Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Dothan, AL to Semmes, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 7m
Distance
204.5 mi
329 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 54m
★
6 AM
4h 7m
8 AM
4h 33m
10 AM
4h 16m
12 PM
4h 14m
3 PM
4h 18m
5 PM
4h 32m
8 PM
3h 59m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dothan, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Semmes, AL
MAMADO CONF
Trip Overview
Dothan to Semmes is 204.5 miles and takes about 4h 7m via South Main Street, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a drive primarily on surface roads, so plan for a steady pace without the high speeds of interstate travel. It's a manageable distance for a single day, making it a straightforward option for connecting these two cities without a need for an overnight stay.
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
102.2 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 79.4 mi | 1h 25m |
| US 84 | 47.6 mi | 56m |
| River Falls Street | 25.6 mi | 32m |
| East Main Street | 21.4 mi | 29m |
| Industrial Parkway | 7.1 mi | 9m |
| US 31 | 6.9 mi | 8m |
| North Main Street | 4.6 mi | 5m |
| West Cummings Avenue | 3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 79.4 mi, about 1h 25m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 86 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,064 veh/hr typical · worst 1,470
Quietest
1 AM
~126 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 104 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 Dothan, AL and Semmes, AL.
1
Start on US 84 Business; AL 52
21 mi
·
29 min
·
East Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Continue on US 84; AL 134
7.7 mi
·
10 min
·
US 84; AL 134
3
Turn straight onto AL 88; AL 134
0.6 mi
·
51 sec
·
South Main Street
4
Continue on AL 27; AL 88; AL 134
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
North Main Street
5
Continue on US 84
26 mi
·
30 min
·
US 84
6
Continue on this road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
this road
7
Continue on East Stewart Avenue
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Stewart Avenue
8
Turn left onto North Main Street
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
North Main Street
9
Turn right onto West Cummings Avenue
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
West Cummings Avenue
10
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
this road
11
Turn right onto US 84
13 mi
·
15 min
·
US 84
12
Take the exit onto US 84
217 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 84
13
Turn slight right onto US 84; AL 55
26 mi
·
32 min
·
River Falls Street
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 31; US 84
6.9 mi
·
8 min
·
US 31; US 84
15
Turn right onto US 84
0.9 mi
·
58 sec
·
US 84
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
17
Merge onto I 65
79 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
I 65
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward SR 158: Industrial Parkway
19
Keep slight right at fork
196 ft
·
5 sec
20
Merge onto AL 158
7.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Industrial Parkway
21
Turn left onto Newburn Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Newburn Road
22
Continue on CR 31
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Schillinger Road North
23
Turn right
137 ft
·
5 sec
24
Turn right onto US 98
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Moffett Road
25
Turn left onto CR 68
221 ft
·
10 sec
·
Wulff Road
26
Turn right
49 ft
·
5 sec
27
Turn right
87 ft
·
6 sec
28
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a driving time of just over 4 hours, this route is easily completed in a single day. Consider departing Dothan in the morning to give yourself ample time to reach Semmes before evening. The single recommended stop suggests you won't need extensive breaks, but it's always wise to factor in a quick rest stop. Since the drive is primarily on surface roads, keep an eye on your speed and be prepared for traffic signals and local road conditions. The estimated fuel cost of $30 is a good baseline, but check current prices before you leave Dothan.
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 102.2 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.4 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 45 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.2 miles or 2h 10m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Semmes, 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 204.5 miles and 4h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 I 65 for about 79.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.2 miles from Dothan, 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 79.4 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
Conecuh County Rest Area (Southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 29.6 and 199 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
29.6 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
AL 27; AL 88; AL 134 / North Main Street
Enter roundabout onto AL 27; AL 88; AL 134 / North Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
4
112 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
4
191.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 47m in
Take the exit toward SR 158: Industrial Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward SR 158: Industrial Parkway
4
191.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
199 mi into trip
|
~3h 57m in
|
Newburn Road
Turn left onto Newburn Road
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.78 one way
$55.55 round trip
$3.45/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.85 | $31.00 | $61.99 |
| premium | $4.15 | $33.41 | $66.82 |
| diesel | $3.75 | $30.19 | $60.38 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.6 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.47 | $9.82 |
| Efficient EV | 51.1 | 0 | $17.89 | $8.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.8 | 1 | $28.63 | $13.09 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Dothan, AL
Morning in Dothan on Saturday
Local time
8:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Sunny
WNW 0 to 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 7:45AM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 1:15AM EDT until October 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Semmes, AL
Morning in Semmes on Saturday
Local time
8:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
NW 0 to 10 mph
12% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 7:45AM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 1:15AM EDT until October 17 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
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
1 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
4h 7m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route features 0% highway driving, meaning the entire 204.5 miles will be on surface roads. You'll begin on South Main Street in Dothan, transitioning through North Main Street and East Stewart Avenue. Given the profile is mostly surface roads, anticipate encountering frequent intersections and varied speed limits typical of driving through towns and rural areas. The longest stretch without a stop is not specified, but with only one recommended stop, you can expect a continuous drive.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.4 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 84. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 29.6 miles in near AL 27; AL 88; AL 134 / North Main Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 204.5 miles you will encounter 17 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: at 29.6 miles (AL 27; AL 88; AL 134 / North Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 112 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 191.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
401 ft
-1 ft
Total Climb
430 ft
Total Descent
507 ft
Highest Point
401 ft
~43.8 mi in
Elevation Range
402 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Dothan, AL
Full guide →Founded 1885
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.
Top landmarks
- • Dothan Opera House
Arriving in Semmes, AL
Full guide →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 4h 7m. Total distance: 204.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (69%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.4 miles on I 65. 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 29.6 miles (AL 27; AL 88; AL 134 / North Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 112 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 191.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Semmes, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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