Cowarts to Huntsville is 299.6 miles and takes about 5h 53m via I-65 and I-565, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Alabama, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a highway-focused experience that makes for a straightforward, single-day journey. It's a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between these two locations without much fuss. Plan for a steady pace as you make your way north.
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
149.8 miles from Cowarts, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
167.9 mi
3h 3m
US 231
89.1 mi
1h 51m
I 565
18.9 mi
20m
Ross Clark Circle
5.5 mi
8m
Montgomery Highway
5.2 mi
7m
US 84
3.9 mi
5m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
McGehee Road
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 167.9 mi, about 3h 3m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 150 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,144 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~205 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.2×
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 Cowarts, AL and Huntsville, AL.
1
Start on North Broad Street
0.5 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
2
Turn right onto US 84
3.9 mi·5 min·US 84
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto US 431; AL 210; AL 52 Truck
5.5 mi·8 min·Ross Clark Circle
Use the right lane.
4
Turn right onto US 231
5.2 mi·7 min·Montgomery Highway
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on US 231
0.6 mi·39 sec·US 231
6
Continue on US 231
16 mi·20 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on US 231
21 mi·24 min·US 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 231; AL 10
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
5.1 mi·6 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.1 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.5 mi·55 sec·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
14
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 231; AL 10
15
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 10
17
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi·3 min·US 231
18
Continue on US 231
36 mi·42 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carter Hill Road
21
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
22
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Ann Street
23
Turn left
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse the left lane.
24
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
26
Merge onto I 65; US 82
168 mi·3 hr 3 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
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.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
29
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
19 mi·20 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
31
Continue on this road
395 ft·9 sec·this road
Exit 19CToward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
32
Keep slight right at fork
343 ft·8 sec
Toward Jefferson Street, DowntownUse the slight right lane.
33
Turn straight onto Jefferson Street North
0.5 mi·1 min·Jefferson Street North
34
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
4 ft·0 sec·Spring Street Southwest
35
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour and 53 minute drive time, leaving in the morning allows ample time to reach Huntsville before dark. With only one recommended stop and a highway share of 94%, you can easily cover this distance in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major exit is 167.9 miles on I-65. Consider topping off your tank before departing Cowarts or at your single planned stop to ensure a smooth journey and stay within your estimated $45 fuel budget. This trip is designed for efficiency, so focus on maintaining a steady pace.
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 149.8 miles from Cowarts, AL, or about 3h 8m 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 66 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.8 miles or 3h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Huntsville, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cowarts, 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 Cowarts, AL
This is one driving day of about 299.6 miles and 5h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Cowarts, 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 299.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.5 mi into trip|~1m in|US 84
Turn right onto US 84
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
108 mi into trip|~2h 21m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
8
279.1 mi into trip|~5h 29m 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
279.4 mi into trip|~5h 30m 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...
9
299.1 mi into trip|~5h 52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.59 one way
$83.18 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg105 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$46.53
$93.06
premium
$4.29
$50.59
$101.18
diesel
$4.80
$56.57
$113.14
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.9
1
$31.46
$14.38
Efficient EV
74.9
0
$26.22
$11.98
EV Truck/SUV
119.8
1
$41.94
$19.17
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Cowarts, AL
Late night
in Cowarts on Monday
Local time
4:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 10 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:21PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:11PM CDT until July 17 at 4:30PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Destination
Huntsville, AL
Late night
in Huntsville on Monday
Local time
4:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph39% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:21PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:11PM CDT until July 17 at 4:30PM CDT by NWS Birmingham 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
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
5h 53m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 196.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the journey on major roads like I-65 and I-565. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 167.9 miles on I-65, offering a consistent and uninterrupted travel experience for a large portion of the trip. The road primarily consists of fast-paced interstate driving, allowing for steady progress. As you transition to I-565 towards Huntsville, the character remains largely highway-oriented, ensuring a predictable and efficient journey from start to finish.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 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 0.5 miles in near US 84.
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 16 significant decision points across 299.6 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 0.5 miles (US 84): Lane positioning matters here; at 108 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 279.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
764 ft196 ft
Total Climb
1,147 ft
Total Descent
828 ft
Highest Point
764 ft
~256.8 mi in
Elevation Range
567 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 Cowarts, AL to Huntsville, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Dothan is a city in southeastern Alabama, serving as the county seat of Houston County, and the chief city of the western Wiregrass region, an area encompassing portions of southeastern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the panhandle of Florida. Its population in 2018 was about 68,000, making it the largest metropolitan area in southeastern Alabama.
Huntsville is in northern Alabama, about 20 miles (32 km) from the border with Tennessee. The city is a center for missile defense and aerospace technologies, with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman having major operations here. Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country, is home to many of these companies.
Top landmarks
•U.S. Space & Rocket Center — science museum in Huntsville, Alabama
•Episcopal Church of the Nativity — church building in Alabama, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 53m. Total distance: 299.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). 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 16 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 Huntsville, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (US 84): Lane positioning matters here; at 108 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 279.1 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Huntsville, AL before the return drive.
