Origin
Ozark, AL
Morning in Ozark on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ozark, AL to Huntsville, 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 15m
Distance
271.2 mi
436 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 2m
★
6 AM
5h 15m
8 AM
5h 42m
10 AM
5h 25m
12 PM
5h 22m
3 PM
5h 26m
5 PM
5h 41m
8 PM
5h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ozark, AL
Kelly
Huntsville, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 271.2-mile journey from Ozark, AL to Huntsville, AL will take approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes of driving time. With a highway share of 97%, it's a predominantly highway-focused trip that can comfortably be completed in a single day. The estimated fuel cost is around $41, making it an economical choice for a road trip within Alabama. You'll primarily travel on I-65 and I-565, offering a straightforward path north through the heart of the Southeast region. This route is ideal for those looking for an efficient drive with minimal time spent on slower roads.
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
135.6 miles from Ozark, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 167.9 mi | 3h 3m |
| US 231 | 74.5 mi | 1h 32m |
| I 565 | 18.9 mi | 20m |
| I 85 | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| McGehee Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| East Andrews Avenue | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Zelda Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Carter Hill Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 167.9 mi, about 3h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ozark, AL and Huntsville, AL.
1
Start on AL 27
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Broad Street
2
Continue on AL 27
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East Andrews Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on US 231; AL 27
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US 231; AL 27
Toward US 231 North: Troy
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on US 231
21 mi
·
24 min
·
US 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
6
Continue on US 231; AL 10
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
12
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US 231; AL 10
14
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
US 231
15
Continue on US 231
36 mi
·
42 min
·
US 231
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Carter Hill Road
18
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Zelda Road
19
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Ann Street
20
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
Use the left lane.
21
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
23
Merge onto I 65; US 82
168 mi
·
3 hr 3 min
·
I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
26
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
19 mi
·
20 min
·
I 565; US 72 Alternate
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
28
Continue on this road
395 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
Exit 19C
Toward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
29
Keep slight right at fork
343 ft
·
8 sec
Toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
30
Turn straight onto Jefferson Street North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Jefferson Street North
31
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
4 ft
·
0 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
32
Arrive at destination
Spring Street Southwest
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour, 15-minute duration, starting early from Ozark is recommended to maximize daylight and arrive in Huntsville with ample time. While there's only one official stop suggested, plan for additional brief breaks as needed, especially during the 167.9-mile stretch on I-65. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $41 estimated cost suggests a continuous journey with fewer opportunities for inexpensive fill-ups on smaller roads. The high highway percentage means you can maintain a steady pace, but always be aware of changing speed limits as you approach urban areas like Huntsville.
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 135.6 miles from Ozark, AL, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.9 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 60 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.6 miles or 2h 45m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Huntsville, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ozark, 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 Ozark, AL
This is one driving day of about 271.2 miles and 5h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Ozark, 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 167.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
136 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 135.6 miles from Ozark, 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 167.9 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 79.6 and 270.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
79.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
5
79.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
I 85
Merge onto I 85
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
250.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
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 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate:...
7
250.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsv...
9
270.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Jefferson Street, Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.96 one way
$81.92 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
95 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $44.96 | $89.92 |
| premium | $4.56 | $48.68 | $97.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $59.88 | $119.76 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.4 | 1 | $28.48 | $13.02 |
| Efficient EV | 67.8 | 0 | $23.73 | $10.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108.5 | 1 | $37.97 | $17.36 |
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Huntsville, AL
Morning in Huntsville on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°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
3 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 15m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 168.3
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 highway-focused drive for the majority of this 271.2-mile route, with 97% of it on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 167.9 miles on I-65, allowing for sustained progress. While largely interstate, the transition to US-231 and then I-565 near Huntsville will mark a change in the immediate surroundings. This profile means you'll experience consistent speeds and a predictable driving experience for most of the 5-hour-plus journey.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 167.9 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 231. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 79.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 271.2 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 79.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 79.8 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.6 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.
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 Ozark, AL to Huntsville, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Ann Street South
79.6 mi in
|
~1h 43m
About the Cities
Arriving in Huntsville, AL
Full guide →Huntsville is in northern Alabama, about 20 miles (32 km) from the border with Tennessee. The city is a center for missile defense and aerospace technologies, with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman having major operations here. Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country, is home to many of these companies.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 15m. Total distance: 271.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.9 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 Huntsville, 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 79.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 79.8 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.6 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Huntsville, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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