Trip from Mobile, AL to Florence, AL

Drive Time

6h 57m

Distance

371.6 mi

598 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$57

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
6h 46m ★
6 AM
6h 57m
8 AM
7h 20m
10 AM
7h 5m
12 PM
7h 3m
3 PM
7h 6m
5 PM
7h 19m
8 PM
6h 50m

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 Florence, AL, AL

Florence, AL

Efrem Efre

Trip Overview

Traveling from Mobile to Florence covers 371.6 miles across the state of Alabama, typically requiring about 6 hours and 57 minutes of driving time. Because this is a highway-focused route, you can realistically complete the journey in a single day if you stay focused behind the wheel. Budget approximately $57 for fuel to cover the distance, which primarily utilizes I-65 before transitioning onto I-165 and the University of North Alabama Highway. While the trip is manageable in one go, you might consider an overnight stay if you prefer a more relaxed pace. This route takes you from the southern tip of the state up into the northern reaches, offering a straightforward path through the heart of the Southeast.

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

185.8 miles from Mobile, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 23m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a serious interstate grind for the vast majority of this trip, as 82% of the journey is spent on highways. You will spend a significant chunk of your time on I-65, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 299.7 miles. The drive is designed for efficiency rather than leisure, prioritizing speed as you transition from the coastal region toward the northern hills. As you approach the final leg of the trip, the road shifts from the wide, fast-paced interstate environment to the more localized flow of I-165 and the University of North Alabama Highway. Prepare for a consistent, high-speed experience that demands steady attention throughout the nearly seven-hour duration.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 299.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and University of North Alabama Highway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in.

Route Complexity 6/10

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

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 371.6 miles you will encounter 13 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: at 5.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 5.6 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 305.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 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
5
5.6 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 65

Merge onto I 65

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
305.4 mi into trip | ~5h 33m in

Take the exit toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton

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

Exit 310 Toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
5
361 mi into trip | ~6h 40m in | US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157 / Wheeler Highway

Merge onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157 / Wheeler Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
6
371.3 mi into trip | ~6h 56m in | West Doctor Hicks Boulevard

Turn left onto West Doctor Hicks Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Mobile, AL to Florence, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Moulton along the way.

Moulton

305.4 mi in | ~5h 33m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 65 299.7 mi 5h 25m
University of North Alabama Highway 55.4 mi 1h 6m
I 165 4.5 mi 5m
Woodward Avenue 4.2 mi 7m
Wheeler Highway 4.2 mi 5m
US 43 1.8 mi 3m
South Pine Street 0.2 mi <1m
North Royal Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 65 — 299.7 mi, about 5h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mobile, AL and Florence, 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

300 mi · 5 hr 25 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 310 Toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
11

Turn left onto AL 157

200 ft · 3 sec · Section Line Road
12

Continue on AL 157

55 mi · 1 hr 6 min · University of North Alabama Highway
Use the straight lane.
13

Merge onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20; AL 157

4.2 mi · 5 min · Wheeler Highway
Use the none lane.
14

Turn right onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17

4.2 mi · 7 min · Woodward Avenue
Use the straight lane.
15

Take the exit onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20

1.8 mi · 3 min · US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20
Use the slight right lane.
16

Turn left onto West Doctor Hicks Boulevard

437 ft · 15 sec · West Doctor Hicks Boulevard
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto South Pine Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · South Pine Street
18

Arrive at destination

North Pine Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 371.6-mile trek, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential congestion on the major interstate corridors. Since the route includes one recommended stop, plan to break up your 299.7-mile stretch on I-65 to stretch your legs and refresh before the final transition to the University of North Alabama Highway. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the long interstate segments to ensure you stay within your $57 budget by refueling at major stops. Because the drive is highway-intensive, check traffic reports for I-65 before you leave to anticipate any construction or delays that could add time to your seven-hour estimate. Flexibility is your best asset here, so don't hesitate to extend your break if fatigue sets in during the long haul.

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 185.8 miles from Mobile, AL, or about 3h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 299.7 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 82 miles or 1h 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 185.8 miles or 3h 23m 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 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Florence, 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 371.6 miles and 6h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 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 299.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 185.8 mi from Mobile, AL · 3h 23m into the drive

Downtown Columbiana, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbiana, AL

186 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 82 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbiana, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 185.8 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 299.7 miles.

Arriving in Florence, AL

The final approach into Florence, 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 Florence, 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

$56.81 one way

$113.62 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 130 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.26 $62.31 $124.62
premium $4.61 $67.44 $134.89
diesel $5.64 $82.56 $165.11

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$57

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$82–$107

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 130 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 111.5 1 $39.02 $17.84
Efficient EV 92.9 1 $32.52 $14.86
EV Truck/SUV 148.6 1 $52.02 $23.78

Gas CO2

130 kg

EV CO2

43 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

Evening in Mobile on Sunday

Local time

5:32 PM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Florence, AL

Evening in Florence on Sunday

Local time

5:32 PM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Columbiana, AL

186 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

4 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 57m 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 Florence, AL covers 371.6 miles and takes about 6h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 65, University of North Alabama Highway, I 165. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 185.8 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 $56.81 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 371.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 5.6 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 305.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Mobile, AL to Florence, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Moulton along the way.

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