Mobile, AL to Russellville, AL is 316.7 miles and takes about 6h 29m via US 45 and US 43, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast, entirely within Alabama, making it a straightforward drive. You'll encounter mostly highway driving, so plan for steady progress. With a single recommended stop and a total duration under seven hours, this route is ideal for a same-day trip. Consider this if you need to get from the Gulf Coast region to North Alabama efficiently.
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
158.3 miles from Mobile, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 45
206.4 mi
3h 58m
AL 17
23.6 mi
33m
US 43
18.5 mi
20m
Military Road
17 mi
25m
Pond Street
10.8 mi
15m
AL 18
9.8 mi
14m
Andrew Jackson Highway
6.2 mi
7m
Military Street South
5.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
US 45
— 206.4 mi, about 3h 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mobile, AL and Russellville, 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 1BToward I 65: Montgomery
9
Merge onto I 65
2.6 mi·2 min·I 65
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward SR 158: Industrial Parkway
11
Keep slight left at fork
238 ft·7 sec
Use the left lane.
12
Turn left onto AL 158; AL 213
2.5 mi·4 min·Industrial Parkway
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
14
Keep slight right at fork
236 ft·6 sec
15
Merge onto US 45
68 mi·1 hr 18 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 45
0.9 mi·1 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 45
6.1 mi·7 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 45
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 45
1.7 mi·1 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 45
1.8 mi·2 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 45
6.3 mi·7 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 45
5.6 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 45
3.5 mi·4 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 45
4.7 mi·5 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 45
5.3 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 45
3.7 mi·4 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on US 45
1.3 mi·1 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 45
79 mi·1 hr 30 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
3.4 mi·4 min·US 45
Toward US 45 North: Columbus, Aberdeen
30
Continue on US 45
14 mi·16 min·US 45
31
Continue on Plymouth Bluff Access Road
312 ft·5 sec·Plymouth Bluff Access Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
5.4 mi·6 min
Toward US 82 East, US 45 North, MS 12 East: Columbus
33
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
34
Keep slight left at fork
122 ft·4 sec
35
Enter roundabout onto Military Road
158 ft·3 sec·Military Road
36
Continue on Military Road
0.1 mi·12 sec·Military Road
37
Enter roundabout onto Military Road
96 ft·2 sec·Military Road
38
Continue on Military Road
4.6 mi·8 min·Military Road
Use the straight lane.
39
At end of road, turn left onto MS 12
12 mi·17 min·Military Road
40
Continue on AL 18
9.8 mi·14 min·AL 18
41
Turn left onto AL 17
11 mi·15 min·Pond Street
42
Continue on AL 17
24 mi·33 min·AL 17
Use the straight / left lanes.
43
At end of road, turn left onto US 43; US 278; AL 17
5.6 mi·6 min·Military Street South
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
44
Continue on US 43; AL 17
18 mi·20 min·US 43; AL 17
45
At end of road, turn left onto US 43; AL 13; AL 17
6.2 mi·7 min·Andrew Jackson Highway
46
Turn left onto Jackson Avenue South
1.7 mi·3 min·Jackson Avenue South
47
Arrive at destination
Jackson Avenue North
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 29-minute estimated drive time, leaving Mobile in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Russellville before evening. While the route data suggests only one stop, it's wise to plan for a mid-trip break around the halfway point, perhaps near the transition from US 45 to AL 17. Your estimated fuel cost is around $47, so ensure your tank is full before you depart Mobile. Pay attention to speed limit changes as you move from highway sections to more populated areas.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 158.3 miles from Mobile, AL, or about 3h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 206.4 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 70 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.3 miles or 3h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Russellville, 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 316.7 miles and 6h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 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 US 45 for about 206.4 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.1 and 284.7 — 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
6
8.7 mi into trip|~11m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
200.3 mi into trip|~3h 54m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45 toward US 45 North: Columbus, Aberdeen
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 45 North: Columbus, Aberdeen
6
218.1 mi into trip|~4h 15m in
Take the exit toward US 82 East, US 45 North, MS 12 East: Columbus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 82 East, US 45 North, MS 12 East: Col...
6
284.7 mi into trip|~5h 51m in|US 43; US 278; AL 17 / Military Street South
At end of road, turn left onto US 43; US 278; AL 17 / Military Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.48 one way
$96.96 round trip
$3.89/gal25.4 MPG avg111 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.31
$53.69
$107.38
premium
$4.65
$57.97
$115.93
diesel
$6.28
$78.25
$156.50
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95
1
$33.25
$15.20
Efficient EV
79.2
0
$27.71
$12.67
EV Truck/SUV
126.7
1
$44.34
$20.27
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 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
Mobile, AL
Night
in Mobile on Thursday
Local time
11:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Clear
NE 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
Destination
Russellville, AL
Night
in Russellville on Thursday
Local time
11:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Clear
ESE 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
44°F
Meridian, MS
158 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
8 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
6h 29m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect 85% of this 316.7-mile drive to be on highways. You'll have a continuous stretch of 206.4 miles on US 45, which means a good amount of uninterrupted driving. The remaining 15% will be on surface roads, likely transitioning from highway speeds to more local traffic flow as you get closer to your destination. Keep an eye out for the denser exit ramps as you approach towns along the way.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 206.4 mi on US 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45 and AL 17. 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 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 23 significant decision points across 316.7 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 8.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 200.3 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
765 ft8 ft
Total Climb
1,036 ft
Total Descent
280 ft
Highest Point
765 ft
~316.7 mi in
Elevation Range
756 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Mobile, AL to Russellville, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Aberdeen along the way.
For issues specific to mobile phones and smartphone usage, see Mobile phones.
Mobile is a city in the state of Alabama in the South of the United States of America with almost a half million people in the metro area.
Mobile is a historic, diverse port city with a strong southern culture and heritage. The original capital of French Louisiana, Mobile is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.
Top landmarks
•USS Alabama — 1942 South Dakota-class battleship
•USS Drum — 1941 Gato-class submarine
•Battleship Memorial Park — park in Mobile, Alabama, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 29m. Total distance: 316.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 206.4 miles on US 45. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Russellville, 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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 8.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 200.3 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Russellville, AL before the return drive.
