Origin
Dothan, AL
Morning in Dothan on Tuesday
Local time
7:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dothan, AL to Thorsby, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 12m
Distance
149.8 mi
241 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 1m
★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 36m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Thorsby, AL
Wolfgang Weiser
Trip Overview
Dothan to Thorsby is 149.8 miles and takes about 3h 12m via US 231 and I-65, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, taking you from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Given its relatively short distance and predominantly highway profile, this is a straightforward drive, ideal for a single-day excursion. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, making for efficient travel between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
74.9 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 231 | 89.1 mi | 1h 51m |
| I 65 | 33.8 mi | 36m |
| 7th Street South | 11.7 mi | 17m |
| Montgomery Highway | 7.1 mi | 11m |
| I 85 | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| McGehee Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Zelda Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Carter Hill Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 231
— 89.1 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan, AL and Thorsby, 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
34 mi
·
36 min
·
I 65; US 82
28
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 205
Toward 31, 22: Clanton
29
Turn left onto US 31; AL 22
12 mi
·
17 min
·
7th Street South
30
Turn left onto Concordia Street
68 ft
·
1 sec
·
Concordia Street
31
Arrive at destination
Concordia Street
Trip Plan
For this 3h 12m drive, departing in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With only 149.8 miles, you won't need extensive stops, but a quick break around the halfway point is always a good idea. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $23, and plan your refueling accordingly. Since this is a manageable one-day trip, you have the flexibility to leave when convenient, but starting earlier will ensure a relaxed arrival in Thorsby.
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 74.9 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 1h 39m 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 33 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.9 miles or 1h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Thorsby, 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 149.8 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 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
75 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 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 74.9 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 135 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 138 — 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
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.
5
103.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I-65 North: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
6
138 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
Take the exit toward 31, 22: Clanton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 205
Toward 31, 22: Clanton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.62 one way
$45.25 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $24.83 | $49.67 |
| premium | $4.56 | $26.89 | $53.77 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.07 | $66.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 52.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.9 | 0 | $15.73 | $7.19 |
| Efficient EV | 37.5 | 0 | $13.11 | $5.99 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59.9 | 0 | $20.97 | $9.59 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (65% 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.
Destination
Thorsby, AL
Morning in Thorsby on Tuesday
Local time
7:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Troy, AL
75 mi in
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
4 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
3h 12m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily geared towards highway driving, with 84% of the trip on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 89.1 miles on US 231 before transitioning to I-65. Expect to encounter a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits typical of interstate cruising. The final segment on 7th Street South will bring you into a more local road environment as you approach your destination.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 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?
7/10
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
7/10
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 149.8 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
693 ft
158 ft
Total Climb
847 ft
Total Descent
475 ft
Highest Point
693 ft
~149.8 mi in
Elevation Range
535 ft
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 Thorsby, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South and 22: Clanton.
Ann Street South
101.1 mi in
|
~2h 12m
22: Clanton
138 mi in
|
~2h 54m
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 Thorsby, AL
Full guide →Founded 1901
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 3h 12m. Total distance: 149.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). 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 Thorsby, 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 101.3 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Thorsby, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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