Tupelo sits on I-22, U.S. 45 and the Natchez Trace. Tupelo Transit runs curb-to-curb rides weekdays, 662-269-3735, and Tupelo Regional flies to Nashville and Dallas.

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. Facts come from the City of Tupelo’s Tupelo Transit page, the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s MDOTtraffic, Tupelo Regional Airport, Visit Tupelo and the National Park Service.

Tupelo is a driving city, about 90 minutes from Memphis by Visit Tupelo’s count, at the crossing of I-22 and U.S. 45, with the Natchez Trace Parkway on its west side. For rides without a car, Tupelo Transit runs on-demand, curb-to-curb service on weekdays: 662-269-3735.

Who to call

  • Tupelo Transit rides: 662-269-3735 (48 hours ahead for guaranteed seating)
  • Road conditions and closures: MDOTtraffic.com and the MDOT Traffic app
  • City streets and potholes: Tupelo Public Works, 662-841-6457
  • Tupelo Regional Airport office: 662-321-4774

Main roads

MDOT maintains the state and federal routes through Tupelo: I-22, which runs together with U.S. 78; U.S. 45; U.S. 278; and Mississippi highways 6 and 145. The Natchez Trace Parkway, run by the National Park Service, passes the city’s west side, with the Parkway Visitor Center at Milepost 266. The city itself maintains about 343 miles of streets, the Public Works page says.

For this week’s lane closures, including the Highway 145 closure near Nettleton from Oct. 22, see our road construction and closures guide.

Tupelo Transit

Tupelo Transit is an on-demand, curb-to-curb service, not a fixed-route bus, the city says.

  • Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • Book: call 662-269-3735. Guaranteed seating must be requested 48 hours ahead; other callers are taken when seats are free.
  • Who can ride: anyone. The service is not limited to riders with disabilities.
  • Children: under 12 must ride with an adult 18 or older.

There is no weekend service and no published trip-planner app; book by phone.

Tupelo Regional Airport

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) offers daily flights on Contour Airlines to Nashville International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, according to Visit Tupelo.

  • Parking: the lot is at 2763 W. Jackson Street Extended. The first two hours are free; longer stays are charged by the day, with rates on the airport’s parking page. Long-term and overnight parking is allowed. Pay by credit or debit card before you exit; cash is not accepted.
  • Rental cars: linked from the airport’s home page.
  • Airport administration: 662-321-4774.

Biking and walking

  • Natchez Trace Parkway: Visit Tupelo describes the 444-mile parkway as a draw for cyclists. Ride single file and use lights.
  • Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and the Ballard Park walking trail: see our parks and trails guide.
  • Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guided Bicycle Tour: a free route through the city from Visit Tupelo.

Parking downtown

The City of Tupelo does not publish downtown parking rules, time limits or enforcement hours on its website, so follow the posted signs. For questions about a parking ticket, call Municipal Court, 662-841-6516; for parking rules, call City Hall, 662-841-6513.

What this means for you

  • Check MDOTtraffic before a trip on I-22 or U.S. 45.
  • No car? Call Tupelo Transit two days ahead.
  • Flying out? The first two hours at TUP are free; bring a card for longer stays.

Related: road construction and closures, moving to Tupelo and who to call at City Hall.

Frequently asked questions

Does Tupelo have public transportation?

Yes. Tupelo Transit runs on-demand, curb-to-curb rides Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call 662-269-3735, and call 48 hours ahead for guaranteed seating. It is open to everyone, not only riders with disabilities.

Where can I fly from Tupelo?

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) has daily Contour Airlines flights to Nashville and Dallas Fort Worth, according to Visit Tupelo. The airport’s parking lot is at 2763 W. Jackson Street Extended; airport office: 662-321-4774.

How much is parking at Tupelo Regional Airport?

The first two hours are free, then the airport charges a daily rate posted on its parking page. Long-term and overnight parking is allowed; pay by card, since cash is not accepted.

What highways go through Tupelo?

I-22, which runs together with U.S. 78, plus U.S. 45, U.S. 278 and Mississippi highways 6 and 145. The Natchez Trace Parkway passes on the city’s west side.