Skip to main content

Trip from Madison, AL to Sylacauga, AL

Compiled 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

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 38m ★
6 AM
2h 49m
8 AM
3h 11m
10 AM
2h 56m
12 PM
2h 54m
3 PM
2h 58m
5 PM
3h 10m
8 PM
2h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Alabama, United States

Madison, AL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Alabama, United States

Sylacauga, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

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 .

Main Roads

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
Longest stretch: I 65 — 77.6 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Madison, AL and Sylacauga, 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 1 Toward I 65: Birmingham, Nashville
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 1 Toward I 65 South: Birmingham Use 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 265 Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis Use the straight lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 27 sec
Toward Montgomery Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 65

3.9 mi · 4 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 261B Toward I 20 East, I 59 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
16

Merge onto I 20; I 59

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 20; I 59
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 126A Toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward US 31 South, US 280 East Use the slight left lane.
19

Merge onto US 31; US 280

2.5 mi · 3 min · Red Mountain Expressway
20

Take the exit onto US 280

18 mi · 24 min · US 280
Toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo Gardens Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit onto US 280

25 mi · 31 min · US 280
22

Turn left onto West Fort Williams Street

1.4 mi · 2 min · West Fort Williams Street
23

Turn left onto Norton Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Norton Avenue
24

Turn right

173 ft · 12 sec
25

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 69.7 miles from Madison, AL, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.6 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 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.

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 139.4 miles and 2h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 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 77.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and county seat of Jefferson County, Alabama, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Birmingham, AL

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.

Pacing Suggestions

Cullman, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kimberly, AL

Meal break

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 check

Top 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Bay Leaf Modern Indian Cuisine & Bar - 5 Points

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Birmingham, Alabama

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 89.6

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12057773070

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Madison, AL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Madison, Alabama

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12564891223

Visit website

Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

1.1 mi

June Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Birmingham, Alabama

1.9 mi

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+12057148066

Visit website

Hardee's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 139.4

Sylacauga, Alabama

Hours: 4 am–10 pm

+12562457657

Visit website

Bay Leaf Modern Indian Cuisine & Bar - 5 Points

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12057773070

Visit website

Alamitos Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.8

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12567348020

Visit website

Shiki Birmingham

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 99.6

Homewood, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12057835222

Visit website

Johnny's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.6

Homewood, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+12058022711

Visit website

El Taco Loco

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12059410108

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour Inexpensiv mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+12058488147

Visit website

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Madison, AL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Madison, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12564891223

Visit website

Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.6

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12056321040

Visit website

June Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Cala Coffee Downtown

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12056321040

Visit website

Alicia's Coffee LLC

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12055830926

Visit website

Prevail Union | BHM

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12056490947

Visit website

Whammy Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Daysol Coffee Lab

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 39.8

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 39.8

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 49.8

Good Hope, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 99.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 19.9

Decatur, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12563535252

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Dublin Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12567729300

Visit website

Kids Kingdom

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12563872194

Visit website

McWane Science Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12057148300

Visit website

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12052542025

Visit website

Sportsman Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 39.8

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12567343052

Visit website

Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+12057805656

Visit website

Vulcan Park and Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 89.6

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12059331409

Visit website

Veterans Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 99.6

Meadowbrook, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12054447777

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

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.

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
8
91.8 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 126A Toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downt...
8
92 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward US 31 South, US 280 East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.05 one way

$42.11 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO2
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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Madison, AL

Night in Madison on Saturday

Local time

11:38 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sylacauga, AL

Night in Sylacauga on Saturday

Local time

11:38 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 48m on the road

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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

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...

0 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 91.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

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.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 77.6 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 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.

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 Sylacauga, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden, Downtown and Zoo Gardens.

Nashville

10.6 mi in | ~13m

Fultondale

85.3 mi in | ~1h 34m

Montgomery

86.3 mi in | ~1h 35m

Gadsden

90.6 mi in | ~1h 41m

Downtown

91.8 mi in | ~1h 43m

Zoo Gardens

95 mi in | ~1h 48m | via US 280

Who Is This Route For?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 77.6 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Sylacauga, 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: 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Sylacauga, AL before heading back.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Madison, AL or browse trips ending in Sylacauga, AL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AL road trips.