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Trip from Goodwater, AL to Madison, AL

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

Drive Time

3h 11m

Distance

152.4 mi

245 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 0m ★
6 AM
3h 12m
8 AM
3h 35m
10 AM
3h 20m
12 PM
3h 18m
3 PM
3h 21m
5 PM
3h 34m
8 PM
3h 5m

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 Alabama, United States

Madison, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Goodwater, AL to Madison, AL covers 152.4 miles and takes about 3h 11m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 65, US 231, Goodwater Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 77.2 miles on I 65. At current regular gas prices, budget about $23.02 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

76.2 miles from Goodwater, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 77.2 mi 1h 23m
US 231 42.1 mi 56m
Goodwater Highway 8.9 mi 15m
I 565 8.4 mi 9m
Red Mountain Expressway 2.9 mi 3m
County Road 511 2.8 mi 4m
Sylacauga Street 2.1 mi 3m
Carraway Boulevard 1.5 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 77.2 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Goodwater, AL and Madison, AL.

1

Start on Railroad Place

133 ft · 7 sec · Railroad Place
2

Continue on CR 511

2.1 mi · 3 min · Sylacauga Street
3

Continue on County Road 511

2.8 mi · 4 min · County Road 511
4

Continue on Goodwater Highway

8.9 mi · 15 min · Goodwater Highway
5

Continue on AL 21

0.7 mi · 55 sec · South Broadway Avenue
6

Turn left onto CR 511

1.5 mi · 2 min · West Fort Williams Street
7

Turn right onto US 231; US 280

42 mi · 56 min · US 231; US 280
Use the straight lane.
8

Take the exit onto US 280

0.4 mi · 29 sec · US 280
Toward US 31 North, US 280 West: Birmingham
9

Merge onto US 31; US 280

2.9 mi · 3 min · Red Mountain Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on US 31

1.5 mi · 3 min · Carraway Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
11

Turn left onto AL 378

0.6 mi · 1 min · Finley Boulevard
Use the left lane.
12

Turn right onto 19th Street North

49 ft · 1 sec · 19th Street North
13

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 65 North
14

Merge onto I 65

77 mi · 1 hr 23 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 340 Toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 340A Toward I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
17

Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alternate

8.4 mi · 9 min · I 565; US 72 Alternate
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 26 sec
Exit 9 Toward Madison Boulevard, Wall-Triana Highway
19

Keep slight left at fork

467 ft · 9 sec
Exit 9 Toward Madison Use the left lane.
20

Turn straight onto Wall Triana Highway

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Wall Triana Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
21

Continue on Sullivan Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · Sullivan Street
22

Turn right onto Main Street

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Main Street
23

Continue on Church Street

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Church Street
24

Arrive at destination

Church Street

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 76.2 miles from Goodwater, AL, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.2 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 34 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 76.2 miles or 1h 46m 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 39m

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 Goodwater, 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 Goodwater, AL

This is one driving day of about 152.4 miles and 3h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Goodwater, 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 77.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Vestavia Hills, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vestavia Hills, AL

76 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

Vincent, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vestavia Hills, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 77.4 miles from Goodwater, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 Coffee Stop

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Madison, AL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Madison, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.4

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12564891223

Visit website

Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

0.9 mi

Makers Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Morris, Alabama

2.5 mi

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 65.3

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+12057148066

Visit website

Shiki Birmingham

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 54.4

Homewood, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12057835222

Visit website

Johnny's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.4

Homewood, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+12058022711

Visit website

Alamitos Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12567348020

Visit website

Hardee's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour Inexpensiv mile 10.9

Sylacauga, Alabama

Hours: 4 am–10 pm

+12562457657

Visit website

Bay Leaf Modern Indian Cuisine & Bar - 5 Points

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 65.3

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12057773070

Visit website

El Taco Loco

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.4

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12059410108

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour Inexpensiv mile 54.4

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+12058488147

Visit website

Just Love Coffee Cafe - Madison, AL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.4

Madison, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12564891223

Visit website

Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 54.4

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12056321040

Visit website

Makers Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 76.2

Morris, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

Visit website

June Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 65.3

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

Visit website

Cala Coffee Downtown

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 65.3

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12056321040

Visit website

Alicia's Coffee LLC

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 65.3

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12055830926

Visit website

Church Street Coffee & Books

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 54.4

Mountain Brook, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12058701117

Visit website

Prevail Union | BHM

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 65.3

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12056490947

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 152.4

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 108.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 152.4

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 130.7

Hartselle, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 152.4

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 108.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 130.7

Hartselle, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 54.4

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

Dublin Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 152.4

Madison, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12567729300

Visit website

Kids Kingdom

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 152.4

Madison, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12563872194

Visit website

Rickwood Caverns State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 87.1

Warrior, Alabama

+12056479692

Visit website

Sportsman Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 108.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12567343052

Visit website

WildWater Cullman

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 108.9

Cullman, Alabama

+18338389453

Visit website

West Blount Corn Maze

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87.1

Warrior, Alabama

Hours: Closed

+12058599983

Visit website

Ave Maria Grotto

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 108.9

Cullman, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12567344110

Visit website

Breakout Games

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 54.4

Homewood, Alabama

Hours: 9:45 am–10:30 pm

+12052824798

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 58.2 and 150.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
58.2 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in | US 280

Take the exit onto US 280 toward US 31 North, US 280 West: Birmingham

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

Toward US 31 North, US 280 West: Birmingham
8
140.9 mi into trip | ~2h 56m 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
141.2 mi into trip | ~2h 57m 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
150.2 mi into trip | ~3h 7m 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
150.4 mi into trip | ~3h 7m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.02 one way

$46.03 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $25.27 $50.53
premium $4.56 $27.35 $54.71
diesel $5.61 $33.65 $67.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.7 0 $16.00 $7.32
Efficient EV 38.1 0 $13.33 $6.10
EV Truck/SUV 61 0 $21.34 $9.75

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Goodwater, AL

Afternoon in Goodwater on Saturday

Local time

1:03 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Madison, AL

Afternoon in Madison on Saturday

Local time

1:03 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 11m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 63.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a 3h 11m highway drive covering 152.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 65 and US 231. The longest continuous stretch is about 77.2 miles on I 65.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 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 77.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 58.2 miles in near US 280.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 152.4 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 58.2 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Goodwater, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Huntsville along the way.

Huntsville

140.9 mi in | ~2h 56m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 11m. Total distance: 152.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Goodwater, AL to Madison, AL covers 152.4 miles and takes about 3h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 65, US 231, Goodwater Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 76.2 miles from Goodwater, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.02 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 152.4 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 58.2 miles (US 280): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 141.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

On the drive from Goodwater, AL to Madison, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Huntsville along the way.

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.

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