Origin
Alabaster, AL
Afternoon in Alabaster on Sunday
Local time
4:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Alabaster, AL to Auburn, AL
Drive Time
2h 19m
Distance
106.2 mi
171 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 10m
★
6 AM
2h 19m
8 AM
2h 38m
10 AM
2h 26m
12 PM
2h 24m
3 PM
2h 27m
5 PM
2h 37m
8 PM
2h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alabaster, AL
Muhammad Nabeel
Auburn, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Alabaster to Auburn is a straightforward 106.2-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 19 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $16 on fuel for the one-way trek. By primarily utilizing US 280, you will navigate through the heart of the Southeast, transitioning between these two Alabama hubs efficiently. It is a practical, no-nonsense drive that balances distance and travel time, making it an ideal choice for a quick getaway or a necessary commute.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
53.1 miles from Alabaster, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 82% of this route is comprised of major thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your time on US 280, which serves as the backbone of the trip, including one long, uninterrupted stretch of 87.1 miles. As you transition from the initial local roads like County Road 11, the pace settles into a consistent highway rhythm. The final approach into Auburn shifts as you merge onto North College Street, guiding you directly into the city. Overall, the drive offers a steady, predictable pace that keeps you moving toward your destination with minimal technical complexity.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 280 is the longest continuous segment at about 87.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 280 and County Road 11. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 2nd Place Northwest.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 19m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (2nd Place Northwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 31; AL 119 / 1st Street North): Navigation decision point; at 14.3 miles (US 280): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
2nd Place Northwest
Turn right onto 2nd Place Northwest
Navigation decision point
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 31; AL 119 / 1st Street North
Turn left onto US 31; AL 119 / 1st Street North
Navigation decision point
5
14.3 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
US 280
Turn right onto US 280
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
17.3 mi into trip
|
~28m in
|
US 280
Take the exit onto US 280
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
101.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
|
AL 147 / North College Street
Turn right onto AL 147 / North College Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 280 | 87.1 mi | 1h 46m |
| County Road 11 | 9.9 mi | 14m |
| North College Street | 4.7 mi | 7m |
| 1st Street North | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Simmsville Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| County Road 280 | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| County Road 68 | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| 2nd Place Northwest | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 280
— 87.1 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alabaster, AL and Auburn, AL.
1
Start on this road
298 ft
·
24 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto 2nd Place Northwest
185 ft
·
13 sec
·
2nd Place Northwest
3
Turn left onto US 31; AL 119
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
1st Street North
4
Turn right onto CR 68
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road 68
5
Turn left onto CR 11
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Simmsville Road
6
Continue on CR 11
9.9 mi
·
14 min
·
County Road 11
7
At end of road, turn right onto CR 280
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road 280
8
Continue on Cr 280
317 ft
·
9 sec
·
County Road 280
9
Turn right onto US 280
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US 280
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit onto US 280
84 mi
·
1 hr 42 min
·
US 280
Use the none lane.
11
Turn right onto AL 147
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North College Street
Use the right lane.
12
Enter roundabout onto AL 147
77 ft
·
1 sec
·
North College Street
13
Continue on AL 147
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
North College Street
14
Turn left
291 ft
·
21 sec
15
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your leisure, though planning for traffic along the US 280 corridor is always a smart move. Because the route is direct with no required stops, you can easily complete the entire 106.2-mile distance in one sitting. However, keep in mind that the majority of your time is spent on a single highway stretch; ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the road to avoid unnecessary interruptions. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to keep an eye on your speed as you transition off the highway and onto North College Street, where the environment changes from open road to local city traffic.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 53.1 miles from Alabaster, AL, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.1 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 80 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.1 miles or 1h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 53m
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 Alabaster, 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 Alabaster, AL
This is one driving day of about 106.2 miles and 2h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Alabaster, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 280 for about 87.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 53.1 mi from Alabaster, AL · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
53 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 53.1 miles from Alabaster, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 280 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.1 miles.
Arriving in Auburn, AL
The final approach into Auburn, AL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Auburn, AL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.24 one way
$32.47 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
37 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $17.81 | $35.61 |
| premium | $4.61 | $19.27 | $38.55 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $23.59 | $47.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31.9 | 0 | $11.15 | $5.10 |
| Efficient EV | 26.6 | 0 | $9.29 | $4.25 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.5 | 0 | $14.87 | $6.80 |
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Auburn, AL
Afternoon in Auburn on Sunday
Local time
4:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°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
1 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
2h 19m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Alabaster, AL to Auburn, AL covers 106.2 miles and takes about 2h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 280, County Road 11, North College Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 53.1 miles from Alabaster, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.24 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 2h 19m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (2nd Place Northwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 31; AL 119 / 1st Street North): Navigation decision point; at 14.3 miles (US 280): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Alabaster, AL to Auburn, AL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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