Origin
Pennsylvania, AL
Night in Pennsylvania on Tuesday
Local time
10:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pennsylvania, AL to Birmingham, AL
Data updated 2 hours ago
Drive Time
4h 24m
Distance
242 mi
389 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 12m
★
6 AM
4h 25m
8 AM
4h 52m
10 AM
4h 34m
12 PM
4h 32m
3 PM
4h 36m
5 PM
4h 50m
8 PM
4h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pennsylvania, AL
K6
Birmingham, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a straightforward 242-mile journey from Pennsylvania, AL to Birmingham, AL, a drive that takes approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. This route is almost entirely highway, making it an efficient option for a single-day trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $37, it's an economical choice for exploring within the Southeast region. You'll spend most of your time on I 65, with brief traversals of 3rd Avenue North and 5th Avenue North as you near your destination. This drive is a practical, no-fuss way to get from point A to point B.
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
121 miles from Pennsylvania, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with a remarkable 99% of the route utilizing major roadways. Expect long, uninterrupted stretches, including a significant 239.8-mile segment on I 65. While the majority of the journey will feel like a typical interstate cruise, the final approach into Birmingham will involve navigating city streets like 3rd Avenue North and 5th Avenue North. The character of the road is consistent for the most part, offering a predictable driving experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 10 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 239.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and 3rd Avenue North. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near I 65.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 4h 24m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 240.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 240.7 miles (US 11; US 78 / 3rd Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 65
Merge onto I 65
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
240.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
Take the exit toward US 11: 3rd Avenue North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 260B
Toward US 11: 3rd Avenue North
5
240.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
|
US 11; US 78 / 3rd Avenue North
Turn right onto US 11; US 78 / 3rd Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
241.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 24m in
|
5th Avenue North
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
Navigation decision point
4
242 mi into trip
|
~4h 24m in
|
24th Street North
Turn right onto 24th Street North
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 239.8 mi | 4h 19m |
| 3rd Avenue North | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| 5th Avenue North | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| US 43 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| 19th Street North | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| 24th Street North | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 239.8 mi, about 4h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pennsylvania, AL and Birmingham, AL.
1
Start on this road
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
2
Turn left onto US 43
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
US 43
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
4
Merge onto I 65
240 mi
·
4 hr 19 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 260B
Toward US 11: 3rd Avenue North
6
Turn right onto US 11; US 78
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
3rd Avenue North
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Turn left onto 19th Street North
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
19th Street North
8
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
5th Avenue North
9
Turn right onto 24th Street North
46 ft
·
1 sec
·
24th Street North
10
Arrive at destination
24th Street North
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 24-minute duration, this drive is easily manageable in a single day. Consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic as you enter Birmingham. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically. The longest continuous stretch on I 65 is nearly 240 miles, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on this segment. The fuel cost is estimated at $37, so factor that into your budget. Once you're on I 65, you'll have a clear path for a significant portion of the trip.
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 121 miles from Pennsylvania, AL, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 239.8 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 121 miles or 2h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Birmingham, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, AL
This is one driving day of about 242 miles and 4h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Pennsylvania, 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 239.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 121 mi from Pennsylvania, AL · 2h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
121 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 121 miles from Pennsylvania, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 239.8 miles.
Arriving in Birmingham, AL
The final approach into Birmingham, 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 Birmingham, 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
$36.55 one way
$73.10 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
85 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $40.12 | $80.24 |
| premium | $4.56 | $43.44 | $86.87 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.43 | $106.86 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.6 | 0 | $25.41 | $11.62 |
| Efficient EV | 60.5 | 0 | $21.17 | $9.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 96.8 | 1 | $33.88 | $15.49 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Birmingham, AL
Night in Birmingham on Tuesday
Local time
10:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°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
32 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 24m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Pennsylvania, AL to Birmingham, AL covers 242 miles and takes about 4h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 65, 3rd Avenue North, 5th Avenue North. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 121 miles from Pennsylvania, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.55 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 4h 24m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 240.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 240.7 miles (US 11; US 78 / 3rd Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Pennsylvania, AL to Birmingham, AL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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