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Trip from Opelika, AL to Trussville, AL

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

Drive Time

2h 31m

Distance

120.2 mi

194 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 22m ★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 52m
10 AM
2h 39m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 40m
5 PM
2h 51m
8 PM
2h 26m

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

Opelika, AL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Jefferson and St. Clair counties in Alabama, United States

Trussville, AL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Opelika, AL to Trussville, AL covers 120.2 miles and takes about 2h 31m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 280, John M. Harbert III Freeway, Birmingham Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 99.3 miles on US 280. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.15 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

60.1 miles from Opelika, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 280 99.3 mi 2h 3m
John M. Harbert III Freeway 12.2 mi 13m
Birmingham Highway 2.9 mi 3m
Gadsden Highway 2.1 mi 3m
2nd Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
Pepperell Parkway 0.9 mi 1m
Main Street 0.6 mi 1m
South 10th Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 280 — 99.3 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Opelika, AL and Trussville, AL.

1

Start on South 9th Street

81 ft · 8 sec · South 9th Street
2

Turn left onto Avenue B

464 ft · 23 sec · Avenue B
3

Turn right onto South 10th Street

0.3 mi · 51 sec · South 10th Street
4

Turn left onto 2nd Avenue

0.9 mi · 1 min · 2nd Avenue
5

Continue on Pepperell Parkway

0.9 mi · 1 min · Pepperell Parkway
6

Take the ramp

408 ft · 11 sec
7

Merge onto US 280

2.9 mi · 3 min · Birmingham Highway
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 280

99 mi · 2 hr 3 min · US 280
Use the right lane.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 459 North
10

Merge onto I 459

12 mi · 13 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Exit 32 Toward US 11: Trussville Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork

235 ft · 5 sec
13

Turn straight onto US 11

2.1 mi · 3 min · Gadsden Highway
14

Continue on US 11

0.6 mi · 1 min · Main Street
15

Turn left onto Glenn Avenue

379 ft · 18 sec · Glenn Avenue
16

Turn right onto Linden Street

0.1 mi · 28 sec · Linden Street
17

Turn right

197 ft · 14 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 60.1 miles from Opelika, AL, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.3 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 26 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 60.1 miles or 1h 16m 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 4m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Opelika, 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 Opelika, AL

This is one driving day of about 120.2 miles and 2h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Opelika, 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 US 280 for about 99.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Vincent, AL, AL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vincent, AL

60 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

Dadeville, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vincent, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 60.1 miles from Opelika, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 280 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.3 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

Chicken Salad Chick

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Birmingham, Alabama

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.2

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12055371170

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Trussville, Alabama

1.5 mi

Jake's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Alexander City, Alabama

1.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

The Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Opelika, Alabama

0.2 mi

Maple Avenue Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trussville, Alabama

0.3 mi

Arby's

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.9

Alexander City, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–11 pm

+12562155510

Visit website

Chicken Salad Chick

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.2

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12055371170

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 120.2

Trussville, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12056558498

Visit website

Jake's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 42.9

Alexander City, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–1:30 pm

+12562344300

Visit website

The Camellia Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.8

Dadeville, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12563071114

Visit website

Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 42.9

Alexander City, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12562153998

Visit website

Subway

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 42.9

Alexander City, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+12563290070

Visit website

Hardee's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 68.7

Sylacauga, Alabama

Hours: 4 am–10 pm

+12562457657

Visit website

Side Track

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

The Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+13347376212

Visit website

Maple Avenue Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 120.2

Trussville, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Boonie Hat Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13343630390

Visit website

Bullet Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.1

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–8 pm

+12058488070

Two Ghosts Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.8

Dadeville, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12567909785

Visit website

Toomers Coffee Roasters | We're the Coffee, not the Corner | Family Owned since 2004

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13342031010

Visit website

Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.1

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12056321040

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 103.1

Birmingham, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18004891588

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 42.9

Alexander City, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 42.9

Alexander City, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 111.6

Leeds, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 111.6

Leeds, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 111.6

Leeds, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 111.6

Leeds, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

City Park (Monkey Park)

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Opelika, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13347055549

Visit website

Veterans Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 103.1

Meadowbrook, Alabama

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12054447777

Visit website

Cosby Lake Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 120.2

Pinson, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12056801223

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 120.2 — 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 | Avenue B

Turn left onto Avenue B

Navigation decision point

5
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in | US 280 / Birmingham Highway

Merge onto US 280 / Birmingham Highway

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

Use the straight lane.
5
104.7 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | I 459 / John M. Harbert III Freeway

Merge onto I 459 / John M. Harbert III Freeway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
116.9 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in

Take the exit toward US 11: Trussville

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 32 Toward US 11: Trussville
5
120.2 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.15 one way

$36.31 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $19.93 $39.86
premium $4.56 $21.57 $43.15
diesel $5.61 $26.54 $53.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.1 0 $12.62 $5.77
Efficient EV 30.1 0 $10.52 $4.81
EV Truck/SUV 48.1 0 $16.83 $7.69

Gas CO2

42 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (67% 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

Opelika, AL

Afternoon in Opelika on Saturday

Local time

2:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Trussville, AL

Afternoon in Trussville on Saturday

Local time

2:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Vincent, AL

60 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

1 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

2h 31m 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...

6 mi from route ~16 min detour Free near mile 107.8
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

120.2 mi in 2h 31m, mostly highway — 99.3 mi of that is on US 280.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.3 mi on US 280.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 280 and John M. Harbert III Freeway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Avenue B.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 120.2 miles you will encounter 11 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 (Avenue B): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles (US 280 / Birmingham Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.7 miles (I 459 / John M. Harbert III Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 31m. Total distance: 120.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.3 miles on US 280. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Avenue B): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles (US 280 / Birmingham Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.7 miles (I 459 / John M. Harbert III Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Trussville, AL before heading back.

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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