for a relaxing journey, with plenty of pull-offs for you to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The most scenic and historic route for a day trip from Jackson to Natchez is undoubtedly the Natchez Trace Parkway. This historic roadway offers a peaceful drive through beautiful landscapes, free from commercial traffic. Common and worthwhile stopping points along this southern stretch of the Trace include the Cypress Swamp, with its elevated boardwalk over the water, and the historic Rocky Springs townsite. Plan for a slower-paced journey to fully appreciate the views and the numerous historical markers that tell the story of the old trail.

The drive from Jackson to Vicksburg is typically very quick, taking about 45 to 50 minutes via Interstate 20 West. It's a straight and easy drive between the two cities. When you arrive at the Vicksburg National Military Park, you'll find that parking is well-organized and plentiful. The main visitor center has a large lot where you can park to get oriented, and throughout the park's extensive driving tour, there are numerous designated pull-offs at key monuments and viewpoints.

Vicksburg's riverfront and historic downtown are very manageable for visitors. The easiest approach is to find a central parking spot and explore the area on foot. There are several public parking lots available, particularly near the riverfront casinos, as well as ample street parking along Washington Street. Once you've parked your car, you can easily walk to the various museums, historic murals, shops, and restaurants that make the downtown area so charming.

A practical driving loop for a Jackson and Mississippi Delta trip involves heading north first and returning from the west. You can start by driving from Jackson up Highway 49 to Yazoo City, then continue north to explore Delta towns like Greenwood and Clarksdale. From the northern Delta, you can travel down the famous Highway 61, known as the Blues Highway. Finally, you can cut back east towards Jackson on a route like Highway 16, completing a large, scenic circle that minimizes redundant driving.

When driving on rural Mississippi highways after dark, the most important thing to be aware of is the general lack of streetlights. This can make visibility challenging, so it's crucial to drive at a comfortable speed and use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. While the pavement on most state highways is well-maintained, the darkness can obscure road edges and potential hazards. Staying alert and giving yourself extra braking distance is the key to a safe nighttime drive through the countryside.

Wildlife crossings, especially for deer, are quite common on Mississippi's rural roads, particularly around dawn and dusk. Regions that require extra caution include the Natchez Trace Parkway, areas bordering national forests like the DeSoto or Holly Springs, and any highway that cuts through dense woods or farmland. It is always a good practice for drivers to be vigilant, scan the shoulders of the road, and be prepared for animals that may dart into the roadway unexpectedly, especially during the autumn months.

During heavy rainstorms in Mississippi, low-lying rural roads and county roads are the most susceptible to temporary flooding or water pooling on the surface. In urban areas, some streets with older drainage systems can also experience standing water. On major interstates, the biggest challenge is often reduced visibility caused by heavy spray from trucks and other cars. It's always safest to reduce your speed significantly, increase your following distance, and never attempt to drive through water of an unknown depth.

For a relaxed and straightforward drive from Jackson to the Gulf Coast, U.S. Highway 49 South is the best route. It's a major four-lane highway for nearly the entire journey, making for an easy and direct trip to cities like Gulfport. A perfect place for a break is the city of Hattiesburg, which is located at about the halfway point of the drive. Hattiesburg offers numerous restaurants, gas stations, and shops right off the highway, making it a convenient and popular place to stop and stretch.

A great strategy for exploring the coast is to park centrally and utilize other transportation. For instance, you could park in the easily walkable downtown of Ocean Springs to enjoy its shops and galleries. From there, you can use a rideshare service or the Coast Transit Authority's Beachcomber trolley line to travel to Biloxi's casino row or other attractions. This approach saves you the time and hassle of finding parking at each popular spot along the busy Highway 90 corridor.

Visiting the Biloxi waterfront is made easy by the ample parking provided by the casinos. Most of them offer large, multi-level parking garages that are free to the public, which is the most convenient option. There are also some surface lots in the area. A key thing to be aware of is the significant pedestrian traffic crossing Highway 90 (Beach Boulevard) between the casinos and the beachfront. Always drive with caution and be on the lookout for people crossing this busy road.

