Origin
Dothan, AL
Night in Dothan on Saturday
Local time
11:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dothan, AL to Steele, AL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 43m
Distance
237.7 mi
383 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 30m
★
6 AM
4h 44m
8 AM
5h 11m
10 AM
4h 53m
12 PM
4h 51m
3 PM
4h 55m
5 PM
5h 9m
8 PM
4h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Steele, AL
Pixabay
Trip Overview
This 237.7-mile journey from Dothan, Alabama, to Steele, Alabama, will take you approximately 4 hours and 43 minutes. Primarily following US 231, I-65, and I-59, this route is a highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, it's an economical option for a quick trip within the Southeast region. You'll experience a consistent drive, making it an efficient way to cover the distance without needing an overnight stop. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive.
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
118.9 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 33m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 231 | 89.1 mi | 1h 51m |
| I 65 | 78.2 mi | 1h 24m |
| I 59 | 35.8 mi | 38m |
| John M. Harbert III Freeway | 17.1 mi | 18m |
| Montgomery Highway | 7.1 mi | 11m |
| I 85 | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| McGehee Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Zelda Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 231
— 89.1 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan, AL and Steele, 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 3
Toward Ann Street South
Use 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 250
Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
Use 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 33B
Toward I 59 North: Gadsden
Use the slight right lane.
32
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
this road
Exit 33A
Toward I-59 North: Gadsden
33
Merge onto I 59
36 mi
·
38 min
·
I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward Steele
35
Turn sharp left onto Steele Station Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Steele Station Road
36
At end of road, turn right onto US 11
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Main Street
37
Turn left onto Mc Hugh Street
100 ft
·
4 sec
·
Mc Hugh Street
38
Arrive at destination
Mc Hugh Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 43 minute duration, starting your drive in the morning will allow you ample time to reach Steele without feeling rushed. You'll want to factor in at least one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is on US 231, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering that segment. The estimated fuel cost of $36 is a good baseline, but it's always wise to have a little extra for unexpected needs.
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 118.9 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.1 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 52 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.9 miles or 2h 33m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Steele, 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 237.7 miles and 4h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 89.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
119 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 118.9 miles from Dothan, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 231 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 200.4 — 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
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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.90 one way
$71.80 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $39.41 | $78.82 |
| premium | $4.56 | $42.66 | $85.33 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.48 | $104.96 |
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: 83.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.3 | 0 | $24.96 | $11.41 |
| Efficient EV | 59.4 | 0 | $20.80 | $9.51 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95.1 | 1 | $33.28 | $15.21 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Steele, AL
Night in Steele on Saturday
Local time
11:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°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
3 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 43m 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?
Expect a drive that is 94% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster-paced roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 89.1 miles on US 231, so be prepared for a significant period of continuous driving. While largely highway-focused, the route offers a consistent pace, allowing for steady progress towards your destination. This isn't a winding country road; it's designed for efficient travel, with the majority of the miles spent on interstates.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.1 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 1 miles in near US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 237.7 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 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.
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 Dothan, AL and Steele, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South, Gadsden and Tuscaloosa.
Ann Street South
101.1 mi in
|
~2h 12m
Gadsden
182.4 mi in
|
~3h 42m
Tuscaloosa
182.4 mi in
|
~3h 42m
About the Cities
Starting in Dothan, AL
Full guide →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.
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 43m. Total distance: 237.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 43m 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 89.1 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 Steele, 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 1 miles (US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Steele, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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