Dothan to Sulligent is 287.6 miles and takes about 5h 46m via I-65 and US-231, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Alabama, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a mostly highway trip, making it a straightforward option for a single day. Plan for a steady pace as you cover the distance, with most of your driving on major roads. You'll find this route efficient for getting from point A to point B within the state.
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
143.8 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
92.5 mi
1h 42m
US 231
89.1 mi
1h 51m
I 22
69 mi
1h 13m
US 278
14 mi
20m
Montgomery Highway
7.1 mi
11m
AL 44
4.3 mi
6m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
State Highway 44
1.7 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 92.5 mi, about 1h 42m
Traffic on I-22
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~750 veh/hr typical
· worst 989
Quietest
2 AM
~121 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Sulligent, 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
92 mi·1 hr 42 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 265AToward I 22 West: MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 22
69 mi·1 hr 13 min·I 22
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 26Toward AL 44: Brilliant, Guin
31
Turn left onto AL 44
1.7 mi·2 min·State Highway 44
32
Turn right onto AL 44
4.3 mi·6 min·AL 44
33
Take the ramp
208 ft·6 sec
34
Merge onto US 43; AL 118; AL 171
0.4 mi·52 sec·US 43; AL 118; AL 171
35
Turn left onto US 278; AL 118
14 mi·20 min·US 278; AL 118
Use the left lane.
36
Turn right onto AL 17
366 ft·9 sec·AL 17
37
Arrive at destination
AL 17
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 46m drive, consider leaving Dothan in the morning to ensure you have ample daylight. With a single day recommended, you can complete this trip without needing an overnight stay. The longest stretch without a major exit opportunity is 92.5 miles on I-65, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you begin that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the latter half of the drive, especially as you transition off the main interstates. The $42 fuel estimate can help you budget for gas along the way.
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 143.8 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.5 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 63 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.8 miles or 3h 1m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sulligent, 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 287.6 miles and 5h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 92.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
First break
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Inexpensiv
Ozark, AL
Hours: Open 24 hours
SMOKE R US
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Ozark, Alabama
Hours: 9 am–9 pm
+13342373891
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 266.9 — 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 13m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
5
101.3 mi into trip|~2h 13m in|I 85
Merge onto I 85
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
196.7 mi into trip|~3h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 22 West: Memphis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 265A
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
6
266.9 mi into trip|~5h 15m in
Take the exit toward AL 44: Brilliant, Guin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 26
Toward AL 44: Brilliant, Guin
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.77 one way
$89.54 round trip
$3.95/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$49.36
$98.71
premium
$4.71
$53.34
$106.68
diesel
$6.18
$69.96
$139.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.3
1
$30.20
$13.80
Efficient EV
71.9
0
$25.17
$11.50
EV Truck/SUV
115
1
$40.26
$18.41
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Dothan, AL
Evening
in Dothan on Monday
Local time
5:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Partly Cloudy
ENE 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:17PM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Sulligent, AL
Evening
in Sulligent on Monday
Local time
5:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
E 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:17PM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM 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
25 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 46m 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
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 188.4
Park Closure: A.G Gaston Motel Closed for Construction
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect to spend 95% of your time on the highway, with the longest continuous stretch covering 92.5 miles on I-65. The transition to surface roads will likely occur near the end of your trip as you approach Sulligent. This route features a lot of highway cruising, so be aware of potentially dense exits as you navigate the interstates. The majority of your travel will be on high-speed roads designed for efficient travel.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.5 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 231. 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 17 significant decision points across 287.6 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 101.3 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
626 ft272 ft
Total Climb
659 ft
Total Descent
655 ft
Highest Point
626 ft
~267.1 mi in
Elevation Range
354 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 Sulligent, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South and Guin.
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 46m. Total distance: 287.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92.5 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 12 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 Sulligent, 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 12 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 101.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 101.3 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Sulligent, AL before the return drive.
