Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 10 am–11 pm
+12057148066
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 48m
Distance
139.4 mi
224 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Madison, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Sylacauga, AL
Wikimedia Commons
This 139.4-mile drive from Madison, AL to Sylacauga, AL is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. With 95% of the route on highways, you'll mainly be on I-65, US-280, and I-565, making for a straightforward journey. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $21, which is quite budget-friendly. This highway-focused route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from the Southeast region of Alabama to another part of the same region, without significant detours. Plan for just one stop along the way, making it a convenient option for a quick getaway or transit.
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
69.7 miles from Madison, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 77.6 mi | 1h 23m |
| US 280 | 42.5 mi | 56m |
| I 565 | 8.5 mi | 9m |
| Red Mountain Expressway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| West Fort Williams Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Sullivan Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| I 20 | 1 mi | 1m |
| Norton Avenue | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Madison, AL and Sylacauga, AL.
Start on Church Street
Continue on this road
Continue on Main Street
Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street
Continue on Wall Triana Highway
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alt
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 65
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 65
Take the exit
Merge onto I 20; I 59
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto US 31; US 280
Take the exit onto US 280
Take the exit onto US 280
Turn left onto West Fort Williams Street
Turn left onto Norton Avenue
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Given the relatively short 2-hour and 48-minute duration and 139.4-mile distance, this trip is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure. You have the flexibility to leave whenever you prefer, but an early start can help you avoid any potential rush hour traffic, especially as you navigate the interstate portions. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $21, you can easily manage your needs along the way. Pay attention to the transition from I-65 to US-280, as this is where the character of the drive will likely shift from interstate cruising to a more direct, though still highway-oriented, path toward Sylacauga.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 31 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.7 miles or 1h 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sylacauga, AL than in the middle of the route.
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 139.4 miles and 2h 48m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
70 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.
A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 69.7 miles from Madison, 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 77.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Birmingham, Alabama
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 11 am–2 pm
+12057773070
Top Coffee Stop
Madison, Alabama
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+12564891223
Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights
Vestavia Hills, Alabama
June Coffee
Birmingham, Alabama
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 10 am–11 pm
+12057148066
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Sylacauga, Alabama
Hours: 4 am–10 pm
+12562457657
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–2 pm
+12057773070
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm
+12567348020
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Homewood, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–2 pm
+12057835222
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Homewood, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm
+12058022711
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+12059410108
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 9 am–3 pm
+12058488147
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Madison, Alabama
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+12564891223
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+12056321040
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12056321040
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12055830926
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12056490947
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Early in the drive, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Madison, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Good Hope, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18004891588
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Madison, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Decatur, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12563535252
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Madison, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Madison, Alabama
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+12567729300
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Madison, Alabama
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12563872194
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12057148300
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+12052542025
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Cullman, Alabama
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12567343052
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 10 am–3 pm
+12057805656
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Birmingham, Alabama
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+12059331409
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Meadowbrook, Alabama
Hours: 5 am–8 pm
+12054447777
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 92 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Take the exit toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward US 31 South, US 280 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$21.05 one way
$42.11 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $23.11 | $46.22 |
| premium | $4.56 | $25.02 | $50.04 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.78 | $61.56 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.8 | 0 | $14.64 | $6.69 |
| Efficient EV | 34.9 | 0 | $12.20 | $5.58 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.8 | 0 | $19.52 | $8.92 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Madison on Saturday
Local time
11:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Destination
Night in Sylacauga on Saturday
Local time
11:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
49°F
Birmingham, AL
70 mi in
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 139.4-mile drive, with 95% of your journey on major roadways like I-65, US-280, and I-565. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 77.6 miles on I-65, offering a solid block of consistent driving. This profile suggests a route that prioritizes speed and directness over winding backroads. While the exact scenery isn't specified, the highway nature means you'll likely be moving at a good pace with limited opportunities for spontaneous roadside exploration. The drive is designed for efficient travel, keeping you moving towards your destination.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 280. 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.
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 20 significant decision points across 139.4 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.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Madison, AL and Sylacauga, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden, Downtown and Zoo Gardens.
Nashville
Fultondale
Montgomery
Gadsden
Downtown
Zoo Gardens
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 48m. Total distance: 139.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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