Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Florence, AL to Valley, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 6m
Distance
249.4 mi
401 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 53m
★
6 AM
5h 7m
8 AM
5h 34m
10 AM
5h 16m
12 PM
5h 13m
3 PM
5h 18m
5 PM
5h 32m
8 PM
4h 59m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Florence, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Valley, AL
jason hu
Trip Overview
Florence, AL to Valley, AL is 249.4 miles and takes about 5h 6m via US 280, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, specifically within Alabama. It offers a mix of highway cruising and surface road driving, suitable for a single-day excursion. You'll encounter different types of roads, so be prepared for a varied driving experience. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a manageable drive for most.
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
124.7 miles from Florence, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 280 | 126.8 mi | 2h 36m |
| University of North Alabama Highway | 55.1 mi | 1h 5m |
| Heroes Highway | 43.8 mi | 46m |
| Wheeler Highway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| I 65 | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| Woodward Avenue | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| US 43 | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Red Mountain Expressway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
US 280
— 126.8 mi, about 2h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Florence, AL and Valley, 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, Cullman
Use 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 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Montgomery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 65
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 261B
Toward I 20 East, I 59 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
15
Merge onto I 20; I 59
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 20; I 59
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 126A
Toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 31 South, US 280 East
Use the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto US 31; US 280
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Red Mountain Expressway
19
Take the exit onto US 280
18 mi
·
24 min
·
US 280
Toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo Gardens
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit onto US 280
91 mi
·
1 hr 52 min
·
US 280
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
21
Take the exit onto US 280
18 mi
·
19 min
·
US 280
Toward I-85 North, US 29 North, US 280 East: Atlanta
Use the left lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward CR 208: Valley, Huguley
23
Turn right onto Fob James Drive
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Fob James Drive
24
Turn left onto 23rd Boulevard West
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
23rd Boulevard West
25
At end of road, turn left onto 55th Street West
0.2 mi
·
51 sec
·
55th Street West
26
Arrive at destination
55th Street West
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. The route includes one stop, which is ample for a single-day trip of this length, but you can always add more breaks if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $37. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 126.8 miles on US 280, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before or after this segment. Since it's a one-day drive, you have flexibility with your departure time.
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 124.7 miles from Florence, AL, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 126.8 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 55 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.7 miles or 2h 31m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Valley, 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 249.4 miles and 5h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 US 280 for about 126.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
125 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 124.7 miles from Florence, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 280 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 126.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Cullman County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
TA Express
1.4 mi from route
Alabama Welcome Center
1.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 10.7 and 228.4 — 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
8
116.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
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 126A
Toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downt...
8
116.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 31 South, US 280 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 31 South, US 280 East
9
228.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 40m in
|
US 280
Take the exit onto US 280 toward I-85 North, US 29 North, US 280 East: Atlanta
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I-85 North, US 29 North, US 280 East: At...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.88 one way
$67.75 round trip
$3.45/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.85 | $37.80 | $75.61 |
| premium | $4.15 | $40.75 | $81.50 |
| diesel | $3.75 | $36.82 | $73.64 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.3 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.8 | 0 | $26.19 | $11.97 |
| Efficient EV | 62.4 | 0 | $21.82 | $9.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.8 | 1 | $34.92 | $15.96 |
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Florence, AL
Morning in Florence on Saturday
Local time
7:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Slight Chance Light Rain
NNW 10 mph
17% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 11:25PM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 16 at 3:00PM CDT until October 20 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Valley, AL
Morning in Valley on Saturday
Local time
7:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
N 15 mph
15% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 11:25PM CDT until October 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 16 at 3:00PM CDT until October 20 at 7:00AM 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
3 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
5h 6m 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 120.4
Park Closure: A.G Gaston Motel Closed for Construction
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 55% of your 249.4-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on US 280 covers 126.8 miles, offering a good period of consistent cruising. After this, expect the profile to shift to more mixed highway and surface roads. Be aware that the highway portion will eventually transition, likely bringing more varied traffic and potentially more frequent exits as you approach your destination.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 126.8 mi on US 280.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 Effort
10/10
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 22 significant decision points across 249.4 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 116.3 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
782 ft
493 ft
Total Climb
559 ft
Total Descent
544 ft
Highest Point
782 ft
~213.7 mi in
Elevation Range
288 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Valley, AL, road signs point toward Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden, Downtown and Zoo Gardens.
Fultondale
109.8 mi in
|
~2h 10m
Montgomery
110.9 mi in
|
~2h 11m
Gadsden
115.1 mi in
|
~2h 16m
Downtown
116.3 mi in
|
~2h 18m
Zoo Gardens
119.6 mi in
|
~2h 23m
|
via US 280
About the Cities
Starting in Florence, AL
Full guide →Founded 1826
Florence is a city in northwest Alabama near Mississippi and Tennessee.
Top landmarks
- • Rosenbaum House — historic house in Alabama, United States
- • Sweetwater Mansion — plantation house in Florence, Alabama, United States
- • Sannoner Historic District — historic district in Florence, Alabama, United States
Arriving in Valley, AL
Full guide →Founded 1980
Top landmarks
- • Fairfax Historic District — historic district in Valley, Alabama
- • Shawmut Historic District — historic district in Valley, Alabama
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 6m. Total distance: 249.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 126.8 miles on US 280. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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 Valley, 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 14 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 116.3 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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Valley, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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