The drive from Auburn, AL to Hazel Green, AL covers 222.7 miles and takes about 4h 27m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 65, US 280, US 231 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is mostly highway.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 77.2 miles on I 65.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $32.62 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
111.4 miles from Auburn, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
77.2 mi
1h 23m
US 280
59 mi
1h 10m
US 231
42.8 mi
57m
I 565
18.4 mi
19m
Memorial Parkway Northwest
13.2 mi
16m
North College Street
4.8 mi
7m
Red Mountain Expressway
2.9 mi
3m
Carraway Boulevard
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 77.2 mi, about 1h 23m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 150 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,094 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,711
Quietest
1 AM
~200 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Auburn, AL and Hazel Green, AL.
1
Start on this road
291 ft·24 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto North College Street
4.0 mi·6 min·North College Street
3
Enter roundabout onto AL 147
79 ft·1 sec·North College Street
4
Continue on AL 147
0.7 mi·1 min·North College Street
5
Take the ramp onto AL 147
165 ft·3 sec·North College Street
6
Continue on US 280; AL 147
14 mi·15 min·US 280; AL 147
7
Continue on US 280; AL 50
6.4 mi·7 min·US 280; AL 50
8
Continue on US 280; AL 49
13 mi·15 min·US 280; AL 49
9
Continue on US 280; AL 22
26 mi·30 min·US 280; AL 22
10
Continue on US 231; US 280
43 mi·57 min·US 231; US 280
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit onto US 280
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 280
Toward US 31 North, US 280 West: Birmingham
12
Merge onto US 31; US 280
2.9 mi·3 min·Red Mountain Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 31
1.5 mi·3 min·Carraway Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Turn left onto AL 378
0.6 mi·1 min·Finley Boulevard
Use the left lane.
15
Turn right onto 19th Street North
49 ft·1 sec·19th Street North
16
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 65 North
17
Merge onto I 65
77 mi·1 hr 23 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
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.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
20
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
18 mi·19 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial Parkway
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial ParkwayUse the slight left lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
509 ft·10 sec
Toward US 72 West: University DriveUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Continue on Memorial Parkway Northwest
459 ft·9 sec·Memorial Parkway Northwest
Toward US 72 West: University DriveUse the straight / left / right lanes.
25
Continue on US 72
0.4 mi·27 sec·US 72
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto US 72
436 ft·10 sec·US 72
27
Merge onto US 72; US 231; US 431
13 mi·15 min·Memorial Parkway Northwest
28
Arrive at destination
US 231; US 431
Trip Plan
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 111.4 miles from Auburn, AL, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.2 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 49 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.4 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hazel Green, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Auburn, 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 Auburn, AL
This is one driving day of about 222.7 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Auburn, 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 77.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 111.4 miles from Auburn, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 208.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|North College Street
At end of road, turn right onto North College Street
Navigation decision point
8
188.9 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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
189.2 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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...
8
208.4 mi into trip|~4h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 231 North, US 431 North: Memorial Par...
7
208.9 mi into trip|~4h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 72 West: University Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward US 72 West: University Drive
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.62 one way
$65.25 round trip
$3.72/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.13
$36.22
$72.44
premium
$4.49
$39.33
$78.66
diesel
$5.60
$49.09
$98.18
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.8
0
$23.38
$10.69
Efficient EV
55.7
0
$19.49
$8.91
EV Truck/SUV
89.1
1
$31.18
$14.25
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Sep 4, 2026
Origin
Auburn, AL
Late night
in Auburn on Friday
Local time
4:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
E 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 3 at 11:36PM CDT until September 6 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 1 at 9:27AM CDT until September 5 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Huntsville AL
Destination
Hazel Green, AL
Late night
in Hazel Green on Friday
Local time
4:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 3 at 11:36PM CDT until September 6 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 1 at 9:27AM CDT until September 5 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Huntsville AL
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
4h 27m 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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 107.5
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?
222.7 mi in 4h 27m, mostly highway — 77.2 mi of that is on I 65.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 77.2 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 280. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North College Street.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 222.7 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 0.1 miles (North College Street): Navigation decision point; at 188.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,078 ft445 ft
Total Climb
1,381 ft
Total Descent
1,289 ft
Highest Point
1,078 ft
~95.4 mi in
Elevation Range
633 ft
Notable High Points
1,078 ft at ~95.4 miles+516 ft prominence
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 Auburn, AL to Hazel Green, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Huntsville along the way.
Auburn is in the River Heritage region of Alabama, and home to Auburn University in downtown Auburn. During the university's home football games, the town fills up with thousands of alumni and college football fans for a weekend of tailgating.
Top landmarks
•Auburn University Historic District — historic district in Auburn, Alabama
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 27m. Total distance: 222.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 77.2 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Hazel Green, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (North College Street): Navigation decision point; at 188.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Hazel Green, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
