Abbeville to Madison is 276.5 miles and takes about 5h 32m via I 65 and US 231, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Alabama, connecting the Southeast region from one point to another. For the most part, you'll be on major highways, making it a straightforward trip. Given the estimated duration, this is a comfortable one-day excursion, allowing for minimal stops and a direct transit.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
138.3 miles from Abbeville, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
167.9 mi
3h 3m
US 231
52.5 mi
1h 5m
West Washington Street
24 mi
35m
Brundidge Street
12.8 mi
19m
I 565
8.4 mi
9m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
McGehee Road
1.5 mi
2m
Sullivan Street
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 167.9 mi, about 3h 3m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,277 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Abbeville, AL and Madison, AL.
1
Start on AL 10
24 mi·35 min·West Washington Street
2
Continue on AL 10
13 mi·19 min·Brundidge Street
3
Continue on AL 10
0.3 mi·27 sec·South A Graham Boulevard
4
Continue on AL 10
0.6 mi·55 sec·South A. Graham Boulevard
5
Turn right onto US 231
0.5 mi·39 sec·US 231
Toward US 231 North, AL 10 West: Troy
6
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 231; AL 10
7
Continue on US 231; AL 10
5.1 mi·6 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.1 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.5 mi·55 sec·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
12
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 231; AL 10
13
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 10
15
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi·3 min·US 231
16
Continue on US 231
36 mi·42 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carter Hill Road
19
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
20
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Ann Street
21
Turn left
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse the left lane.
22
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
24
Merge onto I 65; US 82
168 mi·3 hr 3 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 340Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
27
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
8.4 mi·9 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 9Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
29
Keep slight left at fork
467 ft·9 sec
Exit 9Toward MadisonUse the left lane.
30
Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway
0.3 mi·27 sec·Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
31
Continue on Sullivan Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Sullivan Street
32
Turn right onto Main Street
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
33
Continue on Church Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Church Street
34
Arrive at destination
Church Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5.5-hour drive, consider leaving early in the morning to avoid any potential mid-day traffic. Since it's a single-day trip with only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before you begin the longest stretch on I 65, as services can be more spread out on interstates. The $37 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting, but always check prices as you travel. Plan your fuel stops strategically, perhaps around the 167.9-mile mark on I 65, to ensure you don't have to go too far out of your way.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 138.3 miles from Abbeville, AL, or about 2h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 61 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.3 miles or 2h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madison, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Abbeville, AL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Abbeville, AL
This is one driving day of about 276.5 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Abbeville, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 65 for about 167.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 93.9 and 274.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
93.9 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
8
265 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate:...
7
265.3 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsv...
6
274.3 mi into trip|~5h 28m in
Take the exit toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 9
Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
9
274.5 mi into trip|~5h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 9
Toward Madison
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.38 one way
$76.77 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$42.94
$85.89
premium
$4.29
$46.69
$93.38
diesel
$4.80
$52.21
$104.42
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83
1
$29.03
$13.27
Efficient EV
69.1
0
$24.19
$11.06
EV Truck/SUV
110.6
1
$38.71
$17.70
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Abbeville, AL
Late night
in Abbeville on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Madison, AL
Late night
in Madison on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Partly Cloudy then Patchy Fog
0 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 32m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
National Monument
In 1963, images of snarling police dogs unleashed against non-violent protesters and of children being sprayed with high-pressure hoses appeared in print and television news around the world. These dr...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 181.2
Park Closure: A.G Gaston Motel Closed for Construction
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 84% of the total mileage on interstates and major roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 167.9 miles on I 65, which means extended periods of consistent speed. The transition to surface streets like West Washington Street will occur later in the drive, marking the shift from high-speed cruising to more variable speeds and potentially more frequent intersections.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 167.9 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 231. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 93.9 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 276.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 93.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 265 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 265.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
916 ft168 ft
Total Climb
1,139 ft
Total Descent
885 ft
Highest Point
916 ft
~239 mi in
Elevation Range
748 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Abbeville, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. As the anchor of the Greater Madison Area, it is home to the University of Wisconsin — Madison, one of the premier universities in the United States. It is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and academic excellence. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city's many museums and art galleries. The city is also known for its diverse and delicious food options.
Top landmarks
•James H. Bibb House — historic house in Alabama, United States
•Madison Station Historic District — historic district in Alabama, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 32m. Total distance: 276.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.9 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Madison, AL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 93.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 265 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 265.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Madison, AL before the return drive.
