How far is Birmingham, AL from Rainbow City, AL?
The driving distance from Birmingham, AL to Rainbow City, AL is about 58.9 miles (94.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53 miles (85.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 18m 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 09m.
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.
Town in St.
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 Rainbow City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Birmingham and Rainbow City.
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1
Start on 24th Street North
14 m · 3 sec · 24th Street North
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2
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
57 m · 4 sec · 5th Avenue North
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3
Keep slight left to continue on 5th Avenue North
1728 ft · 34 sec · 5th Avenue North
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4
Continue on Messer Airport Highway
2.7 mi · 5 min · Messer Airport Highway
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 20 East, I 59 North: Gadsden, Atlanta
1316 ft · 32 sec
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6
Merge slight left
603 ft · 9 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
50.8 mi · 55 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward AL 77: Attalla, Rainbow City
3097 ft · 1 min
-
9
Turn right onto Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast
707 ft · 14 sec · Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast
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10
Continue on West Grand Avenue
3.8 mi · 7 min · West Grand Avenue
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11
Turn slight right
33 m · 4 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Birmingham and Rainbow 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 59 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
50.8 mi · 00h 55m
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.
Sunny leaving Birmingham and Sunny near Rainbow City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Birmingham to Rainbow City?
The road trip is about 58.9 miles (94.8 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Springville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.5 miles from Birmingham and 29.5 miles from Rainbow City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53 miles (85.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 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 4:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.88 one way or $15.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Birmingham and Sunny near Rainbow City.
Stop Ideas Near Springville
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 Springville.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Birmingham and Rainbow City. Straight-line distance: 53 mi (85.3 km).
#1 Birmingham
The most populous city in Alabama.
| Population | 206,950 |
| Coordinates | 33.5206600, -86.8024900 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rainbow City
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 9,611 |
| Coordinates | 33.9548200, -86.0419200 |
| Altitude | 170 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rainbow City (-86.04192, 33.95482)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 95 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $7.88 | $15.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $8.86 | $17.72 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $9.62 | $19.24 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $11.26 | $22.53 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.