Enterprise, AL to Madison, AL is 263.6 miles and takes about 5h 14m via I 65 and US 231, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that stays within the Southeast region, making it a convenient one-day trip. You'll spend the majority of your time on major interstates and US highways, so expect consistent travel speeds. With a recommended one-day duration and a relatively short drive time, this route is a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
131.8 miles from Enterprise, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 47m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 14m. Total distance: 263.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 87% of the journey on major roads like I 65 and US 231. You'll encounter a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 167.9 miles on I 65, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. While the majority is highway driving, you will also navigate some local roads, including Neil Metcalf Road, towards the end of your trip. The character of the drive is consistent, prioritizing efficient travel over varied scenery.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 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 167.9 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 80.9 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 263.6 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 80.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 252 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 252.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These 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
8
252 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
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 340
Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate:...
7
252.3 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 340A
Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsv...
6
261.3 mi into trip|~5h 9m in
Take the exit toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 9
Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
9
261.5 mi into trip|~5h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Madison
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Exit 9
Toward Madison
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 Madison, 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
167.9 mi
3h 3m
US 231
43.2 mi
52m
Neil Metcalf Road
22.8 mi
34m
I 565
8.4 mi
9m
AL 167
7.6 mi
11m
I 85
2.5 mi
3m
Neal Metcalf Road
1.9 mi
2m
McGehee Road
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 167.9 mi, about 3h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Enterprise, AL and Madison, 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 3Toward Ann Street SouthUse 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
168 mi·3 hr 3 min·I 65; US 82
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 340Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 340AToward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
23
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate
8.4 mi·9 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 9Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
25
Keep slight left at fork
467 ft·9 sec
Exit 9Toward MadisonUse the left lane.
26
Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway
0.3 mi·27 sec·Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
27
Continue on Sullivan Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Sullivan Street
28
Turn right onto Main Street
0.3 mi·40 sec·Main Street
29
Continue on Church Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Church Street
30
Arrive at destination
Church Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 14m estimated drive time, starting your journey from Enterprise, AL in the morning will allow ample daylight to reach Madison, AL. Plan for one stop to refuel and stretch your legs, as the longest stretch without a significant change in road type is over 167 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning from I 65 to US 231 and Neil Metcalf Road, as services may be more spaced out. This is a manageable one-day trip, so you have flexibility in when you depart, but an early start ensures a relaxed arrival.
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 131.8 miles from Enterprise, AL, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.9 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 58 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.8 miles or 2h 47m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madison, 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 263.6 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 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 167.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 131.8 mi from Enterprise, AL
· 2h 47m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 172.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.81 one way
$79.62 round trip
$3.84/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.21
$43.70
$87.40
premium
$4.56
$47.31
$94.63
diesel
$5.61
$58.20
$116.40
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: 92.2 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
79.1
0
$27.68
$12.65
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.07
$10.54
EV Truck/SUV
105.4
1
$36.90
$16.87
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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Enterprise, AL
Night
in Enterprise on Friday
Local time
10:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Madison, AL
Night
in Madison on Friday
Local time
10:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°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
20 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 14m 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 Madison, AL covers 263.6 miles and takes about 5h 14m 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 131.8 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 $39.81 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 17 significant decision points across 263.6 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 80.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 252 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 252.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Enterprise, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Ann Street South along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
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.
