Origin
Cedar Bluff, AL
Night in Cedar Bluff on Saturday
Local time
11:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cedar Bluff, AL to Decatur, AL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 26m
Distance
106.7 mi
172 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 17m
★
6 AM
2h 27m
8 AM
2h 47m
10 AM
2h 34m
12 PM
2h 32m
3 PM
2h 35m
5 PM
2h 46m
8 PM
2h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cedar Bluff, AL
Tom Fisk
Decatur, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a straightforward 106.7-mile journey from Cedar Bluff, AL to Decatur, AL, a drive that will take approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. With a projected fuel cost of around $16, it's an economical option for exploring within Alabama. The drive is primarily highway-focused, making it efficient for covering ground. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region for the entirety of this trip, staying within familiar territory as you make your way from one point to the next.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.4 miles from Cedar Bluff, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| AL 67 | 39 mi | 54m |
| Thompson Bridge Road | 21.9 mi | 30m |
| US 411 | 19.9 mi | 22m |
| US 278 | 6.3 mi | 8m |
| West Meighan Boulevard | 4.1 mi | 7m |
| 6th Avenue Southeast | 3 mi | 5m |
| Cedar Bluff Road | 3 mi | 3m |
| State Route 9 | 2.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
AL 67
— 39 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Bluff, AL and Decatur, AL.
1
Start on Old Hwy 9
44 ft
·
7 sec
·
Old Hwy 9
2
Turn right onto AL 68
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
South Weiss Lake Drive
3
At end of road, turn right onto AL 9; AL 68
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
State Route 9
4
Continue on AL 9; AL 68
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Cedar Bluff Road
5
Turn right onto US 411; AL 68
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Clarence E Chestnut Jr Bypass
6
Turn right onto US 411; AL 68
20 mi
·
22 min
·
US 411; AL 68
7
Continue on Ewing Avenue
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
·
Ewing Avenue
8
Continue on US 411
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
North Albert Rains Boulevard
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward US 278 West, US 431 North
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto US 278; US 431
4.1 mi
·
7 min
·
West Meighan Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on US 278; US 431
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
5th Avenue Northeast
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn left onto 4th Street Northwest
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
4th Street Northwest
13
Turn slight right onto US 278; US 431
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US 278; US 431
Use the right lane.
14
Turn left onto US 278
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
US 278
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on US 278
516 ft
·
8 sec
·
Thompson Bridge Road
16
Continue on US 278
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
US 278
17
Continue on US 278
22 mi
·
30 min
·
Thompson Bridge Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto US 231
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231
19
Take the exit
139 ft
·
7 sec
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto AL 67
20 mi
·
27 min
·
AL 67
21
Continue on AL 67
6.9 mi
·
9 min
·
AL 67
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on AL 67
12 mi
·
16 min
·
AL 67
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto US 31
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
6th Avenue Southeast
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 31
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
6th Avenue Northeast
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn left onto Lee Street Northeast
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Lee Street Northeast
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right
82 ft
·
6 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 2-hour and 26-minute duration, this 106.7-mile trip is ideal for a day excursion, offering plenty of flexibility. You can leave mid-morning to avoid early rush and still arrive with ample daylight. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as the longest stretch is 39 miles on AL 67; ensuring you're topped up before this segment can prevent any unnecessary stops. With a low fuel cost of approximately $16, you won't need to budget heavily for gas. Plan for a simple break rather than a full overnight, as the drive is easily completed in one go.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 53.4 miles from Cedar Bluff, AL, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39 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 23 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.4 miles or 1h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Decatur, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cedar Bluff, 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 Cedar Bluff, AL
This is one driving day of about 106.7 miles and 2h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Cedar Bluff, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on AL 67 for about 39 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
53 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 53.4 miles from Cedar Bluff, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 155 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 64.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
AL 68 / South Weiss Lake Drive
Turn right onto AL 68 / South Weiss Lake Drive
Navigation decision point
7
29.3 mi into trip
|
~33m in
Take the exit toward US 278 West, US 431 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 278 West, US 431 North
5
29.5 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
US 278; US 431 / West Meighan Boulevard
Merge onto US 278; US 431 / West Meighan Boulevard
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
37.2 mi into trip
|
~47m in
|
US 278
Turn left onto US 278
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
64.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.11 one way
$32.23 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
37 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $17.69 | $35.38 |
| premium | $4.56 | $19.15 | $38.30 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $23.56 | $47.12 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 32 | 0 | $11.20 | $5.12 |
| Efficient EV | 26.7 | 0 | $9.34 | $4.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.7 | 0 | $14.94 | $6.83 |
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Decatur, AL
Night in Decatur on Saturday
Local time
11:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live 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
32 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 26m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Freedom Riders National Monument
National Monument
In 1961, a small interracial band of “Freedom Riders” challenged discriminatory laws requiring separation of the races in interstate travel. They were attacked by white segregationists, who firebombed...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 29.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This highway-focused drive covers 64% on main roads like AL 67 and US 411, offering a mix of efficient travel and local road charm. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 39 miles on AL 67, so plan for a sustained period of driving before needing to navigate turns. While largely highway, expect some transitions as you move between these key routes. The road will feel direct and purposeful for much of the journey, designed for getting you from point A to point B effectively.
64% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 39 mi on AL 67.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on AL 67 and Thompson Bridge Road. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near AL 68 / South Weiss Lake Drive.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 106.7 miles you will encounter 15 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: near the start (AL 68 / South Weiss Lake Drive): Navigation decision point; at 29.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.5 miles (US 278; US 431 / West Meighan Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 26m. Total distance: 106.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (64%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 39 miles on AL 67. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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: near the start (AL 68 / South Weiss Lake Drive): Navigation decision point; at 29.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.5 miles (US 278; US 431 / West Meighan Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Freedom Riders National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Decatur, AL before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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