Trip from Elba, AL to Mobile, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

Distance

154.5 mi

249 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min

4 AM

2h 49m ★

6 AM

3h 1m

8 AM

3h 24m

10 AM

3h 9m

12 PM

3h 7m

3 PM

3h 10m

5 PM

3h 22m

8 PM

2h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Elba, AL

Earth Photart

Mobile, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 154.5-mile drive from Elba to Mobile, Alabama, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours to complete. Primarily utilizing I-65, with segments on River Falls Street and US 84, it's a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $24, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Southeast region of Alabama. One planned stop is suggested, and the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 82.8 miles on I-65, meaning you can cover significant ground efficiently. This trip is perfectly suited for a single day of travel.

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

77.3 miles from Elba, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 65	82.8 mi	1h 28m
River Falls Street	25.6 mi	32m
US 84	13.6 mi	16m
Old Curtis Road	12.3 mi	14m
US 31	6.9 mi	8m
I 165	4.7 mi	5m
West Cummings Avenue	3 mi	4m
Hickman Avenue	1.2 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 65 — 82.8 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elba, AL and Mobile, AL.

Start on Simmons Street

15 ft · 6 sec · Simmons Street

Turn left onto Polka Street

317 ft · 15 sec · Polka Street

Turn right onto Davis Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Davis Street

Continue on Hickman Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Hickman Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto AL 189

445 ft · 8 sec · AL 189

Turn left onto US 84

0.5 mi · 41 sec · Hickman Avenue

Continue on US 84

12 mi · 14 min · Old Curtis Road

Continue on this road

1.4 mi · 2 min · this road

Continue on East Stewart Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Stewart Avenue

Turn left onto North Main Street

0.4 mi · 31 sec · North Main Street

Turn right onto West Cummings Avenue

3.0 mi · 4 min · West Cummings Avenue

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 31 sec · this road

Turn right onto US 84

13 mi · 15 min · US 84

Take the exit onto US 84

217 ft · 5 sec · US 84

Turn slight right onto US 84; AL 55

26 mi · 32 min · River Falls Street

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 31; US 84

6.9 mi · 8 min · US 31; US 84

Turn right onto US 84

0.9 mi · 58 sec · US 84

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Merge onto I 65

83 mi · 1 hr 28 min · I 65

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 41 sec

Toward I 165: Mobile

Continue on I 165

4.7 mi · 5 min · I 165

Turn right onto Saint Joseph Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Saint Joseph Street

Turn right onto Saint Louis Street

40 ft · 1 sec · Saint Louis Street

Arrive at destination

Saint Louis Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, starting your drive from Elba in the morning allows ample time to reach Mobile without feeling rushed. The estimated fuel cost of $24 makes budgeting straightforward. With only one stop recommended, you can plan your break strategically along the 154.5-mile route, perhaps midway through the 82.8-mile stretch on I-65. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer interstate segments, to ensure a smooth journey to Mobile.

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 77.3 miles from Elba, AL, or about 1h 36m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.8 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 34 miles or 44m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 77.3 miles or 1h 36m 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 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mobile, AL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Elba, 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 Elba, AL

This is one driving day of about 154.5 miles and 3h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Elba, 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 82.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Owassa, AL

77 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

Andalusia, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brewton, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 77.3 miles from Elba, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

MS LINDA'S

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elba, Alabama

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13342826844

Visit website

Ranch House, LLC

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Elba, Alabama

1 mi

Bluebird Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Andalusia, Alabama

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Exploreum Science Center & PCI Digital Dome Theater

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mobile, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 154.5

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12512086893

Visit website

Waymaker Cafè

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elba, Alabama

0.1 mi

Grit and Grind Coffee Andalusia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Andalusia, Alabama

1.4 mi

MS LINDA'S

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Elba, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13342826844

Visit website

Java-Time

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0 mi from route mile 33.1

Andalusia, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+13345046150

Visit website

Ranch House, LLC

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Elba, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13348973240

Visit website

Bluebird Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.1

Andalusia, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+13349231698

Visit website

Felix's Fish Camp Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 154.5

Spanish Fort, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12516266710

Visit website

Exploreum Science Center & PCI Digital Dome Theater

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 154.5

Mobile, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12512086893

Visit website

Waymaker Cafè

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Inexpensiv

Elba, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13344006104

Grit and Grind Coffee Andalusia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.1

Andalusia, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13346667220

Visit website

JavaTime

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 33.1

Andalusia, Alabama

Grit and Grind Coffee Opp

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 11

Opp, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+13344930924

Visit website

Gator Grub

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 11

Opp, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+13344474874

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 154.5

Mobile, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 99.3

Atmore, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 143.5

Saraland, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 33.1

Andalusia, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 77.3

Repton, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18552443466

Visit website

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 0 and 148.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Polka Street

Turn left onto Polka Street

Navigation decision point

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Davis Street

Turn right onto Davis Street

Navigation decision point

1.2 mi into trip | ~3m in | AL 189

At end of road, turn right onto AL 189

Navigation decision point

65.9 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

148.9 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in

Take the exit toward I 165: Mobile

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 165: Mobile

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.33 one way

$46.67 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$25.61	$51.23
premium	$4.56	$27.73	$55.46
diesel	$5.61	$34.11	$68.22

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: 54.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	46.4	$16.22	$7.42
Efficient EV	38.6	$13.52	$6.18
EV Truck/SUV	61.8	$21.63	$9.89

Gas CO2

54 kg

EV CO2

18 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Elba, AL

Late night in Elba on Sunday

Local time

2:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Mobile, AL

Late night in Mobile on Sunday

Local time

2:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Sunny

S 5 to 10 mph 3% chance 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

1 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

3h on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for this journey, with about 70% of the route on high-speed roads like I-65. The majority of your travel will be on this interstate, including a significant 82.8-mile stretch without needing to exit. While I-65 forms the backbone, you'll also navigate sections of River Falls Street and US 84, offering a slight change of pace. This route is designed for efficient travel, prioritizing forward momentum over leisurely exploration.

70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 82.8 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and River Falls Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Polka Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Polka Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Davis Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (AL 189): Navigation decision point.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

359 ft 0 ft

Total Climb

586 ft

Total Descent

770 ft

Highest Point

359 ft

~11 mi in

Elevation Range

359 ft

About the Cities

Arriving in Mobile, AL

Full guide →

For issues specific to mobile phones and smartphone usage, see Mobile phones. Mobile is a city in the state of Alabama in the South of the United States of America with almost a half million people in the metro area. Mobile is a historic, diverse port city with a strong southern culture and heritage. The original capital of French Louisiana, Mobile is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.

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. Total distance: 154.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (70%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82.8 miles on I 65. 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.

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: near the start (Polka Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Davis Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (AL 189): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Mobile, 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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Explore more options from Elba, AL or browse trips ending in Mobile, AL.

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Trip from Elba, AL to Mobile, AL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

MS LINDA'S

Exploreum Science Center & PCI Digital Dome Theater

MS LINDA'S

Java-Time

Ranch House, LLC

Bluebird Coffee Co.

Felix's Fish Camp Restaurant

Exploreum Science Center & PCI Digital Dome Theater

Waymaker Cafè

Grit and Grind Coffee Andalusia

JavaTime

Grit and Grind Coffee Opp

Gator Grub

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electrify America Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Bienville Square

History Museum of Mobile

Mobile Carnival Museum

Mardi Gras Park

National Maritime Museum of the Gulf

Colonial Fort Condé

Condé-Charlotte Museum

Dinosaur Adventure Land

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Elba, AL

Mobile, AL

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

3h on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

About the Cities

Arriving in Mobile, AL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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