Traveling from Morris to Auburn covers 128.3 miles, making for a straightforward trek across Alabama that typically takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes. Because of the manageable duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $20 on fuel for the journey, keeping your travel costs relatively low. The route relies heavily on major arteries like I-65 and US 280 to move you efficiently between the two locations. Whether you are heading to Auburn for a game, a visit, or business, this highway-focused drive offers a reliable and predictable path through the heart of the state.
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
64.1 miles from Morris, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 280
101.8 mi
2h 7m
I 65
12.9 mi
14m
North College Street
4.7 mi
7m
Red Mountain Expressway
2.5 mi
3m
US 31
2.1 mi
3m
I 20
1 mi
1m
Mary Buckelew Parkway
0.3 mi
<1m
Morris Majestic Road
0.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 280
— 101.8 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Morris, AL and Auburn, AL.
1
Start on Stouts Road
80 ft·5 sec·Stouts Road
2
Turn right onto Morris Majestic Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Morris Majestic Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 31
2.1 mi·3 min·US 31
4
Turn right onto Mary Buckelew Parkway
0.3 mi·34 sec·Mary Buckelew Parkway
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
6
Merge onto I 65
9.0 mi·9 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·38 sec
Exit 265Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, FultondaleUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·37 sec
Toward I 22 West: MemphisUse the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·27 sec
Toward MontgomeryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 65
3.9 mi·4 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 261BToward I 20 East, I 59 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
12
Merge onto I 20; I 59
1.0 mi·1 min·I 20; I 59
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 126AToward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 31 South, US 280 EastUse the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto US 31; US 280
2.5 mi·3 min·Red Mountain Expressway
16
Take the exit onto US 280
18 mi·24 min·US 280
Toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo GardensUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit onto US 280
84 mi·1 hr 42 min·US 280
18
Turn right onto AL 147
0.7 mi·1 min·North College Street
Use the right lane.
19
Enter roundabout onto AL 147
77 ft·1 sec·North College Street
20
Continue on AL 147
4.0 mi·6 min·North College Street
21
Turn left
291 ft·21 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though planning for one strategic stop will help break up the 2-hour and 44-minute drive. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the long 101.8-mile stretch of US 280, as this is where you will spend the bulk of your time. If you prefer to avoid the heaviest traffic, try to time your departure to bypass peak commute hours, especially when navigating the transition between regional road systems. Pack a few snacks and drinks in the car so you aren't forced to exit the highway prematurely. Given the $20 fuel estimate, topping off your tank in Morris before you hit the main highway is a smart way to ensure a seamless arrival in Auburn.
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 64.1 miles from Morris, AL, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.8 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 28 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.1 miles or 1h 23m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Auburn, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Morris, 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 Morris, AL
This is one driving day of about 128.3 miles and 2h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Morris, 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 280 for about 101.8 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 12 and 18.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
12 mi into trip|~15m 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
12.5 mi into trip|~15m 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
13 mi into trip|~16m 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
8
18.4 mi into trip|~23m 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
18.7 mi into trip|~24m 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
$19.38 one way
$38.75 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg45 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$21.27
$42.54
premium
$4.56
$23.03
$46.06
diesel
$5.61
$28.33
$56.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
38.5
0
$13.47
$6.16
Efficient EV
32.1
0
$11.23
$5.13
EV Truck/SUV
51.3
0
$17.96
$8.21
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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 19, 2026
Origin
Morris, AL
Late night
in Morris on Tuesday
Local time
3:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Auburn, AL
Late night
in Auburn on Tuesday
Local time
3:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Vincent, AL
64 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
21 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
2h 44m 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
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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by its efficiency, as 94 percent of your journey is comprised of highway travel. The experience is dominated by a long, 101.8-mile stretch on US 280, which serves as the primary backbone of your trip. While you start by navigating toward the interstate, the transition to the highway system creates a steady, consistent pace for the majority of your time behind the wheel. You will eventually conclude your arrival by transitioning onto North College Street as you reach your destination. It is a functional, highway-focused route that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic detours, ensuring you reach Auburn with minimal fuss.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.8 mi on US 280.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 280 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 128.3 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 12 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Morris, AL and Auburn, AL, road signs point toward Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden, Downtown and Zoo Gardens.
Auburn is in the River Heritage region of Alabama, and home to Auburn University in downtown Auburn. During the university's home football games, the town fills up with thousands of alumni and college football fans for a weekend of tailgating.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 44m. Total distance: 128.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.8 miles on US 280. 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 Auburn, 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 12 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Auburn, AL before heading back.
