Origin
Mobile, AL
Evening in Mobile on Saturday
Local time
8:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mobile, AL to Cleveland, AL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 36m
Distance
296.7 mi
477 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 23m
★
6 AM
5h 36m
8 AM
6h 3m
10 AM
5h 46m
12 PM
5h 43m
3 PM
5h 47m
5 PM
6h 1m
8 PM
5h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mobile, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Cleveland, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 296.7-mile drive from Mobile, AL, to Cleveland, AL, is best tackled as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 5 hours and 36 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, with 89% of the journey on highways, making it a straightforward trip through the Southeast region. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $45. With only one recommended stop, this drive is designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight break. It's a practical choice for those looking to cover ground comfortably within a day.
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
148.3 miles from Mobile, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 239.6 mi | 4h 18m |
| New Bradford Highway | 21.7 mi | 30m |
| John M. Harbert III Freeway | 17.1 mi | 18m |
| I 165 | 4.5 mi | 5m |
| Sweeny Hollow Road | 3.4 mi | 6m |
| I 59 | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| Chalkville Road | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Center Point Road | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 239.6 mi, about 4h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mobile, AL and Cleveland, AL.
1
Start on Saint Louis Street
389 ft
·
22 sec
·
Saint Louis Street
2
Turn left onto North Royal Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
North Royal Street
3
Turn right onto Congress Street
260 ft
·
11 sec
·
Congress Street
4
Take the ramp
411 ft
·
12 sec
5
Merge onto North Water Street
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
North Water Street
6
Continue on US 90; US 98 Truck
482 ft
·
11 sec
·
Telegraph Road
7
Turn straight onto I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 1B
Toward I 65: Montgomery
9
Merge onto I 65
240 mi
·
4 hr 18 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 250
Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 459
17 mi
·
18 min
·
John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 33B
Toward I 59 North: Gadsden
Use the slight right lane.
14
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
this road
Exit 33A
Toward I-59 North: Gadsden
15
Merge onto I 59
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 59
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 141
Toward Trussville, Pinson
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn slight left
128 ft
·
10 sec
Exit 141
Toward Trussville, Pinson
18
Turn left onto CR 10
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Chalkville Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on Sweeny Hollow Road
3.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Sweeny Hollow Road
20
Turn right onto AL 75
169 ft
·
3 sec
·
Center Point Parkway
21
Continue on AL 75
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Center Point Road
22
Turn sharp left onto AL 151
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
AL 151
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Continue on this road
200 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
24
Turn slight right onto AL 79
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
New Bradford Road
25
Continue on AL 79
22 mi
·
30 min
·
New Bradford Highway
26
Enter roundabout onto AL 160
19 ft
·
0 sec
·
AL 160
27
Continue on AL 160
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
AL 160
Use the straight lane.
28
Arrive at destination
AL 160
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour, 36-minute journey, consider an early morning departure from Mobile. This allows you to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you join I-65. The longest stretch without a planned stop is nearly 240 miles, so plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the midpoint of your drive. With a fuel cost estimate of $45, it's wise to ensure your tank is full before leaving Mobile. Given the efficient highway nature of this route, flexibility with your single stop is key to a comfortable trip.
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 148.3 miles from Mobile, AL, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 239.6 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 65 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.3 miles or 2h 41m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cleveland, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mobile, 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 Mobile, AL
This is one driving day of about 296.7 miles and 5h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Mobile, 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 239.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
148 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 148.3 miles from Mobile, 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 239.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 5.1 and 266.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.1 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 65: Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 1B
Toward I 65: Montgomery
8
245.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
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 250
Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
8
245.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
8
263.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 59 North: Gadsden
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 33B
Toward I 59 North: Gadsden
8
266.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward Trussville, Pinson
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 141
Toward Trussville, Pinson
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.81 one way
$89.62 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
104 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $49.19 | $98.38 |
| premium | $4.56 | $53.25 | $106.51 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $65.51 | $131.02 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89 | 1 | $31.15 | $14.24 |
| Efficient EV | 74.2 | 0 | $25.96 | $11.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 118.7 | 1 | $41.54 | $18.99 |
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Cleveland, AL
Evening in Cleveland on Saturday
Local time
8:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live 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
1 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
5h 36m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 89% of your travel occurring on interstates and freeways. The majority of your miles, a solid 239.6-mile stretch, will be on I-65, offering a consistent driving pace. You'll navigate using I-65, New Bradford Highway, and John M. Harbert III Freeway. While largely a high-speed journey, the transition between these main roads is designed to be smooth, ensuring a continuous flow as you head north through Alabama.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 239.6 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and New Bradford Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 296.7 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 5.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 245.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 245.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mobile, AL and Cleveland, AL, road signs point toward Gadsden, Tuscaloosa, Trussville and Pinson.
Gadsden
245.2 mi in
|
~4h 26m
Tuscaloosa
245.2 mi in
|
~4h 26m
Trussville
266.7 mi in
|
~4h 50m
Pinson
266.7 mi in
|
~4h 50m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 36m. Total distance: 296.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 239.6 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 Cleveland, 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 5.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 245.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 245.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cleveland, AL before the return drive.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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