How far is Fairfield, AL from Athens, AL?
The driving distance from Fairfield, AL to Athens, AL is about 274.5 miles (441.7 km), with a travel time of about 05h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 246.1 miles (396 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 43m 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 05h 21m.
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 Marshall County, Alabama, United States of America
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 Fairfield and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield and Athens.
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1
Start on Judge Smith Road
1.9 mi · 5 min · Judge Smith Road
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2
Turn right onto Loango Road
8.5 mi · 20 min · Loango Road
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3
Continue on Ealum Mill Road
2.3 mi · 6 min · Ealum Mill Road
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto County Road 107
62 m · 11 sec · County Road 107
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5
Turn right onto County Road 82
1705 ft · 54 sec · County Road 82
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6
Turn sharp left
12.3 mi · 14 min
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7
Continue on Mobile Road
9.3 mi · 11 min · Mobile Road
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8
Take the ramp right
1486 ft · 36 sec
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9
Merge slight left
236.3 mi · 4 hr 18 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward 72: Athens, Huntsville
1307 ft · 34 sec
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11
Turn left onto US Highway 72 East
2 mi · 3 min · US Highway 72 East
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12
Turn right onto Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jefferson Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fairfield and Athens.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Mobile Road
Merge slight left
236 mi · 04h 18m
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.
Sunny leaving Fairfield and Sunny near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fairfield to Athens?
The road trip is about 274.5 miles (441.7 km) and usually takes 05h 21m 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?
Union Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 137.4 miles from Fairfield and 137.1 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 246.1 miles (396 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:16 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.27 one way or $76.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 86 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fairfield and Sunny near Athens.
Stop Ideas Near Union Grove
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 Union Grove.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fairfield and Athens. Straight-line distance: 246.05 mi (395.98 km).
#1 Fairfield
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 10,457 |
| Coordinates | 31.2518400, -86.6455200 |
| Altitude | 58 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Athens
County seat of Limestone County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 28,643 |
| Coordinates | 34.8024300, -86.9721900 |
| Altitude | 220 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-86.97219, 34.80243)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 442 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $38.27 | $76.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $42.87 | $85.75 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $46.80 | $93.61 |
| Diesel | $5.93 | $57.44 | $114.88 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026