How far is Dothan, AL from Gulf Shores, AL?
The driving distance from Dothan, AL to Gulf Shores, AL is about 183 miles (294.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 152.9 miles (246.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 49m 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 54m.
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.
City in Covington County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dothan and Gulf Shores.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan and Gulf Shores.
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1
Start on East Main Street
34 m · 12 sec · East Main Street
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2
Turn left onto South Saint Andrews Street
1.8 mi · 5 min · South Saint Andrews Street
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3
Turn left onto South Oates Street
17.3 mi · 21 min · South Oates Street
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4
Continue straight
122 m · 11 sec
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5
Turn right
14.5 mi · 20 min
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6
Turn left onto Main Street
3 mi · 6 min · Main Street
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7
Take the ramp slight right toward I 10 West: Pensacola
2486 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
106.5 mi · 1 hr 54 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
1.4 km · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
2.7 mi · 3 min · Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward FL 295: Fairfield Drive
1615 ft · 39 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on FL 295 South
610 ft · 17 sec
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13
Turn straight onto East Fairfield Drive
2.9 mi · 6 min · East Fairfield Drive
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14
Continue on Fairfield Drive
3.6 mi · 7 min · Fairfield Drive
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15
Turn right onto Lillian Highway
1.1 km · 1 min · Lillian Highway
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16
Turn left onto North Blue Angel Parkway
1.6 mi · 2 min · North Blue Angel Parkway
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17
Continue on South Blue Angel Parkway
3.2 mi · 5 min · South Blue Angel Parkway
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18
Turn right onto Sorrento Road
5.1 mi · 8 min · Sorrento Road
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19
Continue on Perdido Key Drive
1.4 mi · 2 min · Perdido Key Drive
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20
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Perdido Key Drive
17 m · 1 sec · Perdido Key Drive
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21
Exit the roundabout onto Perdido Key Drive
5.6 mi · 9 min · Perdido Key Drive
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22
Continue on Perdido Beach Boulevard
7.4 mi · 13 min · Perdido Beach Boulevard
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23
Continue on East Beach Boulevard
3.9 mi · 8 min · East Beach Boulevard
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Beach Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dothan and Gulf Shores.
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 10 West
Merge slight left
106 mi · 01h 54m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Dothan and Chance Rain Showers near Gulf Shores.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dothan to Gulf Shores?
The road trip is about 183 miles (294.5 km) and usually takes 03h 54m 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?
Florala is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91.5 miles from Dothan and 91.5 miles from Gulf Shores.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 152.9 miles (246.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.1 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 9:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.46 one way or $48.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Dothan and Chance Rain Showers near Gulf Shores.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dothan and Gulf Shores. Straight-line distance: 152.91 mi (246.09 km).
#1 Dothan
The most populous city in Houston County, Alabama.
| Population | 69,414 |
| Coordinates | 31.2232300, -85.3904900 |
| Altitude | 98 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Gulf Shores
City in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 13,166 |
| Coordinates | 30.2460400, -87.7008200 |
| Altitude | 2 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gulf Shores (-87.70082, 30.24604)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 295 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.46 | $48.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $27.51 | $55.03 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $29.88 | $59.76 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $34.98 | $69.96 |
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 · May 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.