Origin
Fairhope, AL
Evening in Fairhope on Sunday
Local time
7:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairhope, AL to Florence, AL
Drive Time
7h 13m
Distance
375.5 mi
604 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$57
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 3m
★
6 AM
7h 14m
8 AM
7h 36m
10 AM
7h 22m
12 PM
7h 19m
3 PM
7h 23m
5 PM
7h 35m
8 PM
7h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairhope, AL
N Qurash
Florence, AL
Efrem Efre
Trip Overview
Spanning 375.5 miles across Alabama, this journey from Fairhope to Florence connects the state’s Gulf Coast roots to its northern river valley. You should budget approximately 7 hours and 13 minutes of driving time, making it a demanding but manageable one-day trip for those comfortable behind the wheel. With a fuel estimate of $57, it is a reasonably priced trek through the heart of the Southeast. Because the majority of the route is highway-focused, you can expect a steady, efficient pace. While it is possible to complete this in a single day, be prepared for a long stint in the car as you transition between these two distinct Alabama regions.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
187.7 miles from Fairhope, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 38m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed transit, as 82% of your journey takes place on major highways. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-65, which accounts for a significant 277.6-mile stretch of the drive. The experience is largely an interstate grind, requiring you to maintain focus during long, uninterrupted periods of travel. As you transition off the interstate, you will navigate via AL-225 and the University of North Alabama Highway to reach your destination. This shift from major thoroughfares to local infrastructure marks the final leg of your transition from the southern coast to the northern interior.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 277.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and University of North Alabama Highway. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 31.7 miles in near I 65.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 375.5 miles you will encounter 12 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 31.7 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 309.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 364.9 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157 / Wheeler Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
31.7 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
I 65
Merge onto I 65
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
309.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 50m 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
5
364.9 mi into trip
|
~6h 57m in
|
US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157 / Wheeler Highway
Merge onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157 / Wheeler Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
369.1 mi into trip
|
~7h 2m in
|
US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17 / Woodward Avenue
Turn right onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17 / Woodward Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
375.2 mi into trip
|
~7h 13m in
|
West Doctor Hicks Boulevard
Turn left onto West Doctor Hicks Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Fairhope, AL to Florence, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Moulton along the way.
Moulton
309.3 mi in
|
~5h 50m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 277.6 mi | 5h 1m |
| University of North Alabama Highway | 55.4 mi | 1h 6m |
| AL 225 | 20.3 mi | 28m |
| US Highway 98 | 7.6 mi | 12m |
| Woodward Avenue | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Wheeler Highway | 4.2 mi | 5m |
| US 43 | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| North Section Street | 1.6 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 277.6 mi, about 5h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairhope, AL and Florence, AL.
1
Start on CR 98
109 ft
·
11 sec
·
Fairhope Avenue
2
Turn left onto CR 98
1.6 mi
·
4 min
·
North Section Street
3
Enter roundabout onto Homestead Avenue
31 ft
·
0 sec
·
Homestead Avenue
4
Continue on Homestead Avenue
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
Homestead Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 98
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
Old Spanish Trail
6
Continue on US 98
7.6 mi
·
12 min
·
US Highway 98
7
Continue on US 90; US 98
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Old Spanish Trail
8
Turn slight right
312 ft
·
6 sec
9
Turn straight onto US 31
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Spanish Fort Boulevard
10
Turn left onto AL 225
20 mi
·
28 min
·
AL 225
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
12
Merge onto I 65
278 mi
·
5 hr 1 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 310
Toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
14
Turn left onto AL 157
200 ft
·
3 sec
·
Section Line Road
15
Continue on AL 157
55 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
University of North Alabama Highway
Use the straight lane.
16
Merge onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Wheeler Highway
Use the none lane.
17
Turn right onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Woodward Avenue
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
Use the slight right lane.
19
Turn left onto West Doctor Hicks Boulevard
437 ft
·
15 sec
·
West Doctor Hicks Boulevard
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto South Pine Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
South Pine Street
21
Arrive at destination
North Pine Street
Trip Plan
To tackle this 375.5-mile route effectively, aim for an early morning departure to avoid peak traffic congestion along the busier corridors. Since the itinerary suggests two planned stops, use these breaks strategically to manage fatigue during the lengthy 277.6-mile stretch on I-65. Keeping your fuel budget around $57 is a good benchmark, but monitor your levels closely during the interstate portion to avoid unnecessary detours. Given the highway-heavy nature of this trip, ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained speeds. If you find the seven-hour drive too taxing, consider breaking the trip into two segments to keep your arrival in Florence fresh and stress-free.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 187.7 miles from Fairhope, AL, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 277.6 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 83 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 187.7 miles or 3h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Florence, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairhope, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fairhope, AL
This is one driving day of about 375.5 miles and 7h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Fairhope, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 65 for about 277.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 187.7 mi from Fairhope, AL · 3h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
188 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 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 187.7 miles from Fairhope, 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 277.6 miles.
Arriving in Florence, AL
The final approach into Florence, 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 Florence, 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
$57.40 one way
$114.81 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
131 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $62.96 | $125.93 |
| premium | $4.61 | $68.15 | $136.30 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $83.42 | $166.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$57
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 112.6 | 1 | $39.43 | $18.02 |
| Efficient EV | 93.9 | 1 | $32.86 | $15.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 150.2 | 1 | $52.57 | $24.03 |
Gas CO2
131 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (66% 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
Florence, AL
Evening in Florence on Sunday
Local time
7:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Columbiana, AL
188 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
8 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
7h 13m 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 Fairhope, AL to Florence, AL covers 375.5 miles and takes about 7h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 65, University of North Alabama Highway, AL 225. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 187.7 miles from Fairhope, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $57.40 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 2 meaningful breaks 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 375.5 miles you will encounter 12 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 31.7 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 309.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 364.9 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157 / Wheeler Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Fairhope, AL to Florence, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Moulton along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Florence, AL
More from Fairhope, AL
More trips to Florence, AL
Explore more options from Fairhope, AL or browse trips ending in Florence, AL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AL road trips.
Explore maps for Fairhope, AL or Florence, AL on MapSof.net.