Trip from Mobile, AL to Cedar Bluff, AL

Drive Time

6h 18m

Distance

343.9 mi

553 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$53

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

6h 6m ★

6 AM

6h 18m

8 AM

6h 44m

10 AM

6h 27m

12 PM

6h 25m

3 PM

6h 28m

5 PM

6h 42m

8 PM

6h 11m

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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Mobile, AL

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Trip Overview

Traveling from Mobile to Cedar Bluff covers 343.9 miles across the state of Alabama, a journey that typically takes about 6 hours and 18 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive, it is manageable as a one-day trip for most drivers, though you should budget approximately $53 for fuel. Your path primarily utilizes I-65 and I-59 to navigate from the Southeast region toward your destination. Since the route stays entirely within Alabama, you will experience a consistent regional feel while crossing the state. Whether you are heading north for a weekend getaway or a quick visit, this straightforward transit is designed for efficiency rather than sightseeing.

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

171.9 miles from Mobile, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 7m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a high-speed experience, as 91% of this route consists of highway travel. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-65, which accounts for a significant 239.6-mile stretch of the trip. The drive starts with a long, uninterrupted push on the interstate before transitioning onto I-59 and eventually finishing on Ewing Avenue. Because the majority of the miles are logged on major thoroughfares, the road personality is functional and fast-paced. Be prepared for a steady, consistent rhythm behind the wheel as you move through these primary transit corridors.

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

There are about 27 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 239.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 59. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 343.9 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 5.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 245.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 245.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5.1 mi into trip | ~7m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 65: Montgomery

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 1B Toward I 65: Montgomery

245.2 mi into trip | ~4h 26m in

Take the exit toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa

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 250 Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa

245.5 mi into trip | ~4h 26m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden

263.2 mi into trip | ~4h 46m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 59 North: Gadsden

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 33B Toward I 59 North: Gadsden

312.7 mi into trip | ~5h 40m in

Take the exit toward US 411 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 4B Toward US 411 North

Towns Along This Route

Between Mobile, AL and Cedar Bluff, AL, road signs point toward Gadsden and Tuscaloosa.

Gadsden

245.2 mi in | ~4h 26m

Tuscaloosa

245.2 mi in | ~4h 26m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 65	239.6 mi	4h 18m
I 59	44 mi	47m
Ewing Avenue	20.3 mi	23m
John M. Harbert III Freeway	17.1 mi	18m
I 165	4.5 mi	5m
I 759	4.4 mi	4m
Cedar Bluff Road	3 mi	3m
State Route 9	2.5 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 65 — 239.6 mi, about 4h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mobile, AL and Cedar Bluff, AL.

Start on Saint Louis Street

389 ft · 22 sec · Saint Louis Street

Turn left onto North Royal Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · North Royal Street

Turn right onto Congress Street

260 ft · 11 sec · Congress Street

Take the ramp

411 ft · 12 sec

Merge onto North Water Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · North Water Street

Continue on US 90; US 98 Truck

482 ft · 11 sec · Telegraph Road

Turn straight onto I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 33 sec

Exit 1B Toward I 65: Montgomery

Merge onto I 65

240 mi · 4 hr 18 min · I 65

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Exit 250 Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 459

17 mi · 18 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Exit 33B Toward I 59 North: Gadsden Use the slight right lane.

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 15 sec · this road

Exit 33A Toward I-59 North: Gadsden

Merge onto I 59

44 mi · 47 min · I 59

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 51 sec

Exit 182 Toward I 759: Gadsden

Continue on I 759

4.4 mi · 4 min · I 759

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec

Exit 4B Toward US 411 North Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto US 411

0.6 mi · 55 sec · Rainbow Drive

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 411

2.2 mi · 3 min · South Albert Rains Boulevard

Use the left / none lanes.

Continue on US 411

20 mi · 23 min · Ewing Avenue

Turn left onto US 411; AL 68

2.2 mi · 2 min · Clarence E Chestnut Jr Bypass

Turn left onto AL 68

3.0 mi · 3 min · Cedar Bluff Road

Continue on AL 9; AL 68

2.5 mi · 2 min · State Route 9

Turn left onto AL 68

0.2 mi · 27 sec · South Weiss Lake Drive

Turn left onto Old Hwy 9

44 ft · 1 sec · Old Hwy 9

Arrive at destination

Old Hwy 9

Trip Plan

To make the best time, plan your departure for early morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near major hubs along I-65. With a total duration of over six hours, aim to schedule at least one substantial stop to break up the monotony of the 239.6-mile interstate stretch. Keep your fuel gauge in mind, as the $53 estimated cost can fluctuate based on current gas prices and your vehicle's efficiency. Since you only have one recommended stop, use it strategically to stretch your legs before you exit the highway system and navigate the final local roads into Cedar Bluff. Prioritizing this single, well-timed break will help you remain focused throughout the duration of the drive.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 171.9 miles from Mobile, AL, or about 3h 7m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 239.6 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 171.9 miles or 3h 7m 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 9m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Mobile, 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 Mobile, AL

This is one driving day of about 343.9 miles and 6h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Mobile, 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 239.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 171.9 mi from Mobile, AL · 3h 7m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbiana, AL

172 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

Andalusia, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbiana, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 171.9 miles from Mobile, 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 239.6 miles.

Arriving in Cedar Bluff, AL

The final approach into Cedar Bluff, 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 Cedar Bluff, 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

$52.57 one way

$105.15 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 120 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.26	$57.66	$115.33
premium	$4.61	$62.42	$124.83
diesel	$5.64	$76.40	$152.81

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$53

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$78–$103

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 120.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	103.2	1	$36.11	$16.51
Efficient EV	86	0	$30.09	$13.76
EV Truck/SUV	137.6	1	$48.15	$22.01

Gas CO2

120 kg

EV CO2

40 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Mobile, AL

Afternoon in Mobile on Sunday

Local time

4:54 PM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Bluff, AL

Afternoon in Cedar Bluff on Sunday

Local time

4:54 PM

CDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Columbiana, AL

172 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

3 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

6h 18m 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 Mobile, AL to Cedar Bluff, AL covers 343.9 miles and takes about 6h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 65, I 59, Ewing Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 171.9 miles from Mobile, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $52.57 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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Mobile, AL and Cedar Bluff, AL, road signs point toward Gadsden and Tuscaloosa.

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