Chilton County Rest Area (Southbound)
0 mi from route
Trip from Huntsville, AL to Daleville, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 36m
Distance
282.5 mi
455 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 24m
★
6 AM
5h 37m
8 AM
6h 4m
10 AM
5h 46m
12 PM
5h 44m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 2m
8 PM
5h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Huntsville, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Daleville, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Huntsville to Daleville is 282.5 miles and takes about 5h 36m via I 65 and AL 167, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Alabama, moving from the northern part of the state down to the southeastern region. With a high percentage of highway driving, expect a fairly direct trip for most of the way. This is a straightforward drive, suitable for a single day if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently.
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
141.2 miles from Huntsville, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 166.8 mi | 3h 2m |
| Troy Highway | 34.7 mi | 41m |
| AL 167 | 24.6 mi | 36m |
| I 565 | 18.9 mi | 20m |
| US 231 | 8.5 mi | 10m |
| Elba Highway | 7.6 mi | 11m |
| East Park Avenue | 6.7 mi | 8m |
| Boll Weevil Circle | 3.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 166.8 mi, about 3h 2m
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
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Huntsville, AL and Daleville, AL.
1
Start on Spring Street Southwest
4 ft
·
3 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
2
Turn right onto West Side Square
376 ft
·
16 sec
·
West Side Square
3
Continue on South Side Square
369 ft
·
16 sec
·
South Side Square
4
Turn left onto East Side Square
371 ft
·
9 sec
·
East Side Square
5
Continue on Washington Street Southeast
364 ft
·
9 sec
·
Washington Street Southeast
6
Continue on Washington Street Northeast
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Washington Street Northeast
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
8
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
19 mi
·
20 min
·
I 565; US 72 Alternate
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 1
Toward I 65: Birmingham, Nashville
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1
Toward I 65 South: Birmingham
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 65
74 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Montgomery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 65
93 mi
·
1 hr 43 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
393 ft
·
9 sec
Exit 171
Toward I-85 North: Atlanta
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 85 North: Atlanta
18
Continue on I 85
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
I 85
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street
Use the slight right lane.
20
Turn right onto Ann Street
436 ft
·
8 sec
·
Ann Street
21
Keep slight left at fork onto Zelda Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Zelda Road
22
Continue on Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Carter Hill Road
23
Turn left onto McGehee Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
McGehee Road
24
Continue on US 82; US 231
35 mi
·
41 min
·
Troy Highway
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 231
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
US 231
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
27
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
28
Take the exit
349 ft
·
10 sec
29
Turn slight right onto AL 87; AL 167
7.6 mi
·
11 min
·
Elba Highway
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto AL 167
25 mi
·
36 min
·
AL 167
31
Turn left onto US 84; AL 167
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Boll Weevil Circle
32
Turn left onto US 84; AL 134
6.7 mi
·
8 min
·
East Park Avenue
33
Turn left onto AL 85; AL 134
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Daleville Avenue
34
Turn left
205 ft
·
9 sec
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5.5-hour drive, consider leaving Huntsville early in the morning to avoid potential traffic and maximize daylight. The longest stretch of highway is 166.8 miles on I 65, so plan your first break around or just after that point. With a fuel cost estimated at $44, it's wise to fill up before you leave Huntsville or at a major exit along I 65. Since this is a manageable one-day trip, you have flexibility; however, be aware that AL 167 might have fewer services than the interstate, so ensure you have adequate fuel before heading onto it.
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 141.2 miles from Huntsville, AL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 166.8 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 62 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.2 miles or 2h 35m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Daleville, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Huntsville, 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 Huntsville, AL
This is one driving day of about 282.5 miles and 5h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Huntsville, 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 166.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 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 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 141.2 miles from Huntsville, 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 166.8 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.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Chilton County Rest Area (Northbound)
0.1 mi from route
Cullman County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
TA Express
1.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 235 decision points cluster between mile 20.1 and 192.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
20.1 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 1
Toward I 65 South: Birmingham
8
94.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m 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
95.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m 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
95.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m 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
192.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m 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
$43.42 one way
$86.84 round trip
$3.90/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $48.03 | $96.05 |
| premium | $4.65 | $51.68 | $103.37 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $59.50 | $119.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.8 | 1 | $29.66 | $13.56 |
| Efficient EV | 70.6 | 0 | $24.72 | $11.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113 | 1 | $39.55 | $18.08 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Origin
Huntsville, AL
Afternoon in Huntsville on Wednesday
Local time
3:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Clear
E 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 2 at 10:33PM CDT until June 6 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Daleville, AL
Afternoon in Daleville on Wednesday
Local time
3:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
E 10 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 2 at 10:33PM CDT until June 6 at 7:00PM 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
6 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 36m 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 97.4
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?
This trip is mostly highway, with 78% of the 282.5 miles spent on interstates. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of driving on I 65, covering 166.8 miles. Surface roads begin after this long highway segment, likely introducing more local traffic and a different pace. Expect a noticeable change in exit frequency as you transition from the interstate to roads like Troy Highway and AL 167.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 166.8 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and Troy Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 23 significant decision points across 282.5 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 20.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
763 ft
219 ft
Total Climb
683 ft
Total Descent
998 ft
Highest Point
763 ft
~141.2 mi in
Elevation Range
544 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 Huntsville, AL and Daleville, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale and Montgomery.
Nashville
20 mi in
|
~22m
Fultondale
94.6 mi in
|
~1h 43m
Montgomery
95.6 mi in
|
~1h 44m
About the Cities
Starting in Huntsville, AL
Full guide →Founded 1805
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
- • SA-500D — test model of the Saturn V rocket
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 36m. Total distance: 282.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 166.8 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 Daleville, 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 20.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.1 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Daleville, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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