Origin
Clanton, AL
Morning in Clanton on Tuesday
Local time
6:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clanton, AL to Madison, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 41m
Distance
142.8 mi
230 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 31m
★
6 AM
2h 42m
8 AM
3h 3m
10 AM
2h 49m
12 PM
2h 47m
3 PM
2h 50m
5 PM
3h 2m
8 PM
2h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clanton, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Madison, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Clanton to Madison covers 142.8 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 41 minutes. Because this trip is comfortably manageable within a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $22 on fuel for the journey, keeping your travel costs predictable. The route primarily utilizes I-65 and I-565, making it a straightforward connection within the Southeast region of Alabama. Whether you are heading north for business or a visit, this highway-focused drive offers a reliable path between the two cities. Planning for one scheduled stop will help you maintain a relaxed pace without adding unnecessary time to your arrival.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
71.4 miles from Clanton, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 127.1 mi | 2h 19m |
| I 565 | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Lay Dam Road | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Sullivan Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| 2nd Avenue North | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Church Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Main Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Wall Triana Highway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 127.1 mi, about 2h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clanton, AL and Madison, AL.
1
Start on 1st Avenue North
33 ft
·
5 sec
·
1st Avenue North
2
Turn right onto 6th Street North
384 ft
·
20 sec
·
6th Street North
3
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue North
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
2nd Avenue North
4
Turn left onto 1st Street
375 ft
·
18 sec
·
1st Street
5
Continue on AL 145
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Lay Dam Road
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
7
Merge onto I 65
127 mi
·
2 hr 19 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
10
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
I 565; US 72 Alternate
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 9
Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
12
Keep slight left at fork
467 ft
·
9 sec
Exit 9
Toward Madison
Use the left lane.
13
Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Continue on Sullivan Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Sullivan Street
15
Turn right onto Main Street
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Main Street
16
Continue on Church Street
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Church Street
17
Arrive at destination
Church Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2-hour and 41-minute commute, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours near major interchanges. Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure to fit your personal schedule. Plan for one dedicated stop along the 142.8-mile path to stretch your legs and refresh, especially since you will be spending nearly the entire duration on the interstate. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before starting, as the $22 estimate assumes steady highway driving conditions. A great strategy for this route is to utilize the longest 127.1-mile stretch on I-65 to get the bulk of your travel finished early, leaving your arrival in Madison stress-free.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.4 miles from Clanton, AL, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.1 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 31 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.4 miles or 1h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 10m
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 Clanton, 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 Clanton, AL
This is one driving day of about 142.8 miles and 2h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Clanton, 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 127.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.4 miles from Clanton, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.1 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 125 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 140.8 — 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
|
6th Street North
Turn right onto 6th Street North
Navigation decision point
8
131.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m 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
131.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m 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
140.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m 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
140.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m 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
$21.57 one way
$43.13 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $23.67 | $47.35 |
| premium | $4.56 | $25.63 | $51.26 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.53 | $63.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.99 | $6.85 |
| Efficient EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.50 | $5.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.1 | 0 | $19.99 | $9.14 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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
Madison, AL
Morning in Madison on Tuesday
Local time
6:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
58°F
Kimberly, AL
71 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
2 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
2h 41m 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.
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
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 54.2
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by a significant interstate grind, with 95% of your travel occurring on major highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-65, which accounts for a 127.1-mile stretch of the journey. While Lay Dam Road provides a brief change of pace, the experience remains heavily centered on high-speed transit. As you transition onto I-565 toward the end of your trip, the road keeps its efficient, highway-focused character. Expect a consistent driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding backroads or technical maneuvers.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.1 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 565. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 6th Street North.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 142.8 miles you will encounter 12 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 (6th Street North): Navigation decision point; at 131.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
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 Clanton, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Huntsville along the way.
Huntsville
131.2 mi in
|
~2h 26m
About the Cities
Starting in Clanton, AL
Full guide →Clanton is a small town in Metropolitan Alabama near Lay Lake and the Confederate Memorial Park, with close ties to peaches.
Arriving in Madison, AL
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 41m. Total distance: 142.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 41m 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 127.1 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (6th Street North): Navigation decision point; at 131.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.5 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Madison, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Madison, AL
More trips to Madison, AL
Explore more options from Clanton, AL or browse trips ending in Madison, AL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AL road trips.