Trip from Daleville, AL to Decatur, AL

Data updated 4 minutes ago

Drive Time

5h 18m

Distance

262.8 mi

423 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

5h 5m ★

6 AM

5h 19m

8 AM

5h 46m

10 AM

5h 28m

12 PM

5h 25m

3 PM

5h 29m

5 PM

5h 44m

8 PM

5h 11m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Daleville, AL

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Decatur, AL

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Trip Overview

This 262.8-mile drive from Daleville, AL to Decatur, AL is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect the trip to take approximately 5 hours and 18 minutes, with a fuel cost estimated around $40. The route primarily utilizes I-65, making it a relatively efficient way to travel within Alabama. With the bulk of the travel on major highways, this trip is best suited for those prioritizing a direct route over extensive sightseeing. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained roads designed for longer distances, making it a practical option for a day trip.

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

131.4 miles from Daleville, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .

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Drive Character

The character of this 5-hour, 18-minute drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 86% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 161.4 miles on I-65, offering a consistent pace. While the majority is interstate, the inclusion of US-231 and Neil Metcalf Road suggests some variation in the driving experience, potentially offering a slightly different feel as you transition between these main arteries. This profile indicates a drive where maintaining speed is generally possible, with the longest uninterrupted segment allowing for extended periods of travel without significant slowdowns.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 28 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 161.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 231. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 90.1 miles in.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 262.8 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 90.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 90.4 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 92.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

90.1 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in

Turn left toward Ann Street South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Exit 3 Toward Ann Street South

90.4 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in | I 85

Merge onto I 85

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

92.9 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I-65 North: Birmingham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I-65 North: Birmingham

93.2 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in | I 65; US 82

Merge onto I 65; US 82

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

254.7 mi into trip | ~5h 4m in

Take the exit toward 67: Decatur, Priceville, Somerville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 334 Toward 67: Decatur, Priceville, Somerville

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 Daleville, AL to Decatur, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.

Ann Street South

90.1 mi in | ~2h 3m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 65	161.4 mi	2h 56m
US 231	43.2 mi	52m
Neil Metcalf Road	22.8 mi	34m
AL 167	7.6 mi	11m
US 84	6.8 mi	8m
Point Mallard Parkway Southeast	4.5 mi	6m
Boll Weevil Circle	3.1 mi	4m
6th Avenue Southeast	3 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 65 — 161.4 mi, about 2h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Daleville, AL and Decatur, AL.

Start on this road

205 ft · 9 sec · this road

Turn right onto AL 85

1.0 mi · 1 min · Daleville Avenue

Turn right onto US 84; AL 134

6.8 mi · 8 min · US 84; AL 134

Turn right onto US 84; AL 167

3.1 mi · 4 min · Boll Weevil Circle

Turn right onto AL 167

1.9 mi · 2 min · Neal Metcalf Road

Continue on AL 167

23 mi · 34 min · Neil Metcalf Road

Turn slight left onto AL 167

7.6 mi · 11 min · AL 167

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto US 231; AL 10

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 231; AL 10

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 231; AL 10

0.2 mi · 14 sec · US 231; AL 10

Continue on US 231; AL 10

1.2 mi · 1 min · US 231; AL 10

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 231; AL 10

1.8 mi · 2 min · US 231; AL 10

Continue on US 231

3.4 mi · 3 min · US 231

Continue on US 231

36 mi · 42 min · US 231

Use the straight lane.

Continue on McGehee Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · McGehee Road

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Carter Hill Road

1.1 mi · 1 min · Carter Hill Road

Continue on Zelda Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Zelda Road

Turn right onto Ann Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Ann Street

Turn left

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Exit 3 Toward Ann Street South Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 85

2.5 mi · 3 min · I 85

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Toward I-65 North: Birmingham

Merge onto I 65; US 82

161 mi · 2 hr 56 min · I 65; US 82

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec

Exit 334 Toward 67: Decatur, Priceville, Somerville

Turn left onto AL 67

4.5 mi · 6 min · Point Mallard Parkway Southeast

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto US 31

3.0 mi · 5 min · 6th Avenue Southeast

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 31

0.1 mi · 14 sec · 6th Avenue Northeast

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Lee Street Northeast

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Lee Street Northeast

Use the straight lane.

Turn right

82 ft · 6 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 262.8-mile journey, departing in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight hours and allow ample time for any unexpected delays. The estimated fuel cost of $40 is a good benchmark for budgeting. While the drive is manageable in one day, consider that the longest stretch covers 161.4 miles on I-65, so plan for at least one significant stop for fuel or a break before reaching Decatur. The route's highway-centric nature means you'll find services readily available, but it's always wise to have your tank topped off before hitting the longest segment on I-65.

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 131.4 miles from Daleville, AL, or about 2h 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 161.4 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 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 131.4 miles or 2h 49m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Daleville, 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 Daleville, AL

This is one driving day of about 262.8 miles and 5h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Daleville, 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 161.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 131.4 mi from Daleville, AL · 2h 49m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbiana, AL

131 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

Dadeville, 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 131.4 miles from Daleville, 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 161.4 miles.

Arriving in Decatur, AL

The final approach into Decatur, 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 Decatur, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.69 one way

$79.38 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$43.57	$87.14
premium	$4.56	$47.17	$94.34
diesel	$5.61	$58.02	$116.05

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: 91.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	78.8	0	$27.59	$12.61
Efficient EV	65.7	0	$23.00	$10.51
EV Truck/SUV	105.1	1	$36.79	$16.82

Gas CO2

92 kg

EV CO2

31 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 data refreshed 2 hours ago

Origin

Daleville, AL

Night in Daleville on Tuesday

Local time

11:25 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Decatur, AL

Night in Decatur on Tuesday

Local time

11:25 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Columbiana, AL

131 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 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 18m 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 Daleville, AL to Decatur, AL covers 262.8 miles and takes about 5h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 65, US 231, Neil Metcalf Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 131.4 miles from Daleville, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.69 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.

On the drive from Daleville, AL to Decatur, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.

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Trip from Daleville, AL to Decatur, AL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Decatur, AL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Daleville, AL

Decatur, AL

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 18m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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