Origin
Dothan, AL
Late night in Dothan on Wednesday
Local time
5:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dothan, AL to Russellville, AL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
6h 2m
Distance
302.5 mi
487 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 50m
★
6 AM
6h 3m
8 AM
6h 28m
10 AM
6h 12m
12 PM
6h 9m
3 PM
6h 13m
5 PM
6h 27m
8 PM
5h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Russellville, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 302.5-mile journey from Dothan, AL to Russellville, AL covers a significant portion of Alabama, taking approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes to complete. It's a manageable day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $46. You'll primarily be on major highways, making it a straightforward, highway-focused trip. This route keeps you within the Southeast region for its entirety, offering a consistent feel throughout your drive.
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
151.3 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for this trip, with 85% of your travel on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 138.3 miles on I-65, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the route relies heavily on interstates like I-65 and US-231, you will also navigate on University of North Alabama Highway as you approach Russellville. This mix suggests a drive that is largely efficient and fast-paced, with some variation as you get closer to your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 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 138.3 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 1 miles in near US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 302.5 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 1 miles (US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 101.3 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
101.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
5
101.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
|
I 85
Merge onto I 85
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
103.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I-65 North: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
6
242.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
Take the exit toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 310
Toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
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 Russellville, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South and Moulton.
Ann Street South
101.1 mi in
|
~2h 12m
Moulton
242.5 mi in
|
~4h 49m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 138.3 mi | 2h 31m |
| US 231 | 89.1 mi | 1h 51m |
| University of North Alabama Highway | 31.8 mi | 38m |
| AL 24 | 26.6 mi | 31m |
| Montgomery Highway | 7.1 mi | 11m |
| I 85 | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| McGehee Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Jackson Avenue South | 1.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 138.3 mi, about 2h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan, AL and Russellville, 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 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
138 mi
·
2 hr 31 min
·
I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 310
Toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
29
Turn left onto AL 157
200 ft
·
3 sec
·
Section Line Road
30
Continue on AL 157
32 mi
·
38 min
·
University of North Alabama Highway
31
Turn left onto AL 24
27 mi
·
31 min
·
AL 24
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
33
At end of road, turn left onto Jackson Avenue South
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Jackson Avenue South
34
Arrive at destination
Jackson Avenue North
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour duration, departing in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. You'll encounter one primary stop opportunity, so plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you need to refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 138.3-mile stretch on I-65. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility; however, consider that traffic can be a factor on major interstates, so factor in a buffer. A good tip is to check your GPS for real-time traffic updates before you leave Dothan.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 151.3 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.3 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 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 151.3 miles or 3h 9m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Russellville, 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 302.5 miles and 6h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 I 65 for about 138.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 151.3 mi from Dothan, AL · 3h 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
151 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 151.3 miles from Dothan, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.3 miles.
Arriving in Russellville, AL
The final approach into Russellville, 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 Russellville, 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
$45.68 one way
$91.37 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
106 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $50.15 | $100.30 |
| premium | $4.56 | $54.30 | $108.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $66.79 | $133.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.8 | 1 | $31.76 | $14.52 |
| Efficient EV | 75.6 | 0 | $26.47 | $12.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 121 | 1 | $42.35 | $19.36 |
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
35 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.
Destination
Russellville, AL
Late night in Russellville on Wednesday
Local time
5:33 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Columbiana, AL
151 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
3 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
6h 2m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 Russellville, AL covers 302.5 miles and takes about 6h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 65, US 231, University of North Alabama Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 151.3 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 $45.68 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 15 significant decision points across 302.5 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 1 miles (US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 101.3 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Dothan, AL and Russellville, AL, road signs point toward Ann Street South and Moulton.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Russellville, AL
More trips to Russellville, AL
Explore more options from Dothan, AL or browse trips ending in Russellville, AL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AL road trips.
Explore maps for Dothan, AL or Russellville, AL on MapSof.net.