Huntsville to Eufaula is 276.8 miles and takes about 5h 32m via I 65, US 82, and I 565, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within Alabama, connecting two points in the Southeast region. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, making for a straightforward drive. With only one recommended stop and a mostly highway profile, it's a good option for a single-day trip when you want to cover ground 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
138.4 miles from Huntsville, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
166.8 mi
3h 2m
US 82
64.9 mi
1h 28m
I 565
18.9 mi
20m
Troy Highway
12.4 mi
15m
I 85
2.7 mi
3m
Conecuh Avenue West
1.5 mi
2m
North Eufaula Avenue
1.4 mi
3m
McGehee Road
1.4 mi
2m
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
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 Huntsville, AL and Eufaula, 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 1Toward I 65: Birmingham, Nashville
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 1Toward I 65 South: BirminghamUse 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 265Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, FultondaleUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·37 sec
Toward I 22 West: MemphisUse the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·27 sec
Toward MontgomeryUse 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 171Toward 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 3Toward Ann StreetUse 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
12 mi·15 min·Troy Highway
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit onto US 82
27 mi·37 min·US 82
Toward US 82 East: Union SpringsUse the left lane.
26
Turn slight right onto US 82
0.3 mi·59 sec·US 82
Use the right lane.
27
Turn left onto US 29; US 82
0.2 mi·32 sec·Martin Luther King Boulevard
28
Turn right onto US 82
1.5 mi·2 min·Conecuh Avenue West
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on US 82
37 mi·50 min·US 82
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the ramp onto US 82
212 ft·7 sec·US 82
31
Merge onto US 82; US 431
1.4 mi·3 min·North Eufaula Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
32
Continue on US 431
0.1 mi·28 sec·South Eufaula Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on US 431
0.1 mi·30 sec·South Eufaula Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
US 431
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour driving time, leaving Huntsville in the morning should allow you to reach Eufaula by mid-afternoon, with plenty of daylight remaining. Plan your single stop strategically along I 65, as this is where you'll cover the longest distance. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 166.8-mile stretch on I 65, and note that your estimated fuel cost is around $44. Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you have flexibility in your departure time, but an early start will give you more time upon arrival.
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 138.4 miles from Huntsville, AL, or about 2h 32m 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 61 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.4 miles or 2h 32m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eufaula, 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 276.8 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 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
$42.54 one way
$85.09 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$47.06
$94.11
premium
$4.65
$50.64
$101.28
diesel
$5.35
$58.30
$116.60
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: 96.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83
1
$29.06
$13.29
Efficient EV
69.2
0
$24.22
$11.07
EV Truck/SUV
110.7
1
$38.75
$17.72
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Huntsville, AL
Afternoon
in Huntsville on Wednesday
Local time
2:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Eufaula, AL
Afternoon
in Eufaula on Wednesday
Local time
2:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph16% chanceLive 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
1 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 32m 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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 105
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 is mostly highway, with 92% of the 276.8 miles spent on interstates like I 65 and I 565. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 166.8 miles on I 65. You can expect a fairly consistent driving experience for the majority of the trip, with fewer turns and more straightaways. The transition to surface roads will likely occur as you approach your destination.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 82. 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 Effort10/10
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 276.8 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 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
701 ft238 ft
Total Climb
588 ft
Total Descent
970 ft
Highest Point
701 ft
~59.3 mi in
Elevation Range
463 ft
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 Eufaula, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale and Montgomery.
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
Eufaula is a town on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River in the River Heritage region of Alabama, and like that river, Eufaula is a real sleeper, though it has a dark restive past, with secessionists terrorizing abolitionists before the Civil War, and white supremacists killing at least 7 black people during the Election Riot of 1874, not to mention municipal officials postponing integration as much as possible. All that aside though, some nice historical architecture remains to be seen.
Top landmarks
•Cato House — house in Eufaula, Alabama
•Drewry-Mitchell-Moorer House — mansion in Eufaula, Alabama
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 32m. Total distance: 276.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). 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 Eufaula, 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 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Eufaula, AL before the return drive.
