Florence, AL to Theodore, AL is 348.1 miles and takes about 7h 11m via US 45 and US 43, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Alabama, traversing the Southeast region from start to finish. With 84% highway driving, expect a relatively efficient trip that should be manageable in a single day for most drivers. Plan for about two stops along the way to break up the 7-hour drive. This route offers a straightforward path south, ideal if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points without extensive detours.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
174.1 miles from Florence, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 45
212.1 mi
4h 7m
AL 17
34.3 mi
49m
US 43
26.2 mi
32m
Andrew Jackson Highway
21.2 mi
24m
Military Road
16.8 mi
25m
3rd Avenue Southwest
9.8 mi
14m
I 65
7.6 mi
8m
US 82
5.1 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US 45
— 212.1 mi, about 4h 7m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 23 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,873 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~266 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.6×
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 Florence, AL and Theodore, 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
Continue on US 43; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
24 mi·28 min·US 43; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn right onto US 43; AL 17
6.6 mi·7 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
8
Continue on US 43; AL 17
2.8 mi·3 min·U.S. Highway 43
9
Continue on US 43; AL 17
15 mi·17 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
10
Turn right onto AL 17
34 mi·49 min·AL 17
Use the left / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn right onto AL 18
9.8 mi·14 min·3rd Avenue Southwest
12
Continue on MS 12
12 mi·17 min·Military Road
13
Continue on Military Road
4.6 mi·8 min·Military Road
14
Continue on Military Road
212 ft·4 sec·Military Road
15
Enter roundabout
26 ft·0 sec
Toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 50 West: Starkville
16
Continue
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 50 West: Starkville
17
Merge onto US 82; MS 12; MS 50
5.1 mi·5 min·US 82; MS 12; MS 50
18
Take the exit onto US 45
0.2 mi·43 sec·US 45
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45
135 ft·7 sec·US 45
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
20
Turn left onto US 45
15 mi·16 min·US 45
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Continue on US 45
64 mi·1 hr 13 min·US 45
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
19 mi·21 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on US 45
0.7 mi·46 sec·US 45
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 45
3.7 mi·4 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 45
5.4 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 45
5.5 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on US 45
2.7 mi·3 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 45
1.7 mi·1 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on US 45
9.8 mi·11 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
31
Continue on US 45
2.0 mi·2 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 45
4.9 mi·5 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
33
Continue on US 45
17 mi·20 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45
57 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
36
Merge onto I 65
7.6 mi·8 min·I 65
37
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·55 sec
Toward I 10 West: Mississippi
38
Merge onto I 10
3.9 mi·4 min·I 10
39
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 90: Tillman's Corner
40
Turn straight onto US 90
168 ft·10 sec·Government Boulevard
41
Continue on US 90
2.7 mi·4 min·Government Boulevard
42
Turn right
236 ft·17 sec
43
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Florence, AL, ideally before 9 AM, to ensure you have ample daylight. With only two recommended stops, plan them strategically to coincide with your need for fuel or a break. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 200 miles on US 45, so consider stopping before you feel the need. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, and utilize the estimated $52 fuel budget as a planning tool. Given the single-day feasibility, you have flexibility to adjust your stop times based on your travel rhythm.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174.1 miles from Florence, AL, or about 3h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 212.1 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 77 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174.1 miles or 3h 45m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Theodore, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Florence, AL
This is one driving day of about 348.1 miles and 7h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Florence, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 45 for about 212.1 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 54 and 275.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
54 mi into trip|~1h 7m in|AL 17
Turn right onto AL 17
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight / slight right lanes.
7
115 mi into trip|~2h 36m in
Enter roundabout toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 50 West: Starkville
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 82 West, MS 12 West, MS 50 West: Star...
7
120.6 mi into trip|~2h 43m in|US 45
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 45 South: Macon, Meridian
6
199.4 mi into trip|~4h 14m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
275.9 mi into trip|~5h 43m in|US 45
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.32 one way
$96.65 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$54.07
$108.13
premium
$4.29
$58.78
$117.56
diesel
$4.80
$65.73
$131.46
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: 121.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.4
1
$36.55
$16.71
Efficient EV
87
0
$30.46
$13.92
EV Truck/SUV
139.2
1
$48.73
$22.28
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 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 17, 2026
Origin
Florence, AL
Afternoon
in Florence on Saturday
Local time
2:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Theodore, AL
Afternoon
in Theodore on Saturday
Local time
2:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
NW 5 to 10 mph5% chanceLive forecast
93°F
Columbus, MS
174 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
24 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
7h 11m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 84% of the 348.1 miles covered on major roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 212.1 miles on US 45, which will feel like sustained highway cruising. The remaining portion will transition to surface roads, offering a change of pace from the faster highway segments. Expect a fairly open road feel for much of the drive, with periods of rapid travel punctuated by exits and potential slowdowns as you approach more populated areas.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 212.1 mi on US 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45 and AL 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 54 miles in near AL 17.
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 19 significant decision points across 348.1 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 54 miles (AL 17): Lane positioning matters here; at 115 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.6 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
720 ft61 ft
Total Climb
406 ft
Total Descent
896 ft
Highest Point
720 ft
~49.7 mi in
Elevation Range
659 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 Florence, AL to Theodore, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Meridian along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 11m. Total distance: 348.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 11m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 212.1 miles on US 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 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 Theodore, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 54 miles (AL 17): Lane positioning matters here; at 115 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.6 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Theodore, AL before the return drive.
