This 239.7-mile journey from Brundidge, AL, to Madison, AL, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-65 and I-565, this route is heavily highway-focused, with 97% of the drive on major roads. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $36, making it an economical option. You'll experience a straightforward drive through the Southeast region of Alabama. Given its manageable duration and highway profile, this trip is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
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
119.9 miles from Brundidge, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
167.9 mi
3h 3m
US 231
52.5 mi
1h 5m
I 565
8.4 mi
9m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
McGehee Road
1.5 mi
2m
Sullivan Street
1.1 mi
2m
Zelda Road
1.1 mi
2m
Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi
1m
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 Brundidge, AL and Madison, AL.
1
Start on AL 10
0.3 mi·25 sec·South A Graham Boulevard
2
Continue on AL 10
0.6 mi·55 sec·South A. Graham Boulevard
3
Turn right onto US 231
0.5 mi·39 sec·US 231
Toward US 231 North, AL 10 West: Troy
4
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 231; AL 10
5
Continue on US 231; AL 10
5.1 mi·6 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.1 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.5 mi·55 sec·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 231; AL 10
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 10
13
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi·3 min·US 231
14
Continue on US 231
36 mi·42 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carter Hill Road
17
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
18
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Ann Street
19
Turn left
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse the left lane.
20
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
22
Merge onto I 65; US 82
168 mi·3 hr 3 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
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.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
25
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
8.4 mi·9 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 9Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
27
Keep slight left at fork
467 ft·9 sec
Exit 9Toward MadisonUse the left lane.
28
Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway
0.3 mi·27 sec·Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
29
Continue on Sullivan Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Sullivan Street
30
Turn right onto Main Street
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
31
Continue on Church Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Church Street
32
Arrive at destination
Church Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour and 38-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Brundidge to bypass potential traffic, especially as you approach Madison. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in deciding when and where to pull over. The longest stretch of 167.9 miles on I-65 means you can plan a single fuel and rest break strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $36 estimated cost suggests you'll want to be mindful of stations along the interstate corridors.
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 119.9 miles from Brundidge, AL, or about 2h 24m 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 53 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.9 miles or 2h 24m 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 48m
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 Brundidge, 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 Brundidge, AL
This is one driving day of about 239.7 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Brundidge, 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 57.1 and 237.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
57.1 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
8
228.2 mi into trip|~4h 22m 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
228.5 mi into trip|~4h 23m 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
237.4 mi into trip|~4h 33m 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
237.7 mi into trip|~4h 33m 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
$33.27 one way
$66.55 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$37.23
$74.46
premium
$4.29
$40.48
$80.95
diesel
$4.80
$45.26
$90.52
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: 83.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.9
0
$25.17
$11.51
Efficient EV
59.9
0
$20.97
$9.59
EV Truck/SUV
95.9
1
$33.56
$15.34
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Brundidge, AL
Late night
in Brundidge on Sunday
Local time
5:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 5 to 10 mph48% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Madison, AL
Late night
in Madison on Sunday
Local time
5:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph28% 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
4h 38m 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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 148.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 239.7-mile trip. With 97% of the route on major interstates like I-65 and I-565, you'll encounter consistent speeds and minimal distractions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll cover is 167.9 miles on I-65, offering a significant period of steady travel. While the focus is on efficient transit, you can anticipate the road character remaining largely consistent throughout the 4-hour and 38-minute journey, making for a predictable driving experience.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 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 57.1 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 239.7 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 57.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 228.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
850 ft229 ft
Total Climb
1,002 ft
Total Descent
769 ft
Highest Point
850 ft
~205.5 mi in
Elevation Range
621 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 Brundidge, 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 4h 38m. Total distance: 239.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). 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 57.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 228.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.5 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Madison, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
