How far is Alabaster, AL from Muscle Shoals, AL?
The driving distance from Alabaster, AL to Muscle Shoals, AL is about 134.8 miles (217 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 114.6 miles (184.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 16m 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 02h 38m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alabaster and Muscle Shoals.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alabaster and Muscle Shoals.
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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
71.2 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
1215 ft · 29 sec
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7
Turn left onto Section Line Road
61 m · 4 sec · Section Line Road
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8
Continue on University of North Alabama Highway
55.4 mi · 1 hr 6 min · University of North Alabama Highway
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9
Merge slight right onto Wheeler Highway
4.2 mi · 5 min · Wheeler Highway
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10
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Woodward Avenue
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11
Turn right onto Avalon Avenue
15 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alabaster and Muscle Shoals.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-65 North
Merge slight left
71.2 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Sunny leaving Alabaster and Sunny near Muscle Shoals.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alabaster to Muscle Shoals?
The road trip is about 134.8 miles (217 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Good Hope is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.5 miles from Alabaster and 67.4 miles from Muscle Shoals.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 114.6 miles (184.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.2 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 1:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.03 one way or $36.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Alabaster and Sunny near Muscle Shoals.
Stop Ideas Near Good Hope
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 Good Hope.
Birmingham
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alabaster and Muscle Shoals. Straight-line distance: 114.57 mi (184.38 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 Muscle Shoals
City in Alabama, USA
| Population | 14,877 |
| Coordinates | 34.7448100, -87.6675300 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
End: Muscle Shoals (-87.66753, 34.74481)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 217 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $18.03 | $36.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $20.27 | $40.55 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $22.02 | $44.03 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $25.78 | $51.55 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.