Slocomb to Madison is 288.6 miles and takes about 5h 49m via I 65 and US 231, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, connecting the Southeast region from one point to another. Given its mostly highway profile and a manageable duration, it's a straightforward option for a single-day drive. You can expect a consistent pace for most of the trip, making it a practical choice when you need to cover ground 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
144.3 miles from Slocomb, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 65
167.9 mi
3h 3m
US 231
74 mi
1h 31m
I 565
8.4 mi
9m
College Street
8.4 mi
14m
AL 123
8.1 mi
11m
AL 103
5.5 mi
9m
South US Highway 231
3.2 mi
5m
North Dalton Street
2.6 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 167.9 mi, about 3h 3m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,277 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Slocomb, AL and Madison, AL.
1
Start on North Morris Street
224 ft·15 sec·North Morris Street
2
Turn left onto AL 52
412 ft·12 sec·West Lawrence Street
3
Turn left onto AL 103
0.4 mi·40 sec·Commerce Street
4
Turn straight onto AL 103
2.6 mi·4 min·North Dalton Street
5
Turn left onto AL 103
5.5 mi·9 min·AL 103
6
Turn slight right onto AL 123
8.1 mi·11 min·AL 123
7
At end of road, turn left onto AL 123; AL 134
8.4 mi·14 min·College Street
8
Turn slight left onto US 231; AL 123
3.2 mi·5 min·South US Highway 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Continue on US 231; AL 27
1.5 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 27
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on US 231
21 mi·24 min·US 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.4 mi·35 sec·US 231; AL 10
12
Continue on US 231; AL 10
5.1 mi·6 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.1 mi·3 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.5 mi·55 sec·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
17
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·US 231; AL 10
18
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi·1 min·US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi·2 min·US 231; AL 10
20
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi·3 min·US 231
21
Continue on US 231
36 mi·42 min·US 231
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi·2 min·McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Carter Hill Road
24
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Zelda Road
25
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Ann Street
26
Turn left
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse the left lane.
27
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi·3 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
29
Merge onto I 65; US 82
168 mi·3 hr 3 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 340Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
32
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
8.4 mi·9 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 9Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
34
Keep slight left at fork
467 ft·9 sec
Exit 9Toward MadisonUse the left lane.
35
Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway
0.3 mi·27 sec·Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
36
Continue on Sullivan Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Sullivan Street
37
Turn right onto Main Street
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
38
Continue on Church Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Church Street
39
Arrive at destination
Church Street
Trip Plan
For this 5 hour and 49 minute drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight. The drive is efficient enough that a single stop is probably all you'll need, potentially around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before heading onto the 167.9-mile stretch of I 65, as services can be more spread out. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; consider when you want to arrive in Madison to plan your departure time from Slocomb.
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 144.3 miles from Slocomb, AL, or about 3h 8m 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 63 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.3 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 4h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madison, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Slocomb, 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 Slocomb, AL
This is one driving day of about 288.6 miles and 5h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Slocomb, 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.
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 106 and 286.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
106 mi into trip|~2h 25m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
8
277.1 mi into trip|~5h 33m 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
277.4 mi into trip|~5h 34m 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...
6
286.4 mi into trip|~5h 44m in
Take the exit toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 9
Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
9
286.6 mi into trip|~5h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 9
Toward Madison
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.06 one way
$80.13 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$44.82
$89.65
premium
$4.29
$48.73
$97.46
diesel
$4.80
$54.49
$108.99
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.6
1
$30.30
$13.85
Efficient EV
72.2
0
$25.25
$11.54
EV Truck/SUV
115.4
1
$40.40
$18.47
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Slocomb, AL
Late night
in Slocomb on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
NW 5 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 7:04PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Madison, AL
Late night
in Madison on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Patchy Fog
WNW 0 to 5 mph31% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 7:04PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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 49m 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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 199.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend most of your time on highways, with 93% of the route utilizing major roads like I 65 and I 565. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 167.9 miles on I 65. After that significant highway portion, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of the trip. Expect a relatively smooth ride with likely frequent exits as you approach your destination.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 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 106 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 288.6 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 106 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 277.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 277.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
938 ft227 ft
Total Climb
1,152 ft
Total Descent
733 ft
Highest Point
938 ft
~247.4 mi in
Elevation Range
711 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 Slocomb, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. As the anchor of the Greater Madison Area, it is home to the University of Wisconsin — Madison, one of the premier universities in the United States. It is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and academic excellence. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city's many museums and art galleries. The city is also known for its diverse and delicious food options.
Top landmarks
•James H. Bibb House — historic house in Alabama, United States
•Madison Station Historic District — historic district in Alabama, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 49m. Total distance: 288.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). 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.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Madison, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 106 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 277.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 277.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Madison, AL before the return drive.
