Trip from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 31m

Distance

119.7 mi

193 km

Drive Score

9/10

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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Trip Overview

This 119.7-mile drive from Southside, AL, to Montgomery, AL, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. You'll navigate a mix of local roads and highways, with about 29% of the journey on higher-speed roads. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $18, making it an economical choice for a short getaway. Given the relatively short distance and duration, it's perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times within the Southeast region. The overall feel is more of a turn-heavy local exploration than a long-haul interstate cruise.

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

59.8 miles from Southside, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 31m. Total distance: 119.7 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 (29%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a route that leans heavily on local roads, characterized by frequent turns. While 29% of the drive utilizes highways, much of your journey will be on less direct, surface streets. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 54.6 miles along Broadway Avenue, which likely involves navigating through various towns and communities. This road profile suggests a driving experience that requires constant attention to navigation and speed adjustments, rather than a steady, high-speed cruise. You'll experience a dynamic change in scenery and road conditions as you transition between different types of thoroughfares.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Broadway Avenue is the longest continuous segment at about 54.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near AL 77.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL is easy. At 2h 31m with 29% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (AL 77): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.5 miles (AL 21 / Western Bypass): Navigation decision point; at 116.3 miles (Upper Wetumpka Road): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 6 key points

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

4

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | AL 77

Depart onto AL 77

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

4

34.5 mi into trip | ~48m in | AL 21 / Western Bypass

Turn right onto AL 21 / Western Bypass

Navigation decision point

5

116.3 mi into trip | ~2h 24m in | Upper Wetumpka Road

At end of road, turn left onto Upper Wetumpka Road

Navigation decision point

5

118.5 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | North Decatur Street

Turn left onto North Decatur Street

Navigation decision point

6

119.7 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | South Union Street

At end of road, turn left onto South Union Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Broadway Avenue	54.6 mi	1h 2m
AL 77	34.5 mi	48m
Western Bypass	22.7 mi	26m
Congressman W. L. Dickinson Drive	2.4 mi	4m
Upper Wetumpka Road	1.9 mi	3m
Rockford Highway	1.2 mi	1m
Federal Drive	0.8 mi	1m
South Decatur Street	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Broadway Avenue — 54.6 mi, about 1h 2m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Southside, AL and Montgomery, AL.

1

Start on AL 77

34 mi · 48 min · AL 77

Use the straight / right lanes.

2

Turn right onto AL 21

23 mi · 26 min · Western Bypass

3

Continue on AL 21

1.2 mi · 1 min · Rockford Highway

4

Continue on US 231; AL 21

55 mi · 1 hr 2 min · Broadway Avenue

Use the straight lane.

5

Continue on Congressman W. L. Dickinson Drive

2.4 mi · 4 min · Congressman W. L. Dickinson Drive

Use the straight lane.

6

Continue on Federal Drive

0.8 mi · 1 min · Federal Drive

7

Turn slight right

208 ft · 9 sec

8

Turn slight right onto Crestview Street

439 ft · 17 sec · Crestview Street

9

At end of road, turn left onto Upper Wetumpka Road

1.9 mi · 3 min · Upper Wetumpka Road

10

Continue on Columbus Street

0.3 mi · 39 sec · Columbus Street

11

Turn left onto North Decatur Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · North Decatur Street

12

Continue on South Decatur Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Decatur Street

Use the straight / left lanes.

13

Turn left onto Winnie Street

440 ft · 24 sec · Winnie Street

14

At end of road, turn left onto South Union Street

187 ft · 3 sec · South Union Street

15

Arrive at destination

South Union Street

Trip Plan

Given that this is a relatively short 2-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid any early rush hour and to allow for a relaxed start. With only one recommended stop, you can easily manage your breaks, perhaps pausing halfway through your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $18 estimated cost is based on the total distance, and local road driving can sometimes be less fuel-efficient than highway cruising. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to signage when transitioning from Broadway Avenue to AL 77, as this is the longest uninterrupted stretch and the turn-heavy nature of the drive means these transitions are key.

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 59.8 miles from Southside, AL, or about 1h 18m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.6 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 26 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 59.8 miles or 1h 18m 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 1m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Southside, 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 Southside, AL

This is one driving day of about 119.7 miles and 2h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Southside, 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 Broadway Avenue for about 54.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 59.8 mi from Southside, AL · 1h 18m into the drive

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

Lincoln, 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 59.8 miles from Southside, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Montgomery, AL

The final approach into Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, AL.

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

Vintage Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montgomery, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.7

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13343561944

Visit website

Viva coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rainbow City, Alabama

2.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Baristas and Barristers

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montgomery, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 119.7

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Prevail Union | MGM

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montgomery, Alabama

0.9 mi

Restoration Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wetumpka, Alabama

0.8 mi

Vintage Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13343561944

Visit website

Cook Out

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 10:30 am–2 pm

+18665470011

Visit website

Viva coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Rainbow City, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–5 pm

+12564594578

Visit website

Hardee's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 59.8

Sylacauga, Alabama

Hours: 4 am–10 pm

+12562457657

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12565432086

Visit website

El Tapatio II Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Gadsden, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12565466088

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 111.1

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+13342700682

Visit website

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13349537662

Hangar 42 Coffee Shop

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 111.1

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13342398040

Downtown Montgomery EV Charger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 119.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 119.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 119.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 102.6

Wetumpka, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

The MOOseum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 119.7

Montgomery, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+13342651867

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.08 one way

$36.16 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$19.84	$39.69
premium	$4.56	$21.48	$42.97
diesel	$5.61	$26.43	$52.86

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: 41.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	35.9	$12.57	$5.75
Efficient EV	29.9	$10.47	$4.79
EV Truck/SUV	47.9	$16.76	$7.66

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

Southside, AL

Morning in Southside on Friday

Local time

10:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Montgomery, AL

Morning in Montgomery on Friday

Local time

10:08 AM

CDT

Current temp

80°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

2 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL covers 119.7 miles and takes about 2h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Broadway Avenue, AL 77, Western Bypass. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 59.8 miles from Southside, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.08 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

The drive from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL is easy. At 2h 31m with 29% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (AL 77): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.5 miles (AL 21 / Western Bypass): Navigation decision point; at 116.3 miles (Upper Wetumpka Road): Navigation decision point.

The route from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Southside, AL or browse trips ending in Montgomery, AL.

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Trip from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Montgomery, AL

Nearby Places

Vintage Cafe

Baristas and Barristers

Vintage Cafe

Cook Out

Viva coffee

Hardee's

Red Lobster

El Tapatio II Mexican Restaurant

Sonic Drive-In

Baristas and Barristers

Prevail Union | MGM

Restoration Coffee House

Hilltop Public House

Elevation Café

Red Tail Cafe

Rickenbacker's Touch & Go Coffee Shop

Hangar 42 Coffee Shop

Downtown Montgomery EV Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

The MOOseum

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Southside, AL

Montgomery, AL

Same local time

2 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 31m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How many breaks should I plan?

How hard is the drive from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Southside, AL to Montgomery, AL?

How this page is built

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