Traveling from Enterprise to Huntsville covers 272.5 miles across Alabama, taking approximately 5 hours and 22 minutes of drive time. Because this route is a highway-focused journey, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget around $42 for fuel for the one-way trip. You will primarily utilize US 231, Neil Metcalf Road, and I-65 to navigate between the Southeast region and your northern destination. It is a straightforward transit that prioritizes efficiency over exploration, making it a functional choice for those looking to reach Huntsville quickly.
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
136.3 miles from Enterprise, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
167.9 mi
3h 3m
US 231
43.2 mi
52m
Neil Metcalf Road
22.8 mi
34m
I 565
18.9 mi
20m
AL 167
7.6 mi
11m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
Neal Metcalf Road
1.9 mi
2m
McGehee Road
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 167.9 mi, about 3h 3m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 75 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,144 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~205 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Enterprise, AL and Huntsville, AL.
1
Start on West Lee Street
153 ft·14 sec·West Lee Street
2
Turn left onto AL 88; AL 134
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
3
Turn right onto US 84
0.3 mi·36 sec·Boll Weevil Circle
4
Turn left onto AL 167
1.9 mi·2 min·Neal Metcalf Road
5
Continue on AL 167
23 mi·34 min·Neil Metcalf Road
6
Turn slight left onto AL 167
7.6 mi·11 min·AL 167
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn left onto US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 231; AL 10
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 10
11
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi·3 min·US 231
12
Continue on US 231
36 mi·42 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carter Hill Road
15
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
16
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Ann Street
17
Turn left
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse the left lane.
18
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
20
Merge onto I 65; US 82
168 mi·3 hr 3 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 340Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
23
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
19 mi·20 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
25
Continue on this road
395 ft·9 sec·this road
Exit 19CToward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
26
Keep slight right at fork
343 ft·8 sec
Toward Jefferson Street, DowntownUse the slight right lane.
27
Turn straight onto Jefferson Street North
0.5 mi·1 min·Jefferson Street North
28
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
4 ft·0 sec·Spring Street Southwest
29
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Since this is a roughly 5.5-hour drive, planning for at least one stop is essential to keep your energy levels up. Aim to depart early in the morning to beat potential traffic congestion on the busier sections of I-65, especially as you approach the Huntsville area. With your fuel costs estimated at $42, filling up your tank before leaving Enterprise will allow you to maximize your time on the road. Because the route is compact enough for a single-day push, you have the flexibility to choose your own pace; just ensure you factor in the 167.9-mile stretch on the interstate when timing your breaks for rest and refueling.
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 136.3 miles from Enterprise, AL, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.9 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 60 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.3 miles or 2h 52m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Huntsville, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Enterprise, 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 Enterprise, AL
This is one driving day of about 272.5 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Enterprise, 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 167.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 80.9 and 272 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
80.9 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
5
81.2 mi into trip|~1h 51m in|I 85
Merge onto I 85
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
252 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
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 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate:...
7
252.3 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsv...
9
272 mi into trip|~5h 21m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.83 one way
$75.66 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$42.32
$84.65
premium
$4.29
$46.01
$92.03
diesel
$4.80
$51.45
$102.91
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.8
1
$28.61
$13.08
Efficient EV
68.1
0
$23.84
$10.90
EV Truck/SUV
109
1
$38.15
$17.44
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Enterprise, AL
Morning
in Enterprise on Sunday
Local time
10:31 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Huntsville, AL
Morning
in Huntsville on Sunday
Local time
10:31 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy then Patchy Fog
0 mph11% chanceLive 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
2 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
5h 22m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 169.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by its high-speed connectivity, with 88% of the journey spent on highways. You will experience a significant shift in road types, transitioning from local routes like Neil Metcalf Road to the expansive I-65 corridor. The longest uninterrupted stretch lasts for 167.9 miles on I-65, providing a consistent, high-mileage experience that allows you to maintain steady momentum. While the drive is largely a functional interstate grind, the shift from the Southeast’s lower terrain toward the northern reaches of the state keeps the road profile feeling purposeful and efficient.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 167.9 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 80.9 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
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 272.5 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 80.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 81.2 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 252 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
677 ft252 ft
Total Climb
853 ft
Total Descent
560 ft
Highest Point
677 ft
~214.1 mi in
Elevation Range
425 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Enterprise, AL to Huntsville, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Huntsville is in northern Alabama, about 20 miles (32 km) from the border with Tennessee. The city is a center for missile defense and aerospace technologies, with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman having major operations here. Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country, is home to many of these companies.
Top landmarks
•U.S. Space & Rocket Center — science museum in Huntsville, Alabama
•Episcopal Church of the Nativity — church building in Alabama, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 22m. Total distance: 272.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.9 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 13 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 Huntsville, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 80.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 81.2 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 252 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Huntsville, AL before the return drive.
