This 178.2-mile drive from Level Plains, AL to Birmingham, AL can be completed in about 3 hours and 40 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily be on I-65 and US-231, with a short section on Neil Metcalf Road, offering an 81% highway experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $27, this route through Alabama's Southeast region is budget-friendly for a single day's adventure. It's a straightforward journey that doesn't demand an overnight stop, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
89.1 miles from Level Plains, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 2m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
88.1 mi
1h 36m
US 231
43.2 mi
52m
Neil Metcalf Road
22.8 mi
34m
AL 167
7.6 mi
11m
US 84
3.1 mi
4m
Boll Weevil Circle
3.1 mi
4m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
Neal Metcalf Road
1.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 88.1 mi, about 1h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Level Plains, AL and Birmingham, AL.
1
Start on Joe Bruer Road
54 ft·5 sec·Joe Bruer Road
2
Turn right onto County Road 1
409 ft·19 sec·County Road 1
3
Turn right onto US 84; AL 134
3.1 mi·4 min·US 84; AL 134
4
Turn right onto US 84; AL 167
3.1 mi·4 min·Boll Weevil Circle
5
Turn right onto AL 167
1.9 mi·2 min·Neal Metcalf Road
6
Continue on AL 167
23 mi·34 min·Neil Metcalf Road
7
Turn slight left onto AL 167
7.6 mi·11 min·AL 167
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn left onto US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 231; AL 10
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 10
12
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi·3 min·US 231
13
Continue on US 231
36 mi·42 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carter Hill Road
16
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
17
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Ann Street
18
Turn left
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse the left lane.
19
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
21
Merge onto I 65; US 82
88 mi·1 hr 36 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 260BToward US 11: 3rd Avenue North
23
Turn right onto US 11; US 78
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue North
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn left onto 19th Street North
0.1 mi·17 sec·19th Street North
25
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
0.5 mi·50 sec·5th Avenue North
26
Turn right onto 24th Street North
46 ft·1 sec·24th Street North
27
Arrive at destination
24th Street North
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour and 40-minute duration, you can easily tackle this drive in one day. Aim to depart earlier in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Birmingham. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 88.1 miles on I-65, you won't need frequent breaks, but it's wise to fuel up before leaving Level Plains to cover the $27 estimated fuel cost. Keep an eye out for the transition onto Neil Metcalf Road, as this is the most distinct change in the road's character.
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 89.1 miles from Level Plains, AL, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.1 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 39 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.1 miles or 2h 2m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Birmingham, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Level Plains, 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 Level Plains, AL
This is one driving day of about 178.2 miles and 3h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Level Plains, 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 88.1 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 88.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|County Road 1
Turn right onto County Road 1
Navigation decision point
8
85.5 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
5
85.7 mi into trip|~1h 57m in|I 85
Merge onto I 85
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
88.3 mi into trip|~2h in
Keep slight right at fork toward I-65 North: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
5
88.6 mi into trip|~2h 1m in|I 65; US 82
Merge onto I 65; US 82
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.91 one way
$53.82 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg62 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$29.54
$59.09
premium
$4.56
$31.98
$63.97
diesel
$5.61
$39.34
$78.69
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
53.5
0
$18.71
$8.55
Efficient EV
44.6
0
$15.59
$7.13
EV Truck/SUV
71.3
0
$24.95
$11.40
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Level Plains, AL
Late night
in Level Plains on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Birmingham, AL
Late night
in Birmingham on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Clear
S 0 to 5 mph1% 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
17 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
3h 40m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 181.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 81% of the route utilizing major highways like I-65 and US-231. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 88.1 miles on I-65, providing a good opportunity for consistent travel. While predominantly highway, the inclusion of Neil Metcalf Road suggests a slight shift in scenery or road type before reaching your destination. This route offers a blend of efficient travel on main arteries with a brief deviation that breaks up the monotony.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.1 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 231. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near County Road 1.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 178.2 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (County Road 1): Navigation decision point; at 85.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 85.7 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Level Plains, AL to Birmingham, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, and its cultural and economic nucleus. While it's best remembered as the site of protest, bombings, and other racial tumult during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, visitors to the Birmingham of today will find a pleasant green city of ridges, valleys, attractive views, and friendly, hospitable people.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 40m. Total distance: 178.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.1 miles on I 65. 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 Birmingham, 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: near the start (County Road 1): Navigation decision point; at 85.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 85.7 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Birmingham, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
