How far is Gadsden, AL from Muscle Shoals, AL?
The driving distance from Gadsden, AL to Muscle Shoals, AL is about 117.7 miles (189.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 107.3 miles (172.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 12m 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 36m.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gadsden and Muscle Shoals.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gadsden and Muscle Shoals.
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1
Start on South 6th Street
1039 ft · 33 sec · South 6th Street
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2
Turn left onto West Meighan Boulevard
3.7 mi · 7 min · West Meighan Boulevard
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3
Continue on 5th Avenue Northeast
1.4 mi · 3 min · 5th Avenue Northeast
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4
Turn left onto 4th Street Northwest
2438 ft · 51 sec · 4th Street Northwest
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5
Turn slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
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6
Turn left onto US 278
2.9 mi · 4 min · US 278
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7
Continue on Thompson Bridge Road
157 m · 8 sec · Thompson Bridge Road
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8
Continue on US 278
1.6 mi · 2 min · US 278
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9
Continue on Thompson Bridge Road
37.5 mi · 52 min · Thompson Bridge Road
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10
Turn right
61.5 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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11
Merge slight right onto Wheeler Highway
4.2 mi · 5 min · Wheeler Highway
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12
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Woodward Avenue
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13
Turn right onto Avalon Avenue
15 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gadsden and Muscle Shoals.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn right
61.5 mi · 01h 15m
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 leaving Gadsden 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 Gadsden to Muscle Shoals?
The road trip is about 117.7 miles (189.4 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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?
Pine Hill is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.8 miles from Gadsden and 58.9 miles from Muscle Shoals.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 107.3 miles (172.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.4 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.72 one way or $31.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Gadsden and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Muscle Shoals.
Stop Ideas Near Pine Hill
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 Pine Hill.
Birmingham
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gadsden and Muscle Shoals. Straight-line distance: 107.33 mi (172.73 km).
#1 Gadsden
City in and the county seat of Etowah County in the U.
| Population | 34,816 |
| Coordinates | 34.0143400, -86.0063900 |
| Altitude | 167 |
| 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: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $15.72 | $31.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $17.67 | $35.35 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $19.19 | $38.39 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $22.47 | $44.94 |
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.