Chilton County Rest Area (Southbound)
0 mi from route
Trip from Decatur, AL to Monroeville, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 9m
Distance
274.5 mi
442 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 56m
★
6 AM
5h 9m
8 AM
5h 36m
10 AM
5h 19m
12 PM
5h 16m
3 PM
5h 20m
5 PM
5h 35m
8 PM
5h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Decatur, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Monroeville, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Decatur to Monroeville is 274.5 miles and takes about 5h 9m via I 65 and US 84, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, traversing the Southeast region. It's primarily a highway drive, making it efficient for getting from point A to point B. With a recommended one-day duration, you can expect a straightforward trip with minimal fuss.
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
137.2 miles from Decatur, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 238.5 mi | 4h 20m |
| US 84 | 21.5 mi | 24m |
| Point Mallard Parkway | 4.2 mi | 6m |
| South Alabama Avenue | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| 6th Avenue Southeast | 3 mi | 5m |
| AL 136 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Lee Street Northeast | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| North Alabama Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 238.5 mi, about 4h 20m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,299 veh/hr typical · worst 4,947
Quietest
2 AM
~253 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 32 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 Decatur, AL and Monroeville, AL.
1
Start on this road
426 ft
·
36 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn left onto Ferry Street Northeast
164 ft
·
8 sec
·
Ferry Street Northeast
3
Turn left onto Lee Street Northeast
0.3 mi
·
53 sec
·
Lee Street Northeast
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 31
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
6th Avenue Northeast
Use the right lane.
5
Continue on US 31
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
6th Avenue Southeast
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn left onto AL 67
4.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Point Mallard Parkway
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I-65 South: Birmingham
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 65
67 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Montgomery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 65
171 mi
·
3 hr 8 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 84: Evergreen, Monroeville
14
Turn right onto US 84
22 mi
·
24 min
·
US 84
15
Turn right onto AL 136
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
AL 136
16
Turn right onto AL 21; AL 41; AL 47 Truck
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
South Alabama Avenue
17
Enter roundabout onto AL 21 Business; AL 41; AL 47
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
North Alabama Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
AL 21 Business; AL 41; AL 47
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight. You'll only need one stop, so consider a midway point along I 65 for fuel and a break. The longest stretch without significant turns is 238.5 miles on I 65, so plan your break accordingly. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always wise, especially on longer highway segments.
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 137.2 miles from Decatur, AL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 238.5 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 60 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.2 miles or 2h 35m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Monroeville, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Decatur, 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 Decatur, AL
This is one driving day of about 274.5 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Decatur, 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 238.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
137 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 137.2 miles from Decatur, 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 238.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Chilton County Rest Area (Northbound)
0.1 mi from route
Butler County Rest Area (Northbound)
0.1 mi from route
Butler County Rest Area (Southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Cullman County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA Express
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 76.2 — 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
|
Ferry Street Northeast
At end of road, turn left onto Ferry Street Northeast
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
8
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast
At end of road, turn right onto US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
75.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
7
75.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 22 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
7
76.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Montgomery
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.73 one way
$85.46 round trip
$3.95/gal
25.4 MPG avg
96 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $47.11 | $94.22 |
| premium | $4.71 | $50.91 | $101.82 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $66.78 | $133.55 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 82.4 | 1 | $28.82 | $13.18 |
| Efficient EV | 68.6 | 0 | $24.02 | $10.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 109.8 | 1 | $38.43 | $17.57 |
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Origin
Decatur, AL
Morning in Decatur on Sunday
Local time
6:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
NNE 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 12:51PM CDT until October 20 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 12:44PM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Monroeville, AL
Morning in Monroeville on Sunday
Local time
6:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
N 10 to 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 12:51PM CDT until October 20 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 17 at 12:44PM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile 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
5 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
5h 9m 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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 85.2
Park Closure: A.G Gaston Motel Closed for Construction
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 96% of the 274.5 miles on faster roads. You'll encounter a lengthy stretch of 238.5 miles on I 65. Surface roads will likely begin after this long highway segment, marking a change in pace. Expect frequent exits and merges as you navigate the interstate portions.
96% 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: 238.5 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Ferry Street Northeast.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 274.5 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 0.1 miles (Ferry Street Northeast): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.4 miles (US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 75.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
629 ft
213 ft
Total Climb
669 ft
Total Descent
822 ft
Highest Point
629 ft
~78.4 mi in
Elevation Range
416 ft
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.
Between Decatur, AL and Monroeville, AL, road signs point toward Fultondale and Montgomery.
Fultondale
75.2 mi in
|
~1h 26m
Montgomery
76.2 mi in
|
~1h 27m
About the Cities
Starting in Decatur, AL
Full guide →Founded 1821
Decatur is a city in Alabama. It is called The Ballooning Capital of Alabama.
Top landmarks
- • Princess Theatre — theater in Decatur, Alabama, United States
- • Cotaco Opera House — theater in Decatur, Alabama
- • Bank Street–Old Decatur Historic District — historic district in Alabama, United States
Arriving in Monroeville, AL
Full guide →Monroeville is a city in the Gulf Coast region of Alabama.
Top landmarks
- • Old Monroe County Courthouse — historic courthouse building in Monroeville, Alabama
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 5h 9m. Total distance: 274.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 238.5 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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 Monroeville, 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Ferry Street Northeast): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.4 miles (US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 75.2 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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Monroeville, AL before the return drive.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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