Getting around Meridian, MS, is easiest to plan by separating trips to the compact downtown, the airport and Union Station from outings to parks such as Bonita Lakes. Motel 6-Meridian MS is about a 6-minute drive from the city centre; it is a three-star motel in Meridian.
- Downtown: About 31 minutes on foot or 6 minutes by car from the motel.
- Union Station: About 33 minutes on foot or 6 minutes by car from the motel.
- Key Field / Meridian Regional Airport: About 11 minutes by car from the motel.
- Bonita Lakes: A free-entry, 3,300-acre park with trails, lakes and picnic facilities.
How Meridian is laid out for visitors
Meridian’s main visitor areas are connected by a network of interstate and state highways, while historic downtown is compact enough to explore on foot. That makes it practical to plan a driving leg to town, then spend time walking around the central district.
Interstate 20 runs east–west through the area, and Interstate 59 is a major north–south route. U.S. Highways 45 and 11/11-80, along with Mississippi Highway 19, are other busy routes serving Meridian.
If you want to focus on the central district, what to see in downtown Meridian can help you plan a walk through its compact streets.
Reaching central Meridian from the hotel
From Motel 6-Meridian, the city centre takes about 6 minutes by car or 31 minutes on foot. If you’re driving downtown, the Arts District Parking Garage at 712 24th Avenue offers free parking seven days a week. It provides free off-street parking for downtown merchants, City Hall, and events at the MSU Riley Center, Dumont Plaza and Temple Theatre.
The garage is handicap-accessible and has two elevators at its 23rd Avenue entrance. The City of Meridian gives its phone number as 601-485-1900.
For short local journeys, Heavenly Angels Transportation operates a bus service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week; call 601-207-5007. Meridian Cab Company provides taxi service at 601-693-6338, and Uber is another local ride option.
Before you go, check the City of Meridian’s official site for current transport and parking details.
How do you get from Meridian to the airport or Union Station?
Key Field / Meridian Regional Airport is about an 11-minute drive from the motel; Union Station takes about 6 minutes by car. On foot, those trips take about 103 minutes and 33 minutes respectively, so plan a vehicle or other transport for an airport or train departure if walking time is a concern.
Meridian Regional Airport is at 2811A Airport Boulevard South, Meridian, MS 39307, and its phone number is 601-482-0364. Commercial flights through United Airlines connect Meridian with Houston daily. One rental-car company serves the airport, with an Enterprise counter on site; call 601-483-5078. Auto Rentals Inc. is at 2811 Airport Boulevard South, at 601-485-4774.
For more detail on the airport leg, how to get to town from Key Field can help you plan your arrival. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is about 80.6 miles from the motel, and Columbus Air Force Base is about 90.6 miles away. Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport is about an 88-minute drive from the motel.
Meridian Union Station is at 1901 Front Street, Meridian, MS 39301. Amtrak’s Crescent stops there twice daily, once traveling from New York to New Orleans and once on the return trip; Union Station also serves Greyhound buses. Amtrak advises passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The staffed station has a ticket sales office, restrooms and vending machines, but no elevator, ticketing kiosk or Wi-Fi. Accessible features include a path from the outside drop-off area to the platform, accessible restrooms and waiting room, and accessible parking.
Amtrak offers same-day and overnight parking at the station, but cannot guarantee a space. For its address and arrival details, how to reach Meridian Union Station from the motel can help you plan. The Mission Revival-style station opened in August 1906.
Planning trips to parks and attractions
Bonita Lakes is a large outdoor destination for walking, trails and time by the water. At 418 Lake Drive, the 3,300-acre park spans three lakes, including Long Creek Reservoir, and offers nature trails, a walking track, horse trails, picnic facilities, boat ramps and fishing. Entry is free.
Singing Brakeman Park at 1800 Front Street has daytime RV parking; overnight parking is not permitted. For downtown events or businesses, the Arts District Parking Garage provides free off-street parking.
FAQs
Can you explore downtown Meridian on foot?
Yes. Historic downtown is a compact city centre that visitors can explore on foot.
Is parking free at the Arts District Parking Garage?
Yes, the garage offers free parking seven days a week and serves downtown merchants, City Hall and several event venues.
What public transport options are available in Meridian?
Heavenly Angels Transportation operates a bus service, Meridian Cab Company provides taxis, and Uber is a local ride option.
What can you do at Bonita Lakes?
The park has nature and horse trails, a walking track, picnic facilities, boat ramps and fishing across three lakes. Entry is free.