How far is Alabaster, AL from Clay, AL?
The driving distance from Alabaster, AL to Clay, AL is about 41.1 miles (66.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.1 miles (54.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 49m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Neighborhood of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alabaster and Clay.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alabaster and Clay.
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1
Start on the route
30 m · 14 sec
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2
Turn left
54 m · 15 sec
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3
Turn right onto 1st Street South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 1st Street South
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4
Take the ramp left toward I-65 North: Birmingham
1613 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left
11 mi · 12 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 459: Atlanta, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa
1318 ft · 32 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 459 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto John M. Harbert III Freeway
17.1 mi · 18 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
1756 ft · 41 sec
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10
Continue on I-59 North: Gadsden
890 ft · 15 sec
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11
Merge slight left
6 mi · 6 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Deerfoot Parkway
1347 ft · 33 sec
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13
Turn right onto Deerfoot Parkway
3.3 mi · 6 min · Deerfoot Parkway
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14
Turn right onto Old Springville Road
2395 ft · 52 sec · Old Springville Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Old Springville Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alabaster and Clay.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John M. Harbert III Freeway
Merge slight left onto John M. Harbert III Freeway
17.1 mi · 00h 18m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Alabaster and Partly Sunny near Clay.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alabaster to Clay?
The road trip is about 41.1 miles (66.2 km) and usually takes 00h 49m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Cahaba Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.6 miles from Alabaster and 20.6 miles from Clay.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.1 miles (54.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.49 one way or $10.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Alabaster and Partly Sunny near Clay.
Stop Ideas Near Cahaba Heights
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Cahaba Heights.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alabaster and Clay. Straight-line distance: 34.04 mi (54.78 km).
#1 Alabaster
Suburb city of Birmingham, located in Shelby County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 33,701 |
| Coordinates | 33.2442800, -86.8163800 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clay
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 10,042 |
| Coordinates | 33.7026000, -86.5997100 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clay (-86.59971, 33.7026)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 66 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $5.49 | $10.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $6.18 | $12.35 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $6.71 | $13.41 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $7.85 | $15.70 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Alabama · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.