Dothan to Crossville is 257.7 miles and takes about 5h 29m via US 231 and AL 77, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. You'll spend most of your time on highways, making it a straightforward drive. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct, efficient way to cover ground without extensive planning.
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
128.9 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 231
160.7 mi
3h 13m
AL 77
41.1 mi
1h
I 59
23.8 mi
25m
AL 68
9.1 mi
16m
Wetumpka Highway
8.2 mi
9m
Montgomery Highway
7.1 mi
11m
Eastern Boulevard
6 mi
8m
North Oates Street
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 231
— 160.7 mi, about 3h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan, AL and Crossville, 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
Turn right onto US 80; US 231; AL 21
6.0 mi·8 min·Eastern Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 231; AL 21
1.1 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 21
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 231; AL 21
0.2 mi·18 sec·US 231; AL 21
23
Take the exit onto US 231; AL 21
0.2 mi·23 sec·US 231; AL 21
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: WetumpkaUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 231; AL 21
0.1 mi·15 sec·US 231; AL 21
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: WetumpkaUse the slight right lane.
25
Merge onto US 231; AL 21
8.2 mi·9 min·Wetumpka Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on US 231; AL 21
0.2 mi·18 sec·US 231; AL 21
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 231; AL 21
70 mi·1 hr 19 min·US 231; AL 21
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn left onto AL 77
41 mi·1 hr·AL 77
Use the straight lane.
29
Turn left
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I-59 North: GadsdenUse the left lane.
30
Merge onto I 59
24 mi·25 min·I 59
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 205Toward 68: Collinsville, Crossville
32
Turn left onto AL 68
9.1 mi·16 min·AL 68
33
Arrive at destination
AL 68
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 257.7-mile drive, aim to depart Dothan in the morning to allow ample time for the 5h 29m estimated travel duration. With a fuel cost around $41, monitor your gas levels, especially during the longest stretch of 160.7 miles on US 231. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, planning one stop for a break or meal is recommended. Keep an eye out for the transition from US 231 to AL 77, as this is where the driving environment will change.
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 128.9 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 160.7 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 57 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.9 miles or 2h 44m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Crossville, 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 257.7 miles and 5h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 160.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
First break
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Inexpensiv
Ozark, AL
Hours: Open 24 hours
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 248.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1 mi into trip|~2m in|US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
104.6 mi into trip|~2h 16m in|US 231; AL 21
Take the exit onto US 231; AL 21 toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
9
104.7 mi into trip|~2h 16m in|US 231; AL 21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 231; AL 21 toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
7
224.2 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Turn left toward I-59 North: Gadsden
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-59 North: Gadsden
6
248.4 mi into trip|~5h 13m in
Take the exit toward 68: Collinsville, Crossville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 205
Toward 68: Collinsville, Crossville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.61 one way
$79.22 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$43.81
$87.62
premium
$4.65
$47.15
$94.29
diesel
$5.35
$54.28
$108.56
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.3
0
$27.06
$12.37
Efficient EV
64.4
0
$22.55
$10.31
EV Truck/SUV
103.1
1
$36.08
$16.49
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Dothan, AL
Afternoon
in Dothan on Wednesday
Local time
4:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Crossville, AL
Afternoon
in Crossville on Wednesday
Local time
4:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Areas Of Fog
0 mph2% chanceLive 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
7 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 29m 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.
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 204.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly on highways, with 91% of the route utilizing them. You'll encounter a long stretch of 160.7 miles on US 231 before transitioning to other roads. The majority of your time will be spent on high-speed roads, so expect consistent cruising with fewer interruptions until you approach the end of the highway segments. The final portion will involve less highway driving.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 160.7 mi on US 231.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 231 and AL 77. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 257.7 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 1 miles (US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.6 miles (US 231; AL 21): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.7 miles (US 231; AL 21): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 29m. Total distance: 257.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 160.7 miles on US 231. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 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 Crossville, 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 8 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.6 miles (US 231; AL 21): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.7 miles (US 231; AL 21): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Freedom Riders National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Crossville, AL before the return drive.
