Trip from Mobile, AL to Centre, AL

Drive Time

6h 12m

Distance

337.8 mi

544 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 59m ★
6 AM
6h 12m
8 AM
6h 38m
10 AM
6h 21m
12 PM
6h 19m
3 PM
6h 22m
5 PM
6h 36m
8 PM
6h 5m

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

Downtown Mobile, AL, AL

Mobile, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Centre, AL, AL

Centre, AL

Muhammad Nabeel

Trip Overview

Traveling from Mobile to Centre covers 337.8 miles across Alabama, moving you from the southern coast toward the northeastern part of the state. You should plan for about 6 hours and 12 minutes of driving time, making this a journey that is entirely feasible as a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $52, you can complete the trek efficiently by sticking to the major corridors of I-65 and I-59. While one stop is recommended to break up the drive, the route is straightforward and reliable for those looking to traverse the state quickly. Since both your start and end points are within the Southeast, the landscape remains consistent, though the atmosphere shifts as you head inland.

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

168.9 miles from Mobile, AL

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

Drive Character

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 92% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a long, steady rhythm early on, as the route features a significant 239.6-mile stretch exclusively on I-65. The character of the drive is defined by the efficiency of the interstate system, keeping you moving at a consistent pace for the majority of the journey. Once you transition off the interstates and onto Ewing Avenue, the pace slows down as you approach the destination in Centre. Expect a functional, interstate-heavy experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic detours.

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 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 15 significant decision points across 337.8 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 15 key points

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

6
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
8
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
8
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
8
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
7
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 Centre, 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
South Albert Rains Boulevard 2.2 mi 3m
Main Street 1.7 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 239.6 mi, about 4h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Saint Louis Street

389 ft · 22 sec · Saint Louis Street
2

Turn left onto North Royal Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · North Royal Street
3

Turn right onto Congress Street

260 ft · 11 sec · Congress Street
4

Take the ramp

411 ft · 12 sec
5

Merge onto North Water Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · North Water Street
6

Continue on US 90; US 98 Truck

482 ft · 11 sec · Telegraph Road
7

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

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 33 sec
Exit 1B Toward I 65: Montgomery
9

Merge onto I 65

240 mi · 4 hr 18 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Exit 250 Toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 459

17 mi · 18 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Exit 33B Toward I 59 North: Gadsden Use the slight right lane.
14

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 15 sec · this road
Exit 33A Toward I-59 North: Gadsden
15

Merge onto I 59

44 mi · 47 min · I 59
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 51 sec
Exit 182 Toward I 759: Gadsden
17

Continue on I 759

4.4 mi · 4 min · I 759
Use the none lane.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Exit 4B Toward US 411 North Use the slight right lane.
19

Turn straight onto US 411

0.6 mi · 55 sec · Rainbow Drive
Use the none lane.
20

Continue on US 411

2.2 mi · 3 min · South Albert Rains Boulevard
Use the left / none lanes.
21

Continue on US 411

20 mi · 23 min · Ewing Avenue
22

Continue on US 411 Business

1.7 mi · 3 min · Main Street
23

Turn left onto AL 283

30 ft · 0 sec · Cedar Bluff Road
24

Arrive at destination

AL 283

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour-plus trek, try to depart early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic congestion on the busier stretches of I-65. Since the longest segment spans nearly 240 miles, pacing your single recommended stop around the midway point will help you stay alert and refreshed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before you transition away from the primary interstates, as local road options like Ewing Avenue may offer fewer service stations. Because this is a long drive for one day, having your route mapped out in advance is a smart move to maintain your schedule. Flexibility is your friend here, so adjust your pace based on how you feel during that long initial interstate stretch.

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 168.9 miles from Mobile, AL, or about 3h 3m 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 168.9 miles or 3h 3m 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 2m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Centre, 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 337.8 miles and 6h 12m.

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 168.9 mi from Mobile, AL · 3h 3m into the drive

Downtown Columbiana, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbiana, AL

169 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 168.9 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 Centre, AL

The final approach into Centre, 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 Centre, 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

$51.64 one way

$103.28 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 118 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.26 $56.64 $113.28
premium $4.61 $61.31 $122.62
diesel $5.64 $75.05 $150.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 118.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 101.3 1 $35.47 $16.21
Efficient EV 84.5 0 $29.56 $13.51
EV Truck/SUV 135.1 1 $47.29 $21.62

Gas CO2

118 kg

EV CO2

40 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 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

Centre, AL

Afternoon in Centre on Sunday

Local time

4:54 PM

CDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Columbiana, AL

169 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

5 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 12m 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 Centre, AL covers 337.8 miles and takes about 6h 12m 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 168.9 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 $51.64 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 337.8 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 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.
Between Mobile, AL and Centre, AL, road signs point toward Gadsden and Tuscaloosa.

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