How far is Athens, AL from Alexander City, AL?
The driving distance from Athens, AL to Alexander City, AL is about 166.1 miles (267.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 141.1 miles (227 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 38m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 19m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
City in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States
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 Athens and Alexander City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Alexander City.
-
1
Start on Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
-
2
Turn left onto US Highway 72 West
1.8 mi · 3 min · US Highway 72 West
-
3
Take the exit right toward I-65 South: Birmingham
1118 ft · 27 sec
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4
Merge slight left
84.8 mi · 1 hr 31 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
2715 ft · 38 sec
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on I 22 West: Memphis
2666 ft · 38 sec
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on Montgomery
1940 ft · 28 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
3.9 mi · 5 min
-
9
Take the exit slight left toward I 20 East, I 59 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
1037 ft · 25 sec
-
10
Merge slight right
1 mi · 2 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
1261 ft · 31 sec
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on US 31 South, US 280 East
2557 ft · 1 min
-
13
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Expressway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Red Mountain Expressway
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo Gardens
17.7 mi · 25 min
-
15
Take the exit straight
49.4 mi · 1 hr 1 min
-
16
Turn left onto Lee Street
2989 ft · 54 sec · Lee Street
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17
Turn left
74 m · 5 sec
-
18
At the end of the road, turn right onto Washington Street
2811 ft · 50 sec · Washington Street
-
19
Continue on Broad Street
1294 ft · 35 sec · Broad Street
-
20
Turn sharp right onto Main Street
93 m · 11 sec · Main Street
-
21
Turn right onto Court Square
89 m · 13 sec · Court Square
-
22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Court Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Alexander City.
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 South
Merge slight left
84.8 mi · 01h 31m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Athens and Sunny near Alexander City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Alexander City?
The road trip is about 166.1 miles (267.3 km) and usually takes 03h 19m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Gardendale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.1 miles from Athens and 83 miles from Alexander City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 141.1 miles (227 km), while the road route adds roughly 25 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.17 one way or $46.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Athens and Sunny near Alexander City.
Stop Ideas Near Gardendale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Adamsville City Hall
Trussville City Hall
Mountain Brook Municipal Court
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Gardendale.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Alexander City. Straight-line distance: 141.06 mi (227.02 km).
#1 Athens
County seat of Limestone County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 28,643 |
| Coordinates | 34.8024300, -86.9721900 |
| Altitude | 220 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alexander City
City in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, USA
| Population | 14,142 |
| Coordinates | 32.9440100, -85.9538500 |
| Altitude | 214 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alexander City (-85.95385, 32.94401)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 267 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $23.17 | $46.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $25.95 | $51.91 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $28.33 | $56.67 |
| Diesel | $5.93 | $34.77 | $69.55 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026