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Trip from Ballplay, AL to Dothan, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 10m

Distance

237.1 mi

382 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 57m ★
6 AM
5h 10m
8 AM
5h 37m
10 AM
5h 20m
12 PM
5h 17m
3 PM
5h 21m
5 PM
5h 36m
8 PM
5h 2m

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

Downtown Ballplay, AL, AL

Ballplay, AL

David Kanigan

Trip Overview

Embark on a journey from Ballplay to Dothan, Alabama, covering 237.1 miles in approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes. This single-day trip is easily manageable, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The drive primarily utilizes US 231, Broadway Avenue, and Troy Highway, with 43% of the route on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $36 for this trip. The mixed drive profile offers a varied experience as you travel through the Southeast region of Alabama. This route is a straightforward option for a day trip, making it a practical choice for efficient travel.

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

118.5 miles from Ballplay, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 10m. Total distance: 237.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (43%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This route offers a mixed driving experience, balancing highway speeds with more local road travel. With 43% of the drive on highways, you'll encounter stretches where you can make good time. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 69.5 miles on US 231, providing a solid period of consistent driving. As you progress, the character of the road will shift, moving from potentially faster highway sections to more varied routes through communities. Be prepared for this blend of driving environments as you make your way to Dothan.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 231 is the longest continuous segment at about 69.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 10.5 miles in near Lonesome Bend Road.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 10m 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 10.5 miles (Lonesome Bend Road): Navigation decision point; at 13.2 miles (US 431 / Chastain Boulevard East): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles (AL 77): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

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

4
10.5 mi into trip | ~17m in | Lonesome Bend Road

Turn left onto Lonesome Bend Road

Navigation decision point

4
13.2 mi into trip | ~23m in | US 431 / Chastain Boulevard East

Turn left onto US 431 / Chastain Boulevard East

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
22.3 mi into trip | ~39m in | AL 77

Turn left onto AL 77

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
132.2 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in | US 231; AL 21

Turn left onto US 231; AL 21

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
139.8 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in | US 82; US 231 / Troy Highway

Turn left onto US 82; US 231 / Troy Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 231 69.5 mi 1h 33m
Broadway Avenue 54.6 mi 1h 2m
Troy Highway 34.7 mi 41m
AL 77 31.5 mi 43m
Western Bypass 22.7 mi 26m
Green Valley Road 8.3 mi 14m
Herman Nelson Highway 3.9 mi 5m
Centre Road 3.3 mi 5m
Longest stretch: US 231 — 69.5 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ballplay, AL and Dothan, AL.

1

Start on Centre Road

3.3 mi · 5 min · Centre Road
2

Continue on County Highway 71

0.2 mi · 20 sec · County Highway 71
3

Continue on Main Street

2.2 mi · 4 min · Main Street
4

Turn left onto CH 65

0.9 mi · 1 min · Alford Bend Road
5

Turn right onto US 278

3.9 mi · 5 min · Herman Nelson Highway
6

Turn left onto Lonesome Bend Road

2.6 mi · 6 min · Lonesome Bend Road
7

Turn left onto US 431

0.9 mi · 1 min · Chastain Boulevard East
Use the straight lane.
8

Turn right onto Green Valley Road

8.3 mi · 14 min · Green Valley Road
9

Turn left onto AL 77

31 mi · 43 min · AL 77
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Turn right onto AL 21

23 mi · 26 min · Western Bypass
11

Continue on AL 21

1.2 mi · 1 min · Rockford Highway
12

Continue on US 231; AL 21

55 mi · 1 hr 2 min · Broadway Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn left onto US 231; AL 21

7.6 mi · 11 min · US 231; AL 21
Use the left lane.
14

Turn left onto US 82; US 231

35 mi · 41 min · Troy Highway
Use the straight lane.
15

Continue on US 231

7.7 mi · 9 min · US 231
Use the right lane.
16

Continue on US 231; AL 10

0.1 mi · 9 sec · US 231; AL 10
17

Continue on US 231; AL 10

2.0 mi · 3 min · US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
18

Continue on US 231; AL 10

7.6 mi · 10 min · US 231; AL 10
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Continue on US 231; AL 10

38 mi · 47 min · US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
20

Continue on US 231

6.2 mi · 11 min · US 231
Use the straight lane.
21

Turn left onto West Powell Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · West Powell Street
22

Turn right onto North Saint Andrews Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Saint Andrews Street
23

Turn left onto US 84 Business; AL 52

111 ft · 3 sec · East Main Street
24

Arrive at destination

US 84 Business; AL 52

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour, 10-minute drive, consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for the journey and any brief stops you might need. With only one recommended stop and a manageable distance, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Ballplay. Keep an eye on US 231 as it represents your longest stretch of continuous driving at 69.5 miles; this is a good point to assess your need for a break. This route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, so plan for a straightforward trip.

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 118.5 miles from Ballplay, AL, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.5 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 52 miles or 1h 20m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 118.5 miles or 2h 37m 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 12m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dothan, AL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ballplay, 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 Ballplay, AL

This is one driving day of about 237.1 miles and 5h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Ballplay, 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 231 for about 69.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 118.5 mi from Ballplay, AL · 2h 37m into the drive

city in Autauga and Elmore counties, Alabama, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Millbrook, AL

119 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

Trussville, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Millbrook, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 118.5 miles from Ballplay, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 231 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.5 miles.

Arriving in Dothan, AL

The final approach into Dothan, 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 Dothan, 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

$35.81 one way

$71.62 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 83 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $39.31 $78.62
premium $4.56 $42.56 $85.11
diesel $5.61 $52.35 $104.70

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 83 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 71.1 0 $24.90 $11.38
Efficient EV 59.3 0 $20.75 $9.48
EV Truck/SUV 94.8 1 $33.19 $15.17

Gas CO2

83 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (66% 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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Ballplay, AL

Late night in Ballplay on Friday

Local time

4:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dothan, AL

Late night in Dothan on Friday

Local time

4:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

80°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

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 10m 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 Ballplay, AL to Dothan, AL covers 237.1 miles and takes about 5h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 231, Broadway Avenue, Troy Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 118.5 miles from Ballplay, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.81 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 straightforward 5h 10m 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 10.5 miles (Lonesome Bend Road): Navigation decision point; at 13.2 miles (US 431 / Chastain Boulevard East): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles (AL 77): Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Ballplay, AL to Dothan, AL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.

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