How far is Birmingham, AL from Chelsea, AL?
The driving distance from Birmingham, AL to Chelsea, AL is about 18.3 miles (29.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 16 miles (25.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 54m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 27m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Shelby County, Alabama, United States of America
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 Birmingham and Chelsea.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Birmingham and Chelsea.
-
1
Start on 24th Street North
715 ft · 25 sec · 24th Street North
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2
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
61 m · 4 sec · 3rd Avenue North
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3
Take the ramp slight left toward US 31 South, US 280 East
991 ft · 24 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Expressway
2.3 mi · 3 min · Red Mountain Expressway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo Gardens
15 mi · 22 min
-
6
Turn right onto Chelsea Road
1 km · 1 min · Chelsea Road
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7
Turn left
100 m · 28 sec
-
8
Turn left onto Allen Drive
52 m · 8 sec · Allen Drive
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Chelsea Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Birmingham and Chelsea.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
US 280 East
Take the exit slight right toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo Gardens
15 mi · 00h 22m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Birmingham and Sunny near Chelsea.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Birmingham to Chelsea?
The road trip is about 18.3 miles (29.5 km) and usually takes 00h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Lake Purdy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.2 miles from Birmingham and 9.1 miles from Chelsea.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 16 miles (25.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.46 one way or $4.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Birmingham and Sunny near Chelsea.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Purdy
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 Lake Purdy.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Anniston
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Birmingham and Chelsea. Straight-line distance: 15.94 mi (25.66 km).
#1 Birmingham
The most populous city in Alabama.
| Population | 206,950 |
| Coordinates | 33.5206600, -86.8024900 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chelsea
Chelsea is a place in Alabama, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 33.3401100, -86.6302600 |
| Altitude | 156 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chelsea (-86.63026, 33.34011)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 29 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $2.46 | $4.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $2.77 | $5.54 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $3.01 | $6.01 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $3.52 | $7.04 |
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 · Apr 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.