Florence, AL to Headland, AL is 310.8 miles and takes about 6h 18m via I 65 and US 231, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily traversing Alabama. Expect a mix of interstate cruising and surface road travel as you make your way south. It's a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, making it a convenient option for getting from point A to point B.
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
155.4 miles from Florence, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
93.2 mi
1h 43m
University of North Alabama Highway
55.1 mi
1h 5m
US 231
53.3 mi
1h 8m
Heroes Highway
43.8 mi
46m
Troy Highway
34.7 mi
41m
Kelly Avenue
10 mi
17m
Wheeler Highway
4.3 mi
5m
Woodward Avenue
3.2 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 93.2 mi, about 1h 43m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 34 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,487 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,460
Quietest
2 AM
~362 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.4×
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 Florence, AL and Headland, AL.
1
Start on North Pine Street
0.5 mi·1 min·North Pine Street
2
Turn left onto Crest Street
131 ft·11 sec·Crest Street
3
Turn right onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17
1.5 mi·2 min·US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17
4
Turn left onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
3.2 mi·5 min·Woodward Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
1.0 mi·1 min·US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn left onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
4.3 mi·5 min·Wheeler Highway
Use the left lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto AL 157
55 mi·1 hr 5 min·University of North Alabama Highway
Toward Moulton, CullmanUse the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I-65 South: Birmingham
9
Merge onto I 65
44 mi·46 min·Heroes Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·38 sec
Exit 265Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, FultondaleUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·37 sec
Toward I 22 West: MemphisUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·27 sec
Toward MontgomeryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 65
93 mi·1 hr 43 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
393 ft·9 sec
Exit 171Toward I-85 North: Atlanta
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward I 85 North: Atlanta
16
Continue on I 85
2.7 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann StreetUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn right onto Ann Street
436 ft·8 sec·Ann Street
19
Keep slight left at fork onto Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
20
Continue on Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Carter Hill Road
21
Turn left onto McGehee Road
1.4 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
22
Continue on US 82; US 231
35 mi·41 min·Troy Highway
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 231
7.7 mi·9 min·US 231
Use the right lane.
24
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 231; AL 10
25
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.0 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on US 231; AL 10
7.6 mi·10 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 231; AL 10
36 mi·44 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Use the right lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork
212 ft·7 sec
30
Turn right onto AL 134
0.7 mi·1 min·AL 134
31
Turn left onto AL 134
0.1 mi·19 sec·3rd Street
32
Turn right onto AL 134
10.0 mi·17 min·Kelly Avenue
33
Turn left onto AL 134
0.2 mi·23 sec·Main Street
34
Turn right onto East Church Street
243 ft·6 sec·East Church Street
35
Arrive at destination
East Church Street
Trip Plan
For this approximately 6-hour drive, leaving in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop and a single-day duration, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to pause. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition to US 231, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination or a convenient refueling point. The fuel cost estimate of $46 is based on current prices and typical vehicle efficiency, so factor that into your budget.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.4 miles from Florence, AL, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.2 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 68 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.4 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 5h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Headland, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Florence, 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 Florence, AL
This is one driving day of about 310.8 miles and 6h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Florence, 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 93.2 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.7 and 207.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10.7 mi into trip|~16m in|AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway toward Moulton, Cullman
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Moulton, Cullman
8
109.8 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
7
110.4 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 22 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
7
110.9 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Montgomery
7
207.4 mi into trip|~3h 59m in
Take the exit toward Ann Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.38 one way
$96.76 round trip
$3.95/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$53.34
$106.68
premium
$4.71
$57.64
$115.29
diesel
$6.18
$75.61
$151.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.2
1
$32.63
$14.92
Efficient EV
77.7
0
$27.20
$12.43
EV Truck/SUV
124.3
1
$43.51
$19.89
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% 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
Florence, AL
Late night
in Florence on Tuesday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Clear
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:49AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Headland, AL
Late night
in Headland on Tuesday
Local time
5:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Clear
NE 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:49AM 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
4 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
6h 18m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 117.9
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?
This drive features a 49% highway share, meaning you'll transition from interstate to surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 93.2 miles on I 65. After this section, you'll be navigating more varied terrain on surface roads. Be prepared for a change in driving pace as you exit the interstate.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.2 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.7 miles in near AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 310.8 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 10.7 miles (AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
934 ft148 ft
Total Climb
981 ft
Total Descent
1,151 ft
Highest Point
934 ft
~66.6 mi in
Elevation Range
787 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Florence, AL and Headland, AL, road signs point toward Fultondale and Montgomery.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 18m. Total distance: 310.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 18m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93.2 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 17 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 Headland, 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 17 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.7 miles (AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Headland, AL before the return drive.
