How far is Decatur, AL from Muscle Shoals, AL?
The driving distance from Decatur, AL to Muscle Shoals, AL is about 44.2 miles (71.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40 miles (64.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 56m 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 00h 58m.
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.
Human settlement in Lawrence County, Alabama, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Decatur and Muscle Shoals.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Decatur and Muscle Shoals.
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1
Start on the route
130 m · 33 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Ferry Street Northeast
144 m · 19 sec · Ferry Street Northeast
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3
Turn left onto Cain Street Northeast
1910 ft · 52 sec · Cain Street Northeast
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4
Continue on Railroad Street Northwest
2059 ft · 1 min · Railroad Street Northwest
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5
At the end of the road, turn left onto Wilson Street Northwest
1.4 mi · 2 min · Wilson Street Northwest
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6
Continue on Joe Wheeler Highway
26.9 mi · 34 min · Joe Wheeler Highway
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7
Continue on Wheeler Highway
12.7 mi · 15 min · Wheeler Highway
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8
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Woodward Avenue
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9
Turn right onto Avalon Avenue
15 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Decatur and Muscle Shoals.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Joe Wheeler Highway
Continue on Joe Wheeler Highway
26.9 mi · 00h 34m
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Decatur and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Muscle Shoals.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Decatur to Muscle Shoals?
The road trip is about 44.2 miles (71.1 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
North Courtland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.1 miles from Decatur and 22.1 miles from Muscle Shoals.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40 miles (64.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.91 one way or $11.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Decatur and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Muscle Shoals.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Decatur and Muscle Shoals. Straight-line distance: 40.04 mi (64.44 km).
#1 Decatur
The most populous city in Morgan County, Alabama.
| Population | 54,381 |
| Coordinates | 34.6059300, -86.9833400 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Muscle Shoals
City in Alabama, USA
| Population | 14,877 |
| Coordinates | 34.7448100, -87.6675300 |
| Altitude | 152 |
| Country | United States |
End: Muscle Shoals (-87.66753, 34.74481)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $5.91 | $11.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $6.64 | $13.29 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $7.22 | $14.43 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $8.45 | $16.89 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.