Origin
Florala, AL
Evening in Florala on Saturday
Local time
8:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Florala, AL to Huntsville, AL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 47m
Distance
304.3 mi
490 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 34m
★
6 AM
5h 48m
8 AM
6h 14m
10 AM
5h 57m
12 PM
5h 54m
3 PM
5h 58m
5 PM
6h 13m
8 PM
5h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Florala, AL
Earth Photart
Huntsville, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 304-mile drive from Florala, AL to Huntsville, AL is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 47 minutes. It's a highway-focused journey, with 87% of the route on major roads, making it an efficient way to travel across Alabama. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $46, so plan accordingly. Given its manageable length and straightforward path, this drive is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region for the entirety of this route.
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
152.1 miles from Florala, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 225 mi | 4h 5m |
| Lockala Avenue | 21.7 mi | 30m |
| AL 55 | 19.9 mi | 23m |
| I 565 | 18.9 mi | 20m |
| Mobile Road | 9.3 mi | 11m |
| River Falls Street | 3.9 mi | 6m |
| Western Bypass | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Jefferson Street North | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 225 mi, about 4h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Florala, AL and Huntsville, AL.
1
Start on Wall Street
98 ft
·
11 sec
·
Wall Street
2
Turn sharp left onto US 331; SR 55
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
5th Avenue
3
Continue on AL 55
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
Lockhart Boulevard
4
Continue on AL 55
22 mi
·
30 min
·
Lockala Avenue
5
Turn left onto AL 55
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
AL 55
6
At end of road, turn right onto US 29; AL 55
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Western Bypass
7
Continue on US 29; AL 55
469 ft
·
16 sec
·
River Falls Street
8
Continue on US 84; AL 55
3.8 mi
·
6 min
·
River Falls Street
9
Turn right onto AL 55
18 mi
·
20 min
·
AL 55
10
Continue on US 31; AL 55
9.3 mi
·
11 min
·
Mobile Road
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 65
225 mi
·
4 hr 5 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
15
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
19 mi
·
20 min
·
I 565; US 72 Alternate
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
17
Continue on this road
395 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
Exit 19C
Toward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
18
Keep slight right at fork
343 ft
·
8 sec
Toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
19
Turn straight onto Jefferson Street North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Jefferson Street North
20
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
4 ft
·
0 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
21
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 47-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Florala to avoid any potential traffic, especially as you approach Huntsville. With a longest stretch of 225 miles, plan for one main break around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs. The fuel cost is estimated at $46, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Florala. Since this is a single-day trip covering 304 miles, you have flexibility in your timing, but staying aware of I-65 conditions will be key for a smooth journey.
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 152.1 miles from Florala, AL, or about 3h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 225 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 67 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 152.1 miles or 3h 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 46m
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 Florala, 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 Florala, AL
This is one driving day of about 304.3 miles and 5h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Florala, 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 225 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
152 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 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 152.1 miles from Florala, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 225 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 0 and 303.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 331; SR 55 / 5th Avenue
Turn sharp left onto US 331; SR 55 / 5th Avenue
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
24.6 mi into trip
|
~35m in
|
US 29; AL 55 / Western Bypass
At end of road, turn right onto US 29; AL 55 / Western Bypass
Navigation decision point
8
283.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 23m 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
284 mi into trip
|
~5h 24m 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
303.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 46m 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
$41.33 one way
$82.66 round trip
$3.45/gal
25.4 MPG avg
107 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.85 | $46.12 | $92.25 |
| premium | $4.15 | $49.72 | $99.44 |
| diesel | $3.75 | $44.93 | $89.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 106.5 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 91.3 | 1 | $31.95 | $14.61 |
| Efficient EV | 76.1 | 0 | $26.63 | $12.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 121.7 | 1 | $42.60 | $19.48 |
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
36 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.
Destination
Huntsville, AL
Evening in Huntsville on Saturday
Local time
8:30 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
5h 47m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 87% of your travel occurring on major roads like I-65 and AL-55. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 225 miles, primarily on I-65, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of the journey. While the majority is highway driving, the initial and final segments might involve more local road navigation, particularly on Lockala Avenue. This blend means you'll experience periods of steady highway travel interspersed with more varied road conditions as you enter and exit towns.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 225 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and Lockala Avenue. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 331; SR 55 / 5th Avenue.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 304.3 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 331; SR 55 / 5th Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 24.6 miles (US 29; AL 55 / Western Bypass): Navigation decision point; at 283.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving in Huntsville, AL
Full guide →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.
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 5h 47m. Total distance: 304.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 225 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.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 331; SR 55 / 5th Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 24.6 miles (US 29; AL 55 / Western Bypass): Navigation decision point; at 283.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Huntsville, AL before the return drive.
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. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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