Ocean Springs is renowned for its highly walkable and charming downtown area. Travelers typically find abundant free parking in public lots located just off the main thoroughfares of Washington Avenue and Government Street. Once you park your car, you can easily spend hours on foot exploring the dozens of unique galleries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants clustered together. The town is designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, making it a very visitor-friendly destination.

Driving to the Ship Island Excursions ferry is straightforward, as it's located at the Gulfport Yacht Harbor with clear signage leading the way. There is a large, dedicated parking area specifically for ferry passengers right at the departure point. To ensure a smooth and stress-free morning, it is highly recommended to arrive at the parking lot at least 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure. This allows ample time to park, purchase or pick up your tickets, and board without feeling rushed.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers miles of sandy beaches with numerous public access points all along Highway 90. Most of these access points have designated parallel parking spots or small lots right by the beach. During peak times, such as sunny summer weekends, these convenient spots can fill up quickly. To get a good parking space, it's best to arrive in the morning. Be sure to observe any posted signs regarding parking time limits or restrictions.

Planning a drive from the Gulf Coast to Hattiesburg is simple, as the most direct route is U.S. Highway 49 North. This major highway offers a straight shot from cities like Gulfport directly to Hattiesburg. To reach the University of Southern Mississippi, you'll continue on Highway 49 until you see the exits for Hattiesburg. Taking the Hardy Street exit is one of the most common ways to access the campus, with clear signage directing you toward the university.

To handle an Ole Miss game day in Oxford, the best strategy is to avoid driving directly to campus. Traffic becomes extremely heavy, and on-campus parking is severely restricted. The most stress-free approach is to arrive in Oxford several hours early and utilize one of the city's designated game-day parking lots. From these lots, you can take a convenient shuttle bus directly to the campus. This allows you to bypass the worst of the traffic and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

When driving in Oxford for the first time, be prepared for the historic and bustling downtown area known as the Square. The streets immediately around the Square can be narrow and often have heavy foot traffic. Parking spots directly on the Square are highly coveted and tend to fill up very early in the day, especially on weekends. For easier parking, look for the public parking garage located just a block south of the Square, which offers more availability.

Driving in Clarksdale is generally very easy and low-stress, as it's a small Delta town. The main live-music venues, such as Ground Zero Blues Club and Red's Lounge, are located in the downtown area. Visitors usually find plenty of free street parking available within a block or two of these famous juke joints. Once you're parked, most of the key blues-related sites, including the Delta Blues Museum, are within a short and easy walking distance of each other.

A road trip from Memphis through the Mississippi Delta to Jackson is very feasible and is a classic American journey. For a short trip, a realistic and enjoyable pace would be two to three days. This allows you to drive down the legendary Highway 61, spend a night in a town like Clarksdale to experience live blues music, and make stops at historic sites in places like Cleveland or Greenwood. This pacing ensures you can soak in the unique culture of the Delta without feeling rushed.

Visiting Tupelo and the Elvis Presley Birthplace by car is exceptionally easy. The attraction has a large, dedicated parking lot that is free for all visitors, located right on the property. Getting around the rest of Tupelo is also very straightforward, with well-marked roads and generally light traffic. You can easily navigate from the Birthplace to other points of interest, like the downtown area or the Tupelo Hardware Company, in just a few minutes.

For an easy family day with minimal driving, the LeFleur Museum District in Jackson is an excellent choice. You can park once and spend the morning exploring the Mississippi Children’s Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, which are located right next to each other. Afterward, you can enjoy a picnic at the adjacent LeFleur's Bluff State Park. This entire complex is situated in one convenient area, making it a perfect, low-stress outing for families with children.

For family trips with strollers and gear, an SUV or a minivan offers the most convenience. The ample cargo space is essential for fitting everything without crowding the passenger area. Features like a power liftgate can be a huge help when your hands are full. Additionally, vehicles with wide-opening rear doors make it much easier to get car seats and children in and out, which is a big plus for frequent stops on a day trip.

