How far is Cullman, AL from Opelika, AL?
The driving distance from Cullman, AL to Opelika, AL is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135.3 miles (217.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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 02h 39m.
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 Shelby County, Alabama, United States
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 Cullman and Opelika.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cullman and Opelika.
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1
Start on 2nd Avenue Southwest
15 m · 9 sec · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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2
Turn left onto 3rd Street Southwest
1517 ft · 33 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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3
Continue on 4th Street Southwest
1.6 mi · 3 min · 4th Street Southwest
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4
Turn left
1242 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Heroes Highway
41.3 mi · 44 min · Heroes Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
2715 ft · 38 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 22 West: Memphis
2666 ft · 38 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Montgomery
1940 ft · 28 sec
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9
Merge slight left
3.9 mi · 5 min
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10
Take the exit slight left toward I 20 East, I 59 North: Atlanta, Gadsden
1037 ft · 25 sec
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11
Merge slight right
1 mi · 2 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 31, US 280: Carraway Boulevard, Downtown
1261 ft · 31 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on US 31 South, US 280 East
2557 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left onto Red Mountain Expressway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Red Mountain Expressway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 280 East: Sylacauga, Zoo Gardens
17.7 mi · 25 min
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16
Take the exit straight
89.5 mi · 1 hr 49 min
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17
Turn left onto Pepperell Parkway
1.5 km · 2 min · Pepperell Parkway
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18
Continue on 2nd Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · 2nd Avenue
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19
Turn right onto North 10th Street
1793 ft · 50 sec · North 10th Street
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20
Turn left onto Avenue B
142 m · 23 sec · Avenue B
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21
Turn right onto South 9th Street
25 m · 4 sec · South 9th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cullman and Opelika.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 280 East
Take the exit straight
89.5 mi · 01h 49m
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 Cullman and Sunny near Opelika.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cullman to Opelika?
The road trip is about 161.7 miles (260.3 km) and usually takes 02h 39m 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?
Harpersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.3 miles from Cullman and 80.5 miles from Opelika.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135.3 miles (217.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.62 one way or $43.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cullman and Sunny near Opelika.
Stop Ideas Near Harpersville
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 Harpersville.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cullman and Opelika. Straight-line distance: 135.31 mi (217.76 km).
#1 Cullman
City in Cullman County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 16,564 |
| Coordinates | 34.1748200, -86.8436100 |
| Altitude | 242 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Opelika
City in Alabama
| Population | 31,135 |
| Coordinates | 32.6454100, -85.3782800 |
| Altitude | 246 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 9th Street (-85.378252, 32.645431)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 260 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.62 | $43.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $24.32 | $48.64 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $26.41 | $52.82 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.92 | $61.84 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.