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Trip from Gadsden, AL to Chickasaw, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 40m

Distance

288.9 mi

465 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 27m ★
6 AM
5h 40m
8 AM
6h 7m
10 AM
5h 50m
12 PM
5h 47m
3 PM
5h 51m
5 PM
6h 6m
8 PM
5h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and the county seat of Etowah County in the U.S. state of Alabama

Gadsden, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Chickasaw, AL, AL

Chickasaw, AL

Trac Vu

Trip Overview

The drive from Gadsden, AL to Chickasaw, AL covers 288.9 miles and takes about 5h 40m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 65, Broadway Avenue, East Grand Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed highway & surface. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 152.8 miles on I 65. At current regular gas prices, budget about $43.63 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

144.5 miles from Gadsden, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 152.8 mi 2h 44m
Broadway Avenue 54.5 mi 1h 2m
East Grand Avenue 37 mi 52m
Western Bypass 22.7 mi 26m
US 43 8.2 mi 12m
Northern Boulevard 6.3 mi 8m
Rainbow Drive 4.2 mi 6m
Rockford Highway 1.2 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 152.8 mi, about 2h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gadsden, AL and Chickasaw, AL.

1

Start on South 6th Street

16 ft · 4 sec · South 6th Street
2

Turn right onto Broad Street

0.3 mi · 59 sec · Broad Street
3

Turn right onto South 3rd Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South 3rd Street
4

Keep slight right at fork onto Rainbow Drive

4.2 mi · 6 min · Rainbow Drive
Use the straight lane.
5

Turn left onto AL 77

37 mi · 52 min · East Grand Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Turn right onto AL 21

23 mi · 26 min · Western Bypass
7

Continue on AL 21

1.2 mi · 1 min · Rockford Highway
8

Continue on US 231; AL 21

54 mi · 1 hr 2 min · Broadway Avenue
Use the straight lane.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Toward Birmingham, Mobile Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto AL 152

6.3 mi · 8 min · Northern Boulevard
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I-65 South: Mobile
12

Merge onto I 65; US 82

153 mi · 2 hr 44 min · I 65; US 82
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward 430: Satsuma, Creola
14

Turn right onto US 43

8.2 mi · 12 min · US 43
15

Turn right

61 ft · 10 sec
16

Turn left

234 ft · 17 sec
17

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 144.5 miles from Gadsden, AL, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152.8 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 64 miles or 1h 26m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 144.5 miles or 2h 59m 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 39m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chickasaw, AL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Gadsden, 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 Gadsden, AL

This is one driving day of about 288.9 miles and 5h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Gadsden, 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 152.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Autauga and Elmore counties, Alabama, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Millbrook, AL

144 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

Columbiana, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Montgomery, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 144.5 miles from Gadsden, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 152.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

El Tapatio II Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Gadsden, Alabama

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12565466088

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Gadsden, Alabama

2.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Hangar 42 Coffee Shop

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Montgomery, Alabama

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.8

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13342398040

El Tapatio II Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12565466088

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12565432086

Visit website

Viva coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Rainbow City, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–5 pm

+12564594578

Visit website

Hardee's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv mile 61.9

Sylacauga, Alabama

Hours: 4 am–10 pm

+12562457657

Visit website

Vintage Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13343561944

Visit website

Cook Out

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 10:30 am–2 pm

+18665470011

Visit website

Prevail Union | MGM

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13344168399

Visit website

Hangar 42 Coffee Shop

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13342398040

Baristas and Barristers

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Hilltop Public House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–12 pm

+13342397752

Visit website

Elevation Café

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+13349290600

Visit website

Rickenbacker's Touch & Go Coffee Shop

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13349537662

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 247.7

Atmore, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

EVgo Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 144.5

Hope Hull, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13346130212

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 144.5

Hope Hull, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13346130212

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 206.4

Evergreen, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 288.9

Saraland, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Downtown Montgomery EV Charger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Imagination Place

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+12565432787

Visit website

Noccalula Falls Park & Campground

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Gadsden, Alabama

+12565494663

Visit website

Noccalula Falls

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+12565494663

Visit website

The MOOseum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 123.8

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+13342651867

Visit website

The Factory

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: 3–9 pm

+12563128974

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 127.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Broad Street

Turn right onto Broad Street

Navigation decision point

6
1 mi into trip | ~2m in | Rainbow Drive

Keep slight right at fork onto Rainbow Drive

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
5.2 mi into trip | ~8m in | AL 77 / East Grand Avenue

Turn left onto AL 77 / East Grand Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
120.6 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Take the exit toward Birmingham, Mobile

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward Birmingham, Mobile
5
127.1 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I-65 South: Mobile

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I-65 South: Mobile

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.63 one way

$87.26 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $47.90 $95.79
premium $4.56 $51.85 $103.71
diesel $5.61 $63.79 $127.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 101.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 86.7 1 $30.33 $13.87
Efficient EV 72.2 0 $25.28 $11.56
EV Truck/SUV 115.6 1 $40.45 $18.49

Gas CO2

101 kg

EV CO2

34 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Gadsden, AL

Afternoon in Gadsden on Saturday

Local time

2:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chickasaw, AL

Afternoon in Chickasaw on Saturday

Local time

2:40 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°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

22 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 40m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

288.9 mi in 5h 40m — 56% highway, the rest on surface roads. Biggest road: I 65.

56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 152.8 mi on I 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Broad Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 288.9 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: near the start (Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (Rainbow Drive): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles (AL 77 / East Grand Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Gadsden, AL and Chickasaw, AL, road signs point toward Birmingham and Mobile.

Birmingham

120.6 mi in | ~2h 31m

Mobile

120.6 mi in | ~2h 31m

About the Cities

Starting in Gadsden, AL

Full guide →

Gadsden is a city in the Appalachian foothills of Alabama.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 40m. Total distance: 288.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 152.8 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Chickasaw, AL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (Rainbow Drive): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles (AL 77 / East Grand Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Chickasaw, AL before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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