Texas, AL to Mount Vernon, AL is 226.4 miles and takes about 4h 43m via US 43 and I 20, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Southeast region, making it a straightforward trip entirely within Alabama. Given its relatively short duration and primarily highway profile, this is a convenient option for a single-day excursion. You'll find the majority of the driving on well-maintained roads, making it an efficient way to cover the distance. Plan for a day trip that allows for a relaxed pace.
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
113.2 miles from Texas, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 43
138.7 mi
2h 45m
I 20
25.6 mi
27m
Demopolis Highway
24 mi
34m
AL 13
20.8 mi
28m
US 11
4.6 mi
6m
Bankhead Highway
3.9 mi
5m
I 359
2 mi
2m
Main Avenue
1.7 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 43
— 138.7 mi, about 2h 45m
Traffic on I-359
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,412 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~125 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
19.3×
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 Texas, AL and Mount Vernon, AL.
1
Start on AL 118
0.2 mi·20 sec·Bankhead Highway
2
Continue on AL 118
3.7 mi·5 min·Bankhead Highway
3
Turn right onto AL 13
21 mi·28 min·AL 13
4
Continue on US 43
29 mi·39 min·US 43
5
Continue on Main Avenue
1.7 mi·3 min·Main Avenue
6
Turn left onto 5th Street
364 ft·12 sec·5th Street
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
8
Merge onto US 43; AL 69
1.1 mi·1 min·Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
9
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.3 mi·24 sec·I 359; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 359; US 11; AL 69
1.7 mi·1 min·I 359; US 11; AL 69
11
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 20; I 59
26 mi·27 min·I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward UnionUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn left onto CR 208
1.3 mi·3 min·M L King Highway
16
Merge onto US 11; US 43
4.6 mi·6 min·US 11; US 43
17
Turn left onto 1st Avenue
0.1 mi·27 sec·1st Avenue
18
Merge onto US 43; AL 14
0.3 mi·33 sec·Greensboro Street
19
Turn slight right onto US 43
24 mi·34 min·Demopolis Highway
20
Turn left onto US 43
0.1 mi·13 sec·East Capitol Street
21
Turn right onto US 43
1.0 mi·1 min·North Cedar Avenue
22
Turn left onto US 43; US 80
1.0 mi·1 min·US 43; US 80
23
Turn right onto US 43
17 mi·19 min·US 43
24
Turn right onto US 43
92 mi·1 hr 45 min·US 43
25
Turn left onto Military Road
0.3 mi·43 sec·Military Road
26
Arrive at destination
Military Road
Trip Plan
For this 4h 43m drive, leaving in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for any unforeseen delays. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, it's a budget-friendly trip. The longest continuous stretch is 138.7 miles on US 43, so plan for a mid-drive stop if needed, perhaps before reaching Demopolis. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, remember that rural areas can have fewer services, so ensure your fuel tank is adequately filled before embarking on the longer highway segments.
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 113.2 miles from Texas, AL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.7 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 50 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.2 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mount Vernon, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Texas, 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 Texas, AL
This is one driving day of about 226.4 miles and 4h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Texas, 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 43 for about 138.7 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 55.2 and 84.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
55.2 mi into trip|~1h 17m in|US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard
Merge onto US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
58.3 mi into trip|~1h 21m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
58.5 mi into trip|~1h 21m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
5
58.8 mi into trip|~1h 22m in|I 20; I 59
Merge onto I 20; I 59
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
84.4 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward Union
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Union
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.43 one way
$62.86 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$35.16
$70.33
premium
$4.29
$38.23
$76.46
diesel
$4.80
$42.75
$85.50
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.9
0
$23.77
$10.87
Efficient EV
56.6
0
$19.81
$9.06
EV Truck/SUV
90.6
1
$31.70
$14.49
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 20, 2026
Origin
Texas, AL
Late night
in Texas on Monday
Local time
2:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 19 at 10:29PM CDT until July 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 10:27PM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Mount Vernon, AL
Late night
in Mount Vernon on Monday
Local time
2:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 19 at 10:29PM CDT until July 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 10:27PM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
91°F
Newbern, AL
113 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
2 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
4h 43m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is predominantly highway driving, with 85% of the route on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 138.7 miles on US 43, which offers a consistent cruising experience. The remaining portion of the drive will transition to surface roads as you approach your destination. Expect to encounter typical highway conditions, including merging traffic as you transition between interstates and US highways.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.7 mi on US 43.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 43 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 55.2 miles in near US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 226.4 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 55.2 miles (US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
588 ft36 ft
Total Climb
570 ft
Total Descent
961 ft
Highest Point
588 ft
~16.2 mi in
Elevation Range
551 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 Texas, AL to Mount Vernon, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Union along the way.
Texas, known as the Lone Star State, offers travelers a diverse array of experiences across its expansive landscapes. As the second largest state in the U.S., Texas features varied environments such as the dense Piney Woods in the east, the rugged mountains of Big Bend National Park in the west, and the beaches along the Gulf Coast. These regions provide opportunities for activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.
Cultural exploration is a significant draw in Texas, with vibrant Hispanic influences prominently featured in San Antonio and El Paso. Visitors can also experience the cowboy heritage in Fort Worth and explore the German cultural influences in Fredericksburg and the Hill Country. Coastal cities such as Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Padre Island offer beaches with a range of recreational activities along the Gulf of Mexico.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 43m. Total distance: 226.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 138.7 miles on US 43. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Mount Vernon, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 55.2 miles (US 43; AL 69 / Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Mount Vernon, AL, but most travelers stay overnight.
