This 314.5-mile journey from Red Bay, AL to Pennsylvania, AL is designed for a single day of driving, estimated to take about 6 hours and 12 minutes. With 84% of the route on highways, it's a straightforward drive primarily utilizing US 45 and US Highway 45 Alternate. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $48, making it an economical option. As both the origin and destination are within the Southeast region, you won't encounter significant geographical shifts. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground without much fuss.
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
157.2 miles from Red Bay, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 45
128 mi
2h 27m
US Highway 45 Aiternate
60.6 mi
1h 9m
US Highway 45 Alternate
54.7 mi
1h 6m
Corridor V
15.4 mi
17m
Martin Luther King Drive
7.7 mi
8m
US 45 ALT
7.2 mi
8m
I 65
5.8 mi
6m
North Eason Boulevard
5.1 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
US 45
— 128 mi, about 2h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Red Bay, AL and Pennsylvania, AL.
1
Start on 4th Street Southeast
108 ft·6 sec·4th Street Southeast
2
Turn right onto AL 19
0.4 mi·45 sec·4th Avenue Southeast
3
Turn right onto AL 19
0.5 mi·52 sec·11th Street East
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·46 sec
5
Merge onto AL 24
1.5 mi·2 min·Alabama Highway 24
6
Continue on MS 76
2.4 mi·3 min·Mississippi Highway 76
7
Continue on MS 76
15 mi·17 min·Corridor V
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
18 mi·19 min
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Auburn Road
10
Keep slight left at fork
182 ft·6 sec
11
Turn left
115 ft·2 sec
12
Turn straight onto CR 931
0.4 mi·54 sec·Auburn Road
13
Continue on North Eason Boulevard
5.1 mi·8 min·North Eason Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn left
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, PontotocUse the left lane.
15
Merge onto US 45; MS 6
1.9 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King, Junior Drive
16
Continue on US 45; US 278
7.7 mi·8 min·Martin Luther King Drive
17
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
18
Continue on US 45 ALT
2.2 mi·2 min·US 45 ALT
19
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.5 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
20
Continue on US 45 ALT
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 45 ALT
21
Continue on US 45 ALT
1.4 mi·1 min·US 45 ALT
22
Continue on US 45 ALT
55 mi·1 hr 6 min·US Highway 45 Alternate
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 45
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·US Highway 45 Aiternate
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
19 mi·21 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on US 45
0.7 mi·46 sec·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
5.4 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 45
5.5 mi·6 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on US 45
2.7 mi·3 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on US 45
1.7 mi·1 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
31
Continue on US 45
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 45
9.8 mi·11 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
33
Continue on US 45
2.0 mi·2 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
34
Continue on US 45
4.9 mi·5 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
35
Continue on US 45
17 mi·20 min·US 45
Use the straight lane.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45
52 mi·58 min·US 45
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
38
Merge onto AL 158
2.5 mi·3 min·Industrial Parkway
39
Turn left
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 65 North: MontgomeryUse the left lane.
40
Merge onto I 65
5.8 mi·6 min·I 65
41
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward 430: Satsuma, Creola
42
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward 430: Satsuma
43
Turn straight onto US 43
0.1 mi·10 sec·US 43
44
Turn slight right
190 ft·8 sec
45
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·58 sec
46
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour duration, you can comfortably complete this drive in one day. To make the most of your time, consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a manageable fuel cost of $48, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 128-mile stretch on US 45, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination without unnecessary detours. Planning your single stop around the midpoint or where you anticipate needing a break will help break up the drive effectively.
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 157.2 miles from Red Bay, AL, or about 3h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128 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 69 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.2 miles or 3h 8m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pennsylvania, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Red Bay, 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 Red Bay, AL
This is one driving day of about 314.5 miles and 6h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Red Bay, 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 128 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 44.5 and 313.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
44.5 mi into trip|~55m in
Turn left toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontotoc
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 45 South, MS 6 West: Columbus, Pontot...
6
176.8 mi into trip|~3h 31m in|US 45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
253.3 mi into trip|~4h 59m in|US 45
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
307.7 mi into trip|~6h 3m in
Turn left toward I 65 North: Montgomery
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 65 North: Montgomery
6
313.9 mi into trip|~6h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 430: Satsuma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward 430: Satsuma
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.50 one way
$94.99 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg110 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$52.14
$104.28
premium
$4.56
$56.45
$112.90
diesel
$5.61
$69.44
$138.88
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 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94.4
1
$33.02
$15.10
Efficient EV
78.6
0
$27.52
$12.58
EV Truck/SUV
125.8
1
$44.03
$20.13
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Red Bay, AL
Evening
in Red Bay on Saturday
Local time
8:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Pennsylvania, AL
Evening
in Pennsylvania on Saturday
Local time
8:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Meridian, MS
157 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
4 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
6h 12m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is five sections of hiking trail running roughly parallel to the 444-mile long Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road. The foot trails total more than 60 miles...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 43.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 84% of the mileage on main roads like US 45 and US Highway 45 Alternate. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 128 miles on US 45. While primarily on established highways, the character can shift as you move between different segments of US 45 and its alternate routes. This means you'll experience consistent travel speeds for extended periods, punctuated by changes in road numbering and potentially local traffic as you approach your destination.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128 mi on US 45.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45 and US Highway 45 Aiternate. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 44.5 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 18 significant decision points across 314.5 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 44.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 176.8 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 253.3 miles (US 45): 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.
On the drive from Red Bay, AL to Pennsylvania, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Pontotoc along the way.
Pontotoc
44.5 mi in|~55m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 12m. Total distance: 314.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 12m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128 miles on US 45. 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 Pennsylvania, 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 44.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 176.8 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 253.3 miles (US 45): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pennsylvania, AL before the return drive.
