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Trip from Ashford, AL to Madison, AL

Data updated 1 hour ago

Drive Time

5h 49m

Distance

294.6 mi

474 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 36m ★
6 AM
5h 50m
8 AM
6h 16m
10 AM
5h 59m
12 PM
5h 56m
3 PM
6h 0m
5 PM
6h 15m
8 PM
5h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

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city in Alabama, United States

Madison, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Ashford, AL to Madison, AL covers 294.6 miles and takes about 5h 49m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 65, US 231, I 565 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 167.9 miles on I 65. At current regular gas prices, budget about $44.49 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

147.3 miles from Ashford, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 5m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

This is a 5h 49m highway drive covering 294.6 miles, with most of the trip on I 65 and US 231. The longest continuous stretch is about 167.9 miles on I 65.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 65 is the longest continuous segment at about 167.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 0.5 miles in near US 84.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 294.6 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 0.5 miles (US 84): Lane positioning matters here; at 112 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 283.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
0.5 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 84

Turn right onto US 84

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
112 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
283.1 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
283.4 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...
9
292.6 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

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 Ashford, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.

Ann Street South

112 mi in | ~2h 25m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 167.9 mi 3h 3m
US 231 89.1 mi 1h 51m
I 565 8.4 mi 9m
US 84 8 mi 9m
Ross Clark Circle 5.5 mi 8m
Montgomery Highway 5.2 mi 7m
I 85 2.5 mi 3m
McGehee Road 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 167.9 mi, about 3h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ashford, AL and Madison, AL.

1

Start on CR 55

0.5 mi · 58 sec · North Broadway Street
2

Turn right onto US 84

0.6 mi · 43 sec · US 84
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on US 84

7.3 mi · 9 min · US 84
Use the left lane.
4

Turn right onto US 431; AL 210; AL 52 Truck

5.5 mi · 8 min · Ross Clark Circle
Use the right lane.
5

Turn right onto US 231

5.2 mi · 7 min · Montgomery Highway
Use the straight lane.
6

Continue on US 231

0.6 mi · 39 sec · US 231
7

Continue on US 231

16 mi · 20 min · US 231
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 231

21 mi · 24 min · US 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
9

Continue on US 231; AL 10

0.4 mi · 35 sec · US 231; AL 10
10

Continue on US 231; AL 10

5.1 mi · 6 min · US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
11

Continue on US 231; AL 10

2.1 mi · 3 min · US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
12

Continue on US 231; AL 10

0.5 mi · 55 sec · US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on US 231; AL 10

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on US 231; AL 10

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 231; AL 10
15

Continue on US 231; AL 10

0.2 mi · 14 sec · US 231; AL 10
16

Continue on US 231; AL 10

1.2 mi · 1 min · US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on US 231; AL 10

1.8 mi · 2 min · US 231; AL 10
18

Continue on US 231

3.4 mi · 3 min · US 231
19

Continue on US 231

36 mi · 42 min · US 231
Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on McGehee Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
21

Turn right onto Carter Hill Road

1.1 mi · 1 min · Carter Hill Road
22

Continue on Zelda Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Zelda Road
23

Turn right onto Ann Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Ann Street
24

Turn left

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 3 Toward Ann Street South Use the left lane.
25

Merge onto I 85

2.5 mi · 3 min · I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
27

Merge onto I 65; US 82

168 mi · 3 hr 3 min · I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

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.
29

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 340A Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
30

Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate

8.4 mi · 9 min · I 565; US 72 Alternate
31

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 26 sec
Exit 9 Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
32

Keep slight left at fork

467 ft · 9 sec
Exit 9 Toward Madison Use the left lane.
33

Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
34

Continue on Sullivan Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · Sullivan Street
35

Turn right onto Main Street

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Main Street
36

Continue on Church Street

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Church Street
37

Arrive at destination

Church Street

Trip Plan

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 147.3 miles from Ashford, AL, or about 3h 5m 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 80 miles or 1h 44m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 147.3 miles or 3h 5m 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 48m

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 Ashford, 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 Ashford, AL

This is one driving day of about 294.6 miles and 5h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ashford, 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.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 147.3 mi from Ashford, AL · 3h 5m into the drive

city in Alabama, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbiana, AL

147 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

Clio, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbiana, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 147.3 miles from Ashford, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 167.9 miles.

Arriving in Madison, AL

The final approach into Madison, 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 Madison, AL.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

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 ~1 min detour Free near mile 203.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.49 one way

$88.98 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 103 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $48.84 $97.68
premium $4.56 $52.88 $105.75
diesel $5.61 $65.04 $130.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 103.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 88.4 1 $30.93 $14.14
Efficient EV 73.7 0 $25.78 $11.78
EV Truck/SUV 117.8 1 $41.24 $18.85

Gas CO2

103 kg

EV CO2

34 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 1 hour ago

Origin

Ashford, AL

Evening in Ashford on Tuesday

Local time

7:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Mostly Clear then Patchy Fog

WSW 0 to 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Madison, AL

Evening in Madison on Tuesday

Local time

7:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Sunny

SSW 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

79°F

Columbiana, AL

147 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

27 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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Ashford, AL to Madison, AL covers 294.6 miles and takes about 5h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 65, US 231, I 565. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 147.3 miles from Ashford, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.49 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 294.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (US 84): Lane positioning matters here; at 112 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 283.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Ashford, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.

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