Several Mississippi attractions are well-suited for visitors needing minimal walking. The Vicksburg National Military Park is primarily a driving tour, allowing you to see most monuments from your car with easy pull-offs for key sites. In Jackson, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum has an attached parking garage with elevators for direct access. Many of the Gulf Coast casinos also offer convenient valet services and are designed with accessibility in mind, making them easy to navigate.

In the Jackson area, I-55 runs north-south while I-20 runs east-west, and they intersect at a large interchange known as "The Stack." Both are typical multi-lane interstates, but they can get congested during peak hours. Visitors are often surprised by backups during the morning and evening commutes, particularly on I-55 between the northern suburbs and downtown. It's wise to allow extra travel time if you're driving through the city between 7-9 a.m. or 4-6 p.m. on a weekday.

Most hotels in downtown Jackson provide on-site parking for their guests, either in a surface lot or a parking garage, which may come with a daily fee. This is generally the most secure and convenient option for overnight parking. During the day, it's often easier to leave your car at the hotel and explore the immediate downtown area on foot. Moving your car for short trips can be a hassle, and you might lose your convenient parking spot upon your return.

Yes, certain areas can be tricky for first-time visitors. In the Jackson suburbs of Flowood and Ridgeland, major roads like Lakeland Drive and County Line Road have parallel frontage roads, which can be confusing if you're not in the correct lane for your turn. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, U.S. Highway 90 runs along the beach with many closely spaced turn-offs for restaurants and attractions. It's helpful to use a GPS and anticipate your turns a little earlier in these areas.

When driving on Mississippi's more rural routes, like the Natchez Trace Parkway or parts of Highway 61 in the Delta, it's a good strategy to be proactive about stops. A good rule of thumb is to refuel your vehicle whenever it reaches a half tank, rather than waiting for it to be near empty. Plan your meal and rest breaks around the larger towns you'll pass through on your route. These towns will have more reliable and varied options for gas, food, and restrooms.

Before starting a long road trip across Mississippi, it's smart to do a quick inspection of your rental car. Take a moment to walk around the vehicle to check the condition of the tires and ensure all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly. Inside the car, familiarize yourself with the controls for the windshield wipers, air conditioning, and cruise control. This simple check helps ensure your drive will be safe, comfortable, and free of unexpected issues.

For a smooth late-night arrival, preparation is key. Before you even leave the rental car lot, enter your hotel's address into your phone's GPS navigation app. Airport rental facilities are designed with clear signage to guide you to the main highways. To further simplify things, consider booking a hotel that is located near the airport or directly off the primary interstate you'll be using. This minimizes the need for complex turns on unfamiliar local roads in the dark.

To create an efficient multi-city trip that ends at JAN, it's best to plan a loop to avoid backtracking. For an itinerary that includes the Gulf Coast, a logical route would be to drive south from Jackson on Highway 49 to reach Gulfport or Biloxi. For your return journey, you can drive up the western side of the state on I-55 North. This creates a large, counter-clockwise loop, allowing you to experience different regions before your final, straightforward drive back into Jackson for your flight.

For an early morning flight out of JAN, a good rule is to arrive at the airport's main entrance road about two hours before your flight's departure time. From there, allow about 15-20 minutes to follow the signs to the rental car return area, complete the vehicle drop-off process, and get to the main terminal. This timeline provides a comfortable cushion, giving you plenty of time to check your luggage, pass through security, and walk to your departure gate without feeling rushed.

Visitors often find the driving pace in Mississippi to be more relaxed than in major metropolitan areas. On rural two-lane highways, it is a common and courteous practice for slower drivers to pull partially onto the paved shoulder to allow faster cars to pass safely. You may also notice drivers giving a friendly wave as a sign of thanks or acknowledgment. While speed limits are enforced, the overall flow of traffic on interstates outside of rush hour tends to be steady and less aggressive.