Ladonia, AL to Madison, AL is 232.2 miles and takes about 4h 41m via US 280, I-65, and I-565, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Alabama, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. With 94% highway driving, expect a straightforward trip that's mostly about covering ground efficiently. It's a solid option if you need to get between these two points without much fuss, keeping you on major roads for the bulk of the travel time. Plan for a single day to make this trip.
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
116.1 miles from Ladonia, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 280
128.5 mi
2h 39m
I 65
77.2 mi
1h 23m
I 565
8.4 mi
9m
Birmingham Highway
3 mi
3m
Crawford Road
2.9 mi
4m
Red Mountain Expressway
2.9 mi
3m
US 80
2.5 mi
3m
Carraway Boulevard
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 280
— 128.5 mi, about 2h 39m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,277 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.5×
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 Ladonia, AL and Madison, AL.
1
Start on US 80
2.9 mi·4 min·Crawford Road
2
Turn left onto US 80; US 280; US 431
2.5 mi·3 min·US 80; US 280; US 431
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on US 280; US 431
21 mi·24 min·US 280; US 431
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the exit onto US 280
3.1 mi·3 min·US 280
Toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Auburn, MontgomeryUse the left lane.
5
Take the exit onto US 280
0.4 mi·44 sec·US 280
Toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 280
285 ft·6 sec·US 280
Toward US 280 West: Opelika, BirminghamUse the right lane.
7
Merge onto US 280
1.5 mi·2 min·Gateway Drive
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 280
3.0 mi·3 min·Birmingham Highway
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 280
104 mi·2 hr 9 min·US 280
Use the right lane.
10
Take the exit onto US 280
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 280
Toward US 31 North, US 280 West: Birmingham
11
Merge onto US 31; US 280
2.9 mi·3 min·Red Mountain Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 31
1.5 mi·3 min·Carraway Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn left onto AL 378
0.6 mi·1 min·Finley Boulevard
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto 19th Street North
49 ft·1 sec·19th Street North
15
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 65 North
16
Merge onto I 65
77 mi·1 hr 23 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 340Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
19
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
8.4 mi·9 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 9Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
21
Keep slight left at fork
467 ft·9 sec
Exit 9Toward MadisonUse the left lane.
22
Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway
0.3 mi·27 sec·Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Continue on Sullivan Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Sullivan Street
24
Turn right onto Main Street
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
25
Continue on Church Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Church Street
26
Arrive at destination
Church Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 41m estimated drive time and 232.2 miles, leaving in the morning is your best bet to avoid any late-day traffic. Since this is a single-day trip with a fuel cost around $34, you can easily make the drive without needing an overnight stop. The longest stretch without a major change in road is 128.5 miles on US 280, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading into that longer portion of highway driving.
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 116.1 miles from Ladonia, AL, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 51 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.1 miles or 2h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madison, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ladonia, 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 Ladonia, AL
This is one driving day of about 232.2 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Ladonia, 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 128.5 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.3 and 230.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
26.3 mi into trip|~33m in|US 280
Take the exit onto US 280 toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Auburn, Montgomery
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 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Au...
8
29.7 mi into trip|~37m in|US 280
Keep slight right at fork onto US 280 toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
8
220.7 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
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 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate:...
7
221 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsv...
9
230.2 mi into trip|~4h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 9
Toward Madison
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.23 one way
$64.47 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$36.06
$72.13
premium
$4.29
$39.21
$78.42
diesel
$4.80
$43.84
$87.69
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.7
0
$24.38
$11.15
Efficient EV
58.1
0
$20.32
$9.29
EV Truck/SUV
92.9
1
$32.51
$14.86
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Ladonia, AL
Late night
in Ladonia on Sunday
Local time
4:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph47% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:46AM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:30AM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Destination
Madison, AL
Late night
in Madison on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph28% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:46AM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:30AM CDT by NWS Birmingham 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 41m 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
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 144.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily highway, with 94% of the 232.2 miles on major interstates and U.S. highways. You'll experience a long stretch of 128.5 miles on US 280 before transitioning to I-65 and then I-565. Expect a consistent driving experience with frequent exits and merges as you navigate these main arteries. The road mostly feels like cruising on high-speed, well-maintained routes.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.5 mi on US 280.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 280 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26.3 miles in near US 280.
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 18 significant decision points across 232.2 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 26.3 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.7 miles (US 280): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.7 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
715 ft473 ft
Total Climb
545 ft
Total Descent
312 ft
Highest Point
715 ft
~182.5 mi in
Elevation Range
242 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ladonia, AL and Madison, AL, road signs point toward Montgomery and Birmingham.
Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. As the anchor of the Greater Madison Area, it is home to the University of Wisconsin — Madison, one of the premier universities in the United States. It is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and academic excellence. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city's many museums and art galleries. The city is also known for its diverse and delicious food options.
Top landmarks
•James H. Bibb House — historic house in Alabama, United States
•Madison Station Historic District — historic district in Alabama, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 232.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128.5 miles on US 280. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Madison, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 26.3 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.7 miles (US 280): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.7 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Madison, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
