Origin
Enterprise, AL
Evening in Enterprise on Tuesday
Local time
7:12 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Enterprise, AL to Decatur, AL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
5h 6m
Distance
253.7 mi
408 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 53m
★
6 AM
5h 6m
8 AM
5h 33m
10 AM
5h 16m
12 PM
5h 13m
3 PM
5h 17m
5 PM
5h 32m
8 PM
4h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Enterprise, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Decatur, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 253.7-mile journey from Enterprise, Alabama, to Decatur, Alabama, a drive that typically takes around 5 hours and 6 minutes. This highway-focused trip primarily utilizes I-65, US-231, and Neil Metcalf Road, with 86% of the route on highways. With a fuel cost estimated at $38 and only one recommended stop, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip. The drive traverses the heart of Alabama, offering a straightforward connection between two points within the Southeast region. Consider this a practical transit rather than a leisurely exploration.
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
126.8 miles from Enterprise, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This route presents a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 86% of the drive spent on high-speed roads. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 161.4 miles on I-65, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. While the majority is interstate, the inclusion of US-231 and Neil Metcalf Road introduces some variation, potentially including more local traffic or different speed limits. Expect a functional drive designed for efficient travel across the state.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 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 80.9 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 253.7 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 80.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 81.2 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
80.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
Turn left toward Ann Street South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
5
81.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
|
I 85
Merge onto I 85
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
83.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I-65 North: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
5
84.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 55m 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.
6
245.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 51m 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 Enterprise, AL to Decatur, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Ann Street South
80.9 mi in
|
~1h 50m
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 |
| Point Mallard Parkway Southeast | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| 6th Avenue Southeast | 3 mi | 5m |
| I 85 | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Neal Metcalf Road | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 161.4 mi, about 2h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Enterprise, AL and Decatur, AL.
1
Start on West Lee Street
153 ft
·
14 sec
·
West Lee Street
2
Turn left onto AL 88; AL 134
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Main Street
3
Turn right onto US 84
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
Boll Weevil Circle
4
Turn left onto AL 167
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Neal Metcalf Road
5
Continue on AL 167
23 mi
·
34 min
·
Neil Metcalf Road
6
Turn slight left onto AL 167
7.6 mi
·
11 min
·
AL 167
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn left onto US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US 231; AL 10
11
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
US 231
12
Continue on US 231
36 mi
·
42 min
·
US 231
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on McGehee Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
McGehee Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn right onto Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Carter Hill Road
15
Continue on Zelda Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Zelda Road
16
Turn right onto Ann Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Ann Street
17
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street South
Use the left lane.
18
Merge onto I 85
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I-65 North: Birmingham
20
Merge onto I 65; US 82
161 mi
·
2 hr 56 min
·
I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 334
Toward 67: Decatur, Priceville, Somerville
22
Turn left onto AL 67
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Point Mallard Parkway Southeast
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto US 31
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
6th Avenue Southeast
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 31
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
6th Avenue Northeast
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn left onto Lee Street Northeast
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Lee Street Northeast
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right
82 ft
·
6 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, departing Enterprise in the morning allows ample time to reach Decatur by the afternoon, making it an ideal day trip. The estimated fuel cost of $38 suggests budgeting for this expense. While the longest stretch is over 160 miles, plan for a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and perhaps grab a quick snack. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer stretches on I-65, to ensure you don't need to search for services unexpectedly. The single recommended stop is a good opportunity to refuel if needed.
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 126.8 miles from Enterprise, AL, or about 2h 42m 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 126.8 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 10m
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 Enterprise, 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 Enterprise, AL
This is one driving day of about 253.7 miles and 5h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Enterprise, 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 126.8 mi from Enterprise, AL · 2h 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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 126.8 miles from Enterprise, 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 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
$38.31 one way
$76.63 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $42.06 | $84.12 |
| premium | $4.56 | $45.54 | $91.07 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $56.01 | $112.03 |
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: 88.8 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 | 76.1 | 0 | $26.64 | $12.18 |
| Efficient EV | 63.4 | 0 | $22.20 | $10.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.5 | 1 | $35.52 | $16.24 |
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.
Destination
Decatur, AL
Evening in Decatur on Tuesday
Local time
7:12 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Columbiana, AL
127 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
1 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 6m 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 Enterprise, AL to Decatur, AL covers 253.7 miles and takes about 5h 6m 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 126.8 miles from Enterprise, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.31 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 253.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 80.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 81.2 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
On the drive from Enterprise, AL to Decatur, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
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