Madison, AL to Jackson, AL is 260.4 miles and takes about 5h 29m via State Route 5 and I 65, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Southeast region, primarily traversing Alabama. Given its highway-heavy nature and manageable duration, it's a solid option for a single-day trip. You'll spend most of your time on major roads, making it a straightforward transit between these two Alabama locations. Consider this if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground without extensive planning.
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
130.2 miles from Madison, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Route 5
97.4 mi
2h 19m
I 65
77.4 mi
1h 23m
US 43
32.1 mi
37m
I 20
26.9 mi
29m
I 565
8.5 mi
9m
Jefferson Davis Highway
4.3 mi
6m
Broad Street
3.8 mi
5m
US 11
3.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
State Route 5
— 97.4 mi, about 2h 19m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,230 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,768
Quietest
1 AM
~183 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Madison, AL and Jackson, AL.
1
Start on Church Street
0.3 mi·46 sec·Church Street
2
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·18 sec·this road
3
Continue on Main Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·Main Street
4
Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Sullivan Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on Wall Triana Highway
454 ft·11 sec·Wall Triana Highway
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward 565: Decatur
7
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alt
8.5 mi·9 min·I 565; US 72 Alt
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 1Toward I 65: Birmingham, Nashville
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 1Toward I 65 South: BirminghamUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 65
74 mi·1 hr 18 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·38 sec
Exit 265Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, FultondaleUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·37 sec
Toward I 22 West: MemphisUse the straight lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·27 sec
Toward MontgomeryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 65
3.7 mi·4 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 261CToward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
16
Merge onto I 20; I 59
27 mi·29 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit onto US 11; AL 5
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 11; AL 5
Exit 97Toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, CentrevilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn left onto US 11; AL 5
3.2 mi·5 min·US 11; AL 5
19
Turn left onto AL 5
19 mi·26 min·State Route 5
Use the straight lane.
20
Enter roundabout onto AL 5
225 ft·7 sec·State Route 5
21
Continue on AL 5
50 mi·1 hr 10 min·State Route 5
22
Continue on AL 5
4.3 mi·6 min·Jefferson Davis Highway
23
Continue on AL 5
21 mi·31 min·State Route 5
24
Continue on AL 5
3.8 mi·5 min·Broad Street
25
Continue on AL 5
7.5 mi·11 min·State Route 5
26
Continue on US 43
32 mi·37 min·US 43
27
Turn left
524 ft·10 sec
28
Turn right onto AL 69
0.5 mi·48 sec·AL 69
29
Turn slight right onto AL 177
0.8 mi·1 min·College Avenue
30
Continue on AL 177
0.1 mi·13 sec·Commerce Street
31
Turn right onto Kimbell Avenue
58 ft·2 sec·Kimbell Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
Kimbell Avenue
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of around 5 hours and 29 minutes, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Aim to depart Madison, AL in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. There's only one suggested stop, so plan to refuel before you leave or early in your journey, as the $38 fuel budget suggests efficiency. The longest stretch without a major road change is 97.4 miles on State Route 5, so be prepared for an extended period of consistent driving on that segment. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking.
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 130.2 miles from Madison, AL, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.4 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 57 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.2 miles or 2h 30m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jackson, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Madison, 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 Madison, AL
This is one driving day of about 260.4 miles and 5h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Madison, 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 State Route 5 for about 97.4 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 0.6 and 117.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.6 mi into trip|~1m in|Sullivan Street
Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
10.8 mi into trip|~14m 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
85.3 mi into trip|~1h 34m 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
85.8 mi into trip|~1h 35m 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
8
117.7 mi into trip|~2h 11m in|US 11; AL 5
Take the exit onto US 11; AL 5 toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, Centreville
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 97
Toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, C...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.54 one way
$81.07 round trip
$3.95/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$44.69
$89.38
premium
$4.71
$48.30
$96.59
diesel
$6.18
$63.35
$126.69
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: 91.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.1
0
$27.34
$12.50
Efficient EV
65.1
0
$22.79
$10.42
EV Truck/SUV
104.2
1
$36.46
$16.67
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Madison, AL
Morning
in Madison on Tuesday
Local time
6:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Sunny
E 5 mph0% chanceLive 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
Jackson, AL
Morning
in Jackson on Tuesday
Local time
6:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
NE 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive 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
2 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 29m 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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 89.8
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 trip is almost entirely highway, with 95% of the 260.4 miles on major roads like State Route 5, I 65, and US 43. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch on State Route 5, covering 97.4 miles. Expect frequent exits and merging traffic as you navigate these primary arteries. The transition to surface roads, if any, will be minimal and likely occur near your destination.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.4 mi on State Route 5.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Route 5 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Sullivan Street.
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 260.4 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 0.6 miles (Sullivan Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.3 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
898 ft161 ft
Total Climb
743 ft
Total Descent
1,223 ft
Highest Point
898 ft
~37.2 mi in
Elevation Range
737 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Madison, AL and Jackson, AL, road signs point toward Fultondale, Montgomery and Centreville.
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 5h 29m. Total distance: 260.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 97.4 miles on State Route 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Jackson, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (Sullivan Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.3 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jackson, AL before the return drive.
