How far is Athens, AL from Bessemer, AL?
The driving distance from Athens, AL to Bessemer, AL is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 96.8 miles (155.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 02m 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 01m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Athens and Bessemer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Bessemer.
-
1
Start on Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
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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
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
2715 ft · 38 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 22 West: Memphis
2666 ft · 38 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Montgomery
1940 ft · 28 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
3.7 mi · 5 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
2224 ft · 54 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
12.2 mi · 14 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street, 19th Street
728 ft · 18 sec
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12
Keep slight left
687 ft · 19 sec
-
13
Keep slight left
63 m · 5 sec
-
14
Turn straight onto 18th Street North
1.2 mi · 3 min · 18th Street North
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15
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
29 m · 4 sec · 3rd Avenue North
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 3rd Avenue North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Bessemer.
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 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 Athens and Mostly Sunny near Bessemer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Bessemer?
The road trip is about 107.1 miles (172.3 km) and usually takes 02h 01m 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?
Dodge City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.6 miles from Athens and 53.4 miles from Bessemer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 96.8 miles (155.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.3 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 2:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.21 one way or $30.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Athens and Mostly Sunny near Bessemer.
Stop Ideas Near Dodge City
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 Dodge City.
Birmingham
Anniston
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Bessemer. Straight-line distance: 96.78 mi (155.75 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 Bessemer
City in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 26,043 |
| Coordinates | 33.4017800, -86.9544400 |
| Altitude | 155 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bessemer (-86.95444, 33.40178)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 172 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.03 | $15.21 | $30.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.49 | $16.99 | $33.97 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $18.53 | $37.06 |
| Diesel | $6.16 | $23.28 | $46.56 |
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 · Sep 23, 2026