Chilton County Rest Area (Southbound)
0 mi from route
Trip from Leeds, AL to Mobile, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 54m
Distance
266 mi
428 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 41m
★
6 AM
4h 54m
8 AM
5h 21m
10 AM
5h 4m
12 PM
5h 1m
3 PM
5h 5m
5 PM
5h 20m
8 PM
4h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Leeds, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Mobile, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Leeds to Mobile is 266 miles and takes about 4 hours 54 minutes via I 65, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, moving from the Southeast region down to the Southeast coast. Expect a straightforward drive that's almost entirely on major highways. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is ideal if you want to get from point A to point B efficiently without much fuss. Consider this an uncomplicated way to cover ground in Alabama.
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
133 miles from Leeds, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 239.5 mi | 4h 18m |
| John M. Harbert III Freeway | 12.8 mi | 13m |
| I 165 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| Parkway Drive | 2.8 mi | 5m |
| I 20 | 2.4 mi | 2m |
| Saint Joseph Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Ashville Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Saint Louis Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 239.5 mi, about 4h 18m
Traffic on I-459
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 102 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,899 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~212 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 105 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 Leeds, AL and Mobile, AL.
1
Start on Ashville Road
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Ashville Road
2
Turn right onto US 78
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Parkway Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I-20 West: Birmingham
Use the slight right lane.
4
Merge onto I 20
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
I 20
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 136
Toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
7
Merge onto I 459
13 mi
·
13 min
·
John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 15
Toward I 65: Birmingham, Montgomery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 65 South: Montgomery
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 65
239 mi
·
4 hr 18 min
·
I 65
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 165: Mobile
12
Continue on I 165
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
I 165
13
Turn right onto Saint Joseph Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Saint Joseph Street
14
Turn right onto Saint Louis Street
40 ft
·
1 sec
·
Saint Louis Street
15
Arrive at destination
Saint Louis Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour, 54-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Leeds. This will help you avoid potential traffic as you get closer to Mobile. The drive is manageable in one day, so you won't need to plan for an overnight stay. With 266 miles and a fuel cost estimated at $39, it's a cost-effective trip. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 239.5-mile stretch on I 65, as services can be spaced out between exits.
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 133 miles from Leeds, AL, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 239.5 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 59 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133 miles or 2h 28m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mobile, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Leeds, 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 Leeds, AL
This is one driving day of about 266 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Leeds, 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 239.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 133 miles from Leeds, 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 239.5 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.
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Chilton County Rest Area (Northbound)
0.1 mi from route
Butler County Rest Area (Northbound)
0.1 mi from route
Butler County Rest Area (Southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Conecuh County Rest Area (Southbound)
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 20 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 78 / Parkway Drive
Turn right onto US 78 / Parkway Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
5.8 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
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 136
Toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
6
6.1 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
8
19.8 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward I 65: Birmingham, Montgomery
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 15
Toward I 65: Birmingham, Montgomery
7
20 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 65 South: Montgomery
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.72 one way
$81.43 round trip
$3.89/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.31 | $45.09 | $90.19 |
| premium | $4.65 | $48.69 | $97.37 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $65.73 | $131.45 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.8 | 0 | $27.93 | $12.77 |
| Efficient EV | 66.5 | 0 | $23.28 | $10.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.4 | 1 | $37.24 | $17.02 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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
Leeds, AL
Late night in Leeds on Thursday
Local time
5:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Sunny
NE 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:17PM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Mobile, AL
Late night in Mobile on Thursday
Local time
5:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
NE 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:17PM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM 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
4 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
4h 54m 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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 18.3
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 route is 99% highway, meaning you'll spend nearly all 266 miles on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch on I 65 is 239.5 miles, so be prepared for extended periods of highway cruising. You'll transition to John M. Harbert III Freeway and then I 165 as you approach Mobile. Given the high highway percentage, anticipate a steady pace with fewer interruptions until you reach the urban areas around your destination.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 239.5 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and John M. Harbert III Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 78 / Parkway Drive.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 266 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 0.2 miles (US 78 / Parkway Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
630 ft
8 ft
Total Climb
574 ft
Total Descent
1,190 ft
Highest Point
630 ft
~57 mi in
Elevation Range
621 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.
On the drive from Leeds, AL to Mobile, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Montgomery along the way.
Montgomery
19.8 mi in
|
~25m
About the Cities
Starting in Leeds, AL
Full guide →Founded 1887
Arriving in Mobile, AL
Full guide →Founded 1702
For issues specific to mobile phones and smartphone usage, see Mobile phones. Mobile is a city in the state of Alabama in the South of the United States of America with almost a half million people in the metro area. Mobile is a historic, diverse port city with a strong southern culture and heritage. The original capital of French Louisiana, Mobile is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.
Top landmarks
- • USS Alabama — 1942 South Dakota-class battleship
- • USS Drum — 1941 Gato-class submarine
- • Battleship Memorial Park — park in Mobile, Alabama, United States
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 4h 54m. Total distance: 266 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 239.5 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 19 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 Mobile, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 78 / Parkway Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Mobile, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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