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Trip from Decatur, AL to West Blocton, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 23m

Distance

119.7 mi

193 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 13m ★
6 AM
2h 23m
8 AM
2h 43m
10 AM
2h 30m
12 PM
2h 28m
3 PM
2h 31m
5 PM
2h 42m
8 PM
2h 17m

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

Downtown Decatur, AL, AL

Decatur, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown West Blocton, AL, AL

West Blocton, AL

Elizabeth Iris

Trip Overview

This 119.7-mile journey from Decatur, AL to West Blocton, AL takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. You'll primarily navigate on I-65 and I-20, with a segment on State Route 5, offering a mostly highway-focused experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $18, this route is budget-friendly for a single day of travel. Since both destinations are within the Southeast region and the drive is under three hours, you won't need to worry about overnight stays. This trip is a straightforward drive through Alabama, ideal for a quick transit between these two points.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

59.9 miles from Decatur, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 70.9 mi 1h 16m
I 20 26.9 mi 29m
State Route 5 7.5 mi 10m
Point Mallard Parkway 4.2 mi 6m
US 11 3.5 mi 5m
6th Avenue Southeast 3 mi 5m
Cahaba River Drive 0.9 mi 2m
Lee Street Northeast 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 70.9 mi, about 1h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

426 ft · 36 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn left onto Ferry Street Northeast

164 ft · 8 sec · Ferry Street Northeast
3

Turn left onto Lee Street Northeast

0.3 mi · 53 sec · Lee Street Northeast
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4

At end of road, turn right onto US 31

0.1 mi · 14 sec · 6th Avenue Northeast
Use the right lane.
5

Continue on US 31

3.0 mi · 5 min · 6th Avenue Southeast
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Turn left onto AL 67

4.2 mi · 6 min · Point Mallard Parkway
Use the left lane.
7

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I-65 South: Birmingham Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 65

67 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 38 sec
Exit 265 Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis Use the straight lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 27 sec
Toward Montgomery Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 65

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Exit 261C Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
14

Merge onto I 20; I 59

27 mi · 29 min · I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto US 11; AL 5

0.3 mi · 34 sec · US 11; AL 5
Exit 97 Toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, Centreville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn left onto US 11; AL 5

3.2 mi · 5 min · US 11; AL 5
17

Turn left onto AL 5

7.5 mi · 10 min · State Route 5
Use the left lane.
18

Turn left onto CR 24

0.9 mi · 2 min · Cahaba River Drive
Use the left lane.
19

Turn left onto Hickory Road

399 ft · 22 sec · Hickory Road
20

Turn left onto Azalea Lane

27 ft · 2 sec · Azalea Lane
21

Turn right onto Hickory Road

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Hickory Road
22

Arrive at destination

Hickory Road

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour 23 minute duration, departing in the morning will allow you ample time to reach West Blocton, AL without feeling rushed. With 0 designated stops, you can be flexible with breaks, but consider pulling over on I-65 around the 70.9-mile mark if you need to stretch your legs. The estimated fuel cost of $18 is quite manageable, so refueling shouldn't be a major concern. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition between I-65 and I-20, as this is where the longest stretch of your drive begins.

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 59.9 miles from Decatur, AL, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.9 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 26 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 59.9 miles or 1h 10m 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 West Blocton, AL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Decatur, 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 Decatur, AL

This is one driving day of about 119.7 miles and 2h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Decatur, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 65 for about 70.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Kimberly, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Kimberly, AL

60 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

Cullman, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kimberly, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 59.9 miles from Decatur, 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 70.9 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 107.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast

At end of road, turn right onto US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
8
75.2 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in

Take the exit toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 265 Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
7
75.7 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 22 West: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 22 West: Memphis
7
76.2 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Montgomery

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Montgomery
8
107.6 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in | US 11; AL 5

Take the exit onto US 11; AL 5 toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, Centreville

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 97 Toward US 11 South, AL 5 South: West Blocton, C...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.08 one way

$36.16 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $19.84 $39.69
premium $4.56 $21.48 $42.97
diesel $5.61 $26.43 $52.86

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.9 0 $12.57 $5.75
Efficient EV 29.9 0 $10.47 $4.79
EV Truck/SUV 47.9 0 $16.76 $7.66

Gas CO2

42 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Decatur, AL

Afternoon in Decatur on Saturday

Local time

2:09 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

West Blocton, AL

Afternoon in West Blocton on Saturday

Local time

2:09 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

78°F

Kimberly, AL

60 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 23m 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.

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 78.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive that is 94% highway, dominated by comfortable interstate cruising. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 70.9 miles on I-65, allowing for significant mileage to be covered without frequent turns. While largely a highway-focused experience, the inclusion of State Route 5 will offer a slight variation from the interstate feel as you progress. This route is designed for efficiency rather than winding scenic byways, so prepare for a consistent pace.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 70.9 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 119.7 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 0.4 miles (US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 75.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Decatur, AL and West Blocton, AL, road signs point toward Fultondale, Montgomery and Centreville.

Fultondale

75.2 mi in | ~1h 26m

Montgomery

76.2 mi in | ~1h 27m

Centreville

107.6 mi in | ~2h 3m | via US 11; AL 5

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 119.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 70.9 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 West Blocton, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (US 31 / 6th Avenue Northeast): Lane positioning matters here; at 75.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at West Blocton, AL before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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