How far is Athens, AL from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance from Athens, AL to Birmingham, AL is about 95.4 miles (153.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.1 miles (143.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 54m 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 01h 27m.
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.
City in Cullman County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Athens and Birmingham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Birmingham.
-
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
-
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
3.6 mi · 4 min
-
9
Take the exit slight left toward 17th Street North, Downtown
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
10
Turn left onto Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard
996 ft · 22 sec · Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard
-
11
Turn right onto 19th Street North
1439 ft · 34 sec · 19th Street North
-
12
Turn left onto 5th Avenue North
2431 ft · 51 sec · 5th Avenue North
-
13
Turn right onto 24th Street North
14 m · 1 sec · 24th Street North
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 24th Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Birmingham.
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny leaving Athens and Rain Showers near Birmingham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Birmingham?
The road trip is about 95.4 miles (153.6 km) and usually takes 01h 27m 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?
Cullman is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.5 miles from Athens and 48 miles from Birmingham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.1 miles (143.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.3 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 3:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.76 one way or $25.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny around Athens and Rain Showers near Birmingham.
Stop Ideas Near Cullman
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 Cullman.
Birmingham
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Birmingham. Straight-line distance: 89.09 mi (143.38 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 Birmingham
The most populous city in Alabama.
| Population | 206,950 |
| Coordinates | 33.5206600, -86.8024900 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
End: 24th Street North (-86.802565, 33.520626)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 154 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $12.76 | $25.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $14.35 | $28.71 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $15.59 | $31.17 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $18.25 | $36.50 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.