The drive from Dothan, AL to Horton, AL covers 254 miles and takes about 5h 23m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 231, I 65, AL 75 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 89.1 miles on US 231.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $38.36 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
127 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 254 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 5h 23m highway drive covering 254 miles, with most of the trip on US 231 and I 65. The longest continuous stretch is about 89.1 miles on US 231.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 43 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 89.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 231 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 101.1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 21 significant decision points across 254 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 101.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 182.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
101.1 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
8
182.4 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
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 250
Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
8
182.6 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
8
200.4 mi into trip|~4h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 59 North: Gadsden
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 33B
Toward I 59 North: Gadsden
8
203.8 mi into trip|~4h 6m in
Take the exit toward Trussville, Pinson
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 141
Toward Trussville, Pinson
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dothan, AL and Horton, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa, Trussville and Pinson.
Ann Street South
101.1 mi in|~2h 13m
Gadsden
182.4 mi in|~3h 42m
Tuscaloosa
182.4 mi in|~3h 42m
Trussville
203.8 mi in|~4h 6m
Pinson
203.8 mi in|~4h 6m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 231
89.1 mi
1h 51m
I 65
78.2 mi
1h 24m
AL 75
43.4 mi
1h 4m
John M. Harbert III Freeway
17.1 mi
18m
Montgomery Highway
7.1 mi
11m
Sweeny Hollow Road
3.4 mi
6m
I 59
2.9 mi
3m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 231
— 89.1 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan, AL and Horton, AL.
1
Start on US 84 Business; AL 52
111 ft·5 sec·East Main Street
2
Turn right onto North Saint Andrews Street
0.3 mi·53 sec·North Saint Andrews Street
3
Turn left onto East Burdeshaw Street
0.1 mi·22 sec·East Burdeshaw Street
4
Turn right onto US 231 Business
0.6 mi·1 min·North Oates Street
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 231 Business
7.1 mi·11 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 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse 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
78 mi·1 hr 24 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 250Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, TuscaloosaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, GadsdenUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 459
17 mi·18 min·John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 33BToward I 59 North: GadsdenUse the slight right lane.
32
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·15 sec·this road
Exit 33AToward I-59 North: Gadsden
33
Merge onto I 59
2.9 mi·3 min·I 59
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 141Toward Trussville, PinsonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Turn slight left
128 ft·10 sec
Exit 141Toward Trussville, Pinson
36
Turn left onto CR 10
2.2 mi·4 min·Chalkville Road
Use the straight lane.
37
Continue on Sweeny Hollow Road
3.4 mi·6 min·Sweeny Hollow Road
38
Turn right onto AL 75
169 ft·3 sec·Center Point Parkway
39
Continue on AL 75
1.0 mi·1 min·Center Point Road
40
Turn right onto AL 75
11 mi·15 min·AL 75
Use the right lane.
41
Continue on AL 75
32 mi·48 min·AL 75
Use the straight lane.
42
Turn left
139 ft·6 sec
43
Arrive at destination
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 127 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.1 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 56 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127 miles or 2h 42m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Horton, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dothan, 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 Dothan, AL
This is one driving day of about 254 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Dothan, 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 89.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 127 mi from Dothan, AL
· 2h 42m into the drive
The midpoint is around 127 miles from Dothan, 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 89.1 miles.
Arriving in Horton, AL
The final approach into Horton, 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 Horton, AL.
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
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 192.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.36 one way
$76.72 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$42.11
$84.22
premium
$4.56
$45.59
$91.18
diesel
$5.61
$56.08
$112.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.2
0
$26.67
$12.19
Efficient EV
63.5
0
$22.22
$10.16
EV Truck/SUV
101.6
1
$35.56
$16.26
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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 15, 2026
Origin
Dothan, AL
Evening
in Dothan on Thursday
Local time
6:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Horton, AL
Evening
in Horton on Thursday
Local time
6:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°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
5 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 23m 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 Dothan, AL to Horton, AL covers 254 miles and takes about 5h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 231, I 65, AL 75. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 127 miles from Dothan, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.36 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 21 significant decision points across 254 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 101.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 182.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Dothan, AL and Horton, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa, Trussville and Pinson.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
