Traveling from Dothan to Blountsville covers 240.2 miles of Alabama terrain, typically requiring about 5 hours and 1 minute of driving time. Because this is a highway-focused route, it is perfectly manageable as a one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $37 for fuel to complete the journey. The path transitions through the Southeast, taking you from the Wiregrass region up toward the northern hills. It is a straightforward trek that favors efficiency, making it an excellent choice if your primary goal is to reach Blountsville reliably and quickly.
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
120.1 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 231
92.6 mi
1h 56m
I 65
78.2 mi
1h 24m
New Bradford Highway
21.7 mi
30m
John M. Harbert III Freeway
17.1 mi
18m
Montgomery Highway
7.1 mi
11m
AL 79
3.5 mi
5m
Sweeny Hollow Road
3.4 mi
6m
I 59
2.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 231
— 92.6 mi, about 1h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan, AL and Blountsville, AL.
1
Start on US 84 Business; AL 52
111 ft·5 sec·East Main Street
2
Turn right onto North Saint Andrews Street
0.3 mi·53 sec·North Saint Andrews Street
3
Turn left onto East Burdeshaw Street
0.1 mi·22 sec·East Burdeshaw Street
4
Turn right onto US 231 Business
0.6 mi·1 min·North Oates Street
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 231 Business
7.1 mi·11 min·Montgomery Highway
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 231
0.6 mi·39 sec·US 231
7
Continue on US 231
16 mi·20 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 231
21 mi·24 min·US 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 231; AL 10
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
5.1 mi·6 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.1 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.5 mi·55 sec·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
15
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 231; AL 10
16
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 10
18
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi·3 min·US 231
19
Continue on US 231
36 mi·42 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carter Hill Road
22
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
23
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Ann Street
24
Turn left
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse the left lane.
25
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
27
Merge onto I 65; US 82
78 mi·1 hr 24 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 250Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, TuscaloosaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, GadsdenUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 459
17 mi·18 min·John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 33BToward I 59 North: GadsdenUse the slight right lane.
32
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·15 sec·this road
Exit 33AToward I-59 North: Gadsden
33
Merge onto I 59
2.9 mi·3 min·I 59
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 141Toward Trussville, PinsonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Turn slight left
128 ft·10 sec
Exit 141Toward Trussville, Pinson
36
Turn left onto CR 10
2.2 mi·4 min·Chalkville Road
Use the straight lane.
37
Continue on Sweeny Hollow Road
3.4 mi·6 min·Sweeny Hollow Road
38
Turn right onto AL 75
169 ft·3 sec·Center Point Parkway
39
Continue on AL 75
1.0 mi·1 min·Center Point Road
40
Turn sharp left onto AL 151
0.4 mi·41 sec·AL 151
Use the left / straight lanes.
41
Continue on this road
200 ft·7 sec·this road
42
Turn slight right onto AL 79
0.3 mi·26 sec·New Bradford Road
43
Continue on AL 79
22 mi·30 min·New Bradford Highway
44
Enter roundabout onto AL 79
119 ft·2 sec·AL 79
45
Continue on AL 79
3.5 mi·5 min·AL 79
Use the straight lane.
46
Continue on US 231
3.5 mi·5 min·US 231
47
Turn left onto CR 26
31 ft·0 sec·Lee Street West
48
Arrive at destination
CR 26
Trip Plan
Since this is a five-hour trip, hitting the road early in the morning helps you avoid mid-day congestion on the busier stretches of I-65. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the nearly 100-mile stretch on US 231 can feel monotonous after a few hours. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the initial leg, as the $37 estimate is based on steady cruising speeds. Because the route is highly efficient, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on personal preference rather than strict travel constraints. Always double-check your navigation before hitting the New Bradford Highway transition to ensure a smooth arrival in Blountsville.
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 120.1 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.6 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 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.1 miles or 2h 34m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Blountsville, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dothan, 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 Dothan, AL
This is one driving day of about 240.2 miles and 5h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Dothan, 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 US 231 for about 92.6 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 101.1 and 203.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
101.1 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
8
182.4 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
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 250
Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
8
182.6 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
8
200.4 mi into trip|~4h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 59 North: Gadsden
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 33B
Toward I 59 North: Gadsden
8
203.8 mi into trip|~4h 6m in
Take the exit toward Trussville, Pinson
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 141
Toward Trussville, Pinson
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.28 one way
$72.55 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$39.82
$79.64
premium
$4.56
$43.11
$86.23
diesel
$5.61
$53.03
$106.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.1
0
$25.22
$11.53
Efficient EV
60.1
0
$21.02
$9.61
EV Truck/SUV
96.1
1
$33.63
$15.37
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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Dothan, AL
Morning
in Dothan on Sunday
Local time
6:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Blountsville, AL
Morning
in Blountsville on Sunday
Local time
6:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°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
34 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 1m 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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 190.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by speed and efficiency, with 82% of your journey spent on highways. The route relies heavily on US 231, I-65, and New Bradford Highway, creating a blend of major thoroughfares and local connectors. You will face your longest stint behind the wheel during a 92.6-mile stretch on US 231, which requires steady focus. As you transition from the initial highway segments to the final approach, the road character shifts from high-speed interstate travel to more localized driving. This combination keeps the pace brisk while ensuring you spend the vast majority of your time cruising on well-maintained roads.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.6 mi on US 231.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 231 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 101.1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 240.2 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 101.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 182.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
601 ft220 ft
Total Climb
533 ft
Total Descent
281 ft
Highest Point
601 ft
~130.1 mi in
Elevation Range
382 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dothan, AL and Blountsville, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa, Trussville and Pinson.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 1m. Total distance: 240.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92.6 miles on US 231. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Blountsville, 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: at 101.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 182.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Blountsville, AL before the return drive.
