Madison, AL to Midland City, AL is 276.1 miles and takes about 5h 24m via I 65 and US 231, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, traveling entirely within Alabama. The profile is mostly highway, suggesting a straightforward drive for the most part. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 166.8 miles on I 65, it's a manageable drive for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without feeling overly rushed.
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 miles from Madison, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
166.8 mi
3h 2m
US 231
53.3 mi
1h 8m
Troy Highway
34.7 mi
41m
I 565
8.5 mi
9m
I 85
2.7 mi
3m
McGehee Road
1.4 mi
2m
Sullivan Street
1.1 mi
2m
Zelda Road
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 166.8 mi, about 3h 2m
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 Midland City, 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
93 mi·1 hr 43 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
393 ft·9 sec
Exit 171Toward I-85 North: Atlanta
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward I 85 North: Atlanta
17
Continue on I 85
2.7 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann StreetUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn right onto Ann Street
436 ft·8 sec·Ann Street
20
Keep slight left at fork onto Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
21
Continue on Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Carter Hill Road
22
Turn left onto McGehee Road
1.4 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
23
Continue on US 82; US 231
35 mi·41 min·Troy Highway
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 231
7.7 mi·9 min·US 231
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 231; AL 10
26
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.0 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on US 231; AL 10
7.6 mi·10 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on US 231; AL 10
36 mi·44 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Use the right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
212 ft·7 sec
31
Turn right onto AL 134
0.7 mi·1 min·AL 134
32
Turn left onto AL 134
0.1 mi·19 sec·3rd Street
33
Turn right onto AL 134
0.1 mi·13 sec·Kelly Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
AL 134
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 24m estimated drive time and a fuel cost around $41, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Aim to depart Madison, AL in the morning to maximize daylight and arrive in Midland City, AL with ample time. The drive involves a significant 166.8-mile stretch on I 65, so plan for a mid-drive break before reaching the point where you transition to US 231. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you get closer to Midland City, as there's only one recommended stop along the way.
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 miles from Madison, AL, or about 2h 33m 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 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138 miles or 2h 33m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Midland City, 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 276.1 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 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 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 86.3 — 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
7
86.3 mi into trip|~1h 35m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.26 one way
$84.53 round trip
$3.89/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.31
$46.81
$93.61
premium
$4.65
$50.53
$101.07
diesel
$6.28
$68.22
$136.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.8
1
$28.99
$13.25
Efficient EV
69
0
$24.16
$11.04
EV Truck/SUV
110.4
1
$38.65
$17.67
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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Madison, AL
Late night
in Madison on Saturday
Local time
5:42 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
Midland City, AL
Late night
in Midland City on Saturday
Local time
5:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Sunny
NE 10 to 15 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 24m 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
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 95.2
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 route is an 84% highway drive, meaning you'll spend the majority of your time on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch on the interstate is 166.8 miles on I 65, so expect long periods of cruising. You'll transition from highway speeds to surface roads later in the trip, which will likely involve more frequent exits and a change in pace. The dense exits on the highway sections can make for quick stops if needed.
84% 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?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 231. 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 Effort9/10
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 21 significant decision points across 276.1 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
912 ft169 ft
Total Climb
891 ft
Total Descent
1,221 ft
Highest Point
912 ft
~39.4 mi in
Elevation Range
743 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 Midland City, AL, road signs point toward Fultondale and Montgomery.
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 24m. Total distance: 276.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). 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 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 Midland City, 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Midland City, AL before the return drive.
