Origin
Florence, AL
Evening in Florence on Tuesday
Local time
5:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Florence, AL to Chelsea, AL
Data updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
2h 47m
Distance
135.3 mi
218 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 36m
★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 9m
10 AM
2h 55m
12 PM
2h 53m
3 PM
2h 56m
5 PM
3h 8m
8 PM
2h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Florence, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Chelsea, AL
gina bichsel
Trip Overview
The drive from Florence, AL to Chelsea, AL covers 135.3 miles and takes about 2h 47m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on University of North Alabama Highway, Heroes Highway, US 280 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 55.1 miles on University of North Alabama Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.43 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
67.6 miles from Florence, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 2h 47m drive with frequent turns across 135.3 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
University of North Alabama Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 55.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.7 miles in near AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 135.3 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 10.7 miles (AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
10.7 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway toward Moulton, Cullman
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Moulton, Cullman
8
109.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
7
110.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 22 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
8
116.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
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 126A
Toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downt...
8
116.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 31 South, US 280 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 31 South, US 280 East
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Florence, AL and Chelsea, AL, road signs point toward Moulton, Cullman, Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden and Downtown - among others.
Moulton
10.7 mi in
|
~16m
|
via AL 157
Cullman
10.7 mi in
|
~16m
|
via AL 157
Fultondale
109.8 mi in
|
~2h 10m
Montgomery
110.9 mi in
|
~2h 11m
Gadsden
115.1 mi in
|
~2h 16m
Downtown
116.3 mi in
|
~2h 18m
Zoo Gardens
119.6 mi in
|
~2h 23m
|
via US 280
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Alabama Highway | 55.1 mi | 1h 5m |
| Heroes Highway | 43.8 mi | 46m |
| US 280 | 15 mi | 21m |
| Wheeler Highway | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| I 65 | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| Woodward Avenue | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| US 43 | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Red Mountain Expressway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
University of North Alabama Highway
— 55.1 mi, about 1h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Florence, AL and Chelsea, AL.
1
Start on North Pine Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Pine Street
2
Turn left onto Crest Street
131 ft
·
11 sec
·
Crest Street
3
Turn right onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17
4
Turn left onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Woodward Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn left onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Wheeler Highway
Use the left lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto AL 157
55 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
University of North Alabama Highway
Toward Moulton, Cullman
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I-65 South: Birmingham
9
Merge onto I 65
44 mi
·
46 min
·
Heroes Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Montgomery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 65
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 261B
Toward I 20 East, I 59 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
15
Merge onto I 20; I 59
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 20; I 59
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 126A
Toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 31 South, US 280 East
Use the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto US 31; US 280
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Red Mountain Expressway
19
Take the exit onto US 280
15 mi
·
21 min
·
US 280
Toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo Gardens
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto Chelsea Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Chelsea Road
21
Turn left
327 ft
·
27 sec
22
Turn left onto Allen Drive
171 ft
·
7 sec
·
Allen Drive
23
Arrive at destination
Chelsea Road
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.6 miles from Florence, AL, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.1 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 80 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.6 miles or 1h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chelsea, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Florence, 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 Florence, AL
This is one driving day of about 135.3 miles and 2h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Florence, 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 University of North Alabama Highway for about 55.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 67.6 mi from Florence, AL · 1h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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 67.6 miles from Florence, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Chelsea, AL
The final approach into Chelsea, 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 Chelsea, AL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.43 one way
$40.87 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $22.43 | $44.86 |
| premium | $4.56 | $24.28 | $48.57 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.87 | $59.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.6 | 0 | $14.21 | $6.49 |
| Efficient EV | 33.8 | 0 | $11.84 | $5.41 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.1 | 0 | $18.94 | $8.66 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Chelsea, AL
Evening in Chelsea on Tuesday
Local time
5:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
86°F
Hayden, AL
68 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 47m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Florence, AL to Chelsea, AL covers 135.3 miles and takes about 2h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are University of North Alabama Highway, Heroes Highway, US 280. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 67.6 miles from Florence, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.43 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 135.3 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 10.7 miles (AL 157 / University of North Alabama Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Florence, AL and Chelsea, AL, road signs point toward Moulton, Cullman, Fultondale, Montgomery, Gadsden and Downtown - among others.
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