How far is Gardendale, AL from Alabaster, AL?
The driving distance from Gardendale, AL to Alabaster, AL is about 33.9 miles (54.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.7 miles (46.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 12m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 36m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Jefferson and Shelby counties, Alabama, United States
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 Gardendale and Alabaster.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gardendale and Alabaster.
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1
Start on Decatur Highway
5.3 mi · 8 min · Decatur Highway
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2
Take the ramp slight right toward I 65 South: Birmingham
1.3 km · 1 min
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3
Keep slight left to continue on Montgomery
1940 ft · 28 sec
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4
Merge slight left
25.9 mi · 30 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 31, AL 3: Alabaster, Saginaw
1361 ft · 33 sec
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6
Turn right onto 1st Street South
1.1 mi · 2 min · 1st Street South
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7
Turn left
54 m · 18 sec
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8
Turn right
30 m · 7 sec
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gardendale and Alabaster.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Montgomery
Merge slight left
25.9 mi · 00h 30m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Gardendale and Mostly Sunny near Alabaster.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gardendale to Alabaster?
The road trip is about 33.9 miles (54.5 km) and usually takes 00h 36m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Vestavia Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.9 miles from Gardendale and 17 miles from Alabaster.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.7 miles (46.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.2 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.51 one way or $9.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gardendale and Mostly Sunny near Alabaster.
Stop Ideas Near Vestavia Hills
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 Vestavia Hills.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gardendale and Alabaster. Straight-line distance: 28.73 mi (46.24 km).
#1 Gardendale
City in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 14,113 |
| Coordinates | 33.6601000, -86.8127700 |
| Altitude | 207 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alabaster
Suburb city of Birmingham, located in Shelby County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 33,701 |
| Coordinates | 33.2442800, -86.8163800 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-86.816657, 33.244315)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 54 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $4.51 | $9.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $5.07 | $10.14 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $5.50 | $11.01 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $6.44 | $12.89 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.