How far is Fort Payne, AL from Madison, AL?
The driving distance from Fort Payne, AL to Madison, AL is about 78.8 miles (126.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 61.1 miles (98.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 53m 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 26m.
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 Alabama, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Payne and Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Payne and Madison.
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1
Start on Gault Avenue North
1 mi · 3 min · Gault Avenue North
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2
Turn right onto Glenn Boulevard Southwest
4.9 mi · 7 min · Glenn Boulevard Southwest
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3
Continue on East Main Street
8.9 mi · 12 min · East Main Street
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4
Continue on Tammy Little Drive
12.7 mi · 17 min · Tammy Little Drive
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5
Turn left onto US 72, AL 279
1145 ft · 34 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto John T Reid Parkway
46.1 mi · 54 min · John T Reid Parkway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Madison Boulevard
1.2 km · 2 min
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8
Continue on Madison Boulevard
2.5 mi · 4 min · Madison Boulevard
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9
Turn right onto Hughes Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Hughes Road
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10
Turn left onto Mill Road
1847 ft · 50 sec · Mill Road
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11
Turn left onto Church Street
21 m · 2 sec · Church Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Payne and Madison.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John T Reid Parkway
Merge slight left onto John T Reid Parkway
46.1 mi · 00h 54m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Fort Payne and Sunny near Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Payne to Madison?
The road trip is about 78.8 miles (126.8 km) and usually takes 01h 26m 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?
Woodville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.3 miles from Fort Payne and 39.5 miles from Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 61.1 miles (98.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.7 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 3:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.53 one way or $21.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Fort Payne and Sunny near Madison.
Stop Ideas Near Woodville
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 Woodville.
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Payne and Madison. Straight-line distance: 61.12 mi (98.36 km).
#1 Fort Payne
City in Alabama, US
| Population | 14,041 |
| Coordinates | 34.4442500, -85.7196900 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Madison
The most populous city in Madison County, Alabama.
| Population | 52,654 |
| Coordinates | 34.6992600, -86.7483300 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
End: Church Street (-86.748391, 34.699261)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 127 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $10.53 | $21.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $11.84 | $23.68 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $12.86 | $25.72 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $15.05 | $30.11 |
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 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.