How far is Athens, AL from Selma, AL?
The driving distance from Athens, AL to Selma, AL is about 180.9 miles (291.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 165.5 miles (266.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 34m 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 47m.
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.
The most populous city in Alabama.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Athens and Selma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Selma.
-
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
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8
Merge slight left
33.2 mi · 39 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 31, AL 3: Saginaw, Calera, Montevallo
1183 ft · 29 sec
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10
Turn right
12.9 mi · 18 min
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11
Turn right onto Church Street
1582 ft · 39 sec · Church Street
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12
Keep slight left
13.6 mi · 19 min
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto 4th Avenue North
2.7 mi · 4 min · 4th Avenue North
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14
Keep slight left to continue on Foshee Avenue
1145 ft · 40 sec · Foshee Avenue
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15
Turn left
28.4 mi · 47 min
-
16
Turn right onto Alabama Avenue
121 m · 11 sec · Alabama Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Alabama Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Selma.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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 Selma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Selma?
The road trip is about 180.9 miles (291.1 km) and usually takes 03h 47m 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?
Birmingham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.5 miles from Athens and 90.3 miles from Selma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 165.5 miles (266.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.4 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 9:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.17 one way or $50.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Athens and Sunny near Selma.
Stop Ideas Near Birmingham
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 Birmingham.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Selma. Straight-line distance: 165.51 mi (266.36 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 Selma
City in and county seat of Dallas County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 16,671 |
| Coordinates | 32.4073600, -87.0211000 |
| Altitude | 38 |
| Country | United States |
End: Selma (-87.0211, 32.40736)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 291 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $25.17 | $50.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.42 | $28.18 | $56.36 |
| Premium | $4.83 | $30.79 | $61.58 |
| Diesel | $6.04 | $38.54 | $77.07 |
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 17, 2026