This 206.2-mile journey from Birmingham, AL to Mount Vernon, AL is a straightforward drive primarily on State Route 5 and US 43, with a significant portion on I-20. Clocking in at around 4 hours and 29 minutes, it's perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, it's an economical option for exploring the Southeast. The route offers a highway-focused experience, making it a no-fuss option for getting from point A to point B efficiently. You'll find this drive to be a practical choice for covering ground within Alabama.
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
103.1 miles from Birmingham, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Route 5
97.4 mi
2h 19m
US 43
67.9 mi
1h 18m
I 20
27 mi
29m
Jefferson Davis Highway
4.3 mi
6m
Broad Street
3.8 mi
5m
US 11
3.5 mi
5m
6th Avenue North
1.2 mi
2m
I 65
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
State Route 5
— 97.4 mi, about 2h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Birmingham, AL and Mount Vernon, AL.
1
Start on 24th Street North
523 ft·19 sec·24th Street North
2
Turn left onto 6th Avenue North
1.2 mi·2 min·6th Avenue North
Use the straight / left lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 65 North
4
Merge onto I 65
0.3 mi·30 sec·I 65
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 261CToward I 20 West, I 59 South: TuscaloosaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
6
Merge onto I 20; I 59
27 mi·29 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit onto US 11; AL 5
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 11; AL 5
Exit 97Toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, CentrevilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn left onto US 11; AL 5
3.2 mi·5 min·US 11; AL 5
9
Turn left onto AL 5
19 mi·26 min·State Route 5
Use the straight lane.
10
Enter roundabout onto AL 5
225 ft·7 sec·State Route 5
11
Continue on AL 5
50 mi·1 hr 10 min·State Route 5
12
Continue on AL 5
4.3 mi·6 min·Jefferson Davis Highway
13
Continue on AL 5
21 mi·31 min·State Route 5
14
Continue on AL 5
3.8 mi·5 min·Broad Street
15
Continue on AL 5
7.5 mi·11 min·State Route 5
16
Continue on US 43
68 mi·1 hr 18 min·US 43
17
Turn left onto Military Road
0.3 mi·43 sec·Military Road
18
Arrive at destination
Military Road
Trip Plan
Given its manageable duration of under 4.5 hours, this trip is ideal for a morning departure, allowing you to arrive at your destination with plenty of the day remaining. With only one recommended stop, you can be flexible with when and where you choose to take a break, though planning around the 97.4-mile stretch on State Route 5 might be wise for a fuel or stretch stop. The $31 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during longer stretches. Consider checking local traffic conditions around Birmingham before you set out to ensure a smooth start.
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 103.1 miles from Birmingham, AL, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.4 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 45 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.1 miles or 2h 19m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mount Vernon, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Birmingham, 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 Birmingham, AL
This is one driving day of about 206.2 miles and 4h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Birmingham, 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 State Route 5 for about 97.4 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 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 29 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|6th Avenue North
Turn left onto 6th Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
1.5 mi into trip|~2m in|I 65
Merge onto I 65
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
1.8 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 261C
Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
5
2 mi into trip|~3m in|I 20; I 59
Merge onto I 20; I 59
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
29 mi into trip|~33m in|US 11; AL 5
Take the exit onto US 11; AL 5 toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, Centreville
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 97
Toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, C...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.14 one way
$62.28 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$34.19
$68.37
premium
$4.56
$37.01
$74.02
diesel
$5.61
$45.53
$91.05
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.9
0
$21.65
$9.90
Efficient EV
51.6
0
$18.04
$8.25
EV Truck/SUV
82.5
1
$28.87
$13.20
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Birmingham, AL
Late night
in Birmingham on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 10 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Mount Vernon, AL
Late night
in Mount Vernon on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
SW 0 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
78°F
Marion, AL
103 mi in
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 29m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-intensive experience on this route, with 95% of your drive taking place on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 97.4 miles along State Route 5, offering a substantial period of consistent travel. While predominantly a highway-focused profile, the shifts between State Route 5, US 43, and I-20 will provide some variation in scenery and speed. This isn't a winding, backroad adventure, but rather a direct path designed for efficient transit.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.4 mi on State Route 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Route 5 and US 43. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 6th Avenue North.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 206.2 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (6th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Birmingham, AL to Mount Vernon, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Centreville along the way.
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, and its cultural and economic nucleus. While it's best remembered as the site of protest, bombings, and other racial tumult during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, visitors to the Birmingham of today will find a pleasant green city of ridges, valleys, attractive views, and friendly, hospitable people.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 29m. Total distance: 206.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 97.4 miles on State Route 5. 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (6th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Mount Vernon, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
