How far is Gulf Shores, AL from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance from Gulf Shores, AL to Birmingham, AL is about 278.6 miles (448.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 232.3 miles (373.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 03m 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 04h 31m.
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.
County seat of Butler County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gulf Shores and Birmingham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gulf Shores and Birmingham.
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1
Start on West Beach Boulevard
1.1 km · 2 min · West Beach Boulevard
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2
Turn left onto Gulf Shores Parkway
4.4 mi · 8 min · Gulf Shores Parkway
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3
Continue on State Hwy 59
1.5 mi · 2 min · State Hwy 59
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4
Continue on McKenzie Street
3 mi · 4 min · McKenzie Street
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5
Keep slight right to continue on South McKenzie Street
34.3 mi · 50 min · South McKenzie Street
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6
Continue on Bay Minette Bypass
5.3 mi · 9 min · Bay Minette Bypass
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7
Continue on Rabun Road
4.2 mi · 6 min · Rabun Road
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8
Take the ramp straight
1421 ft · 35 sec
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9
Merge slight left
221.5 mi · 4 hr
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 11: 3rd Avenue North
811 ft · 21 sec
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11
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue North
1.2 km · 1 min · 3rd Avenue North
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12
Turn left onto 19th Street North
760 ft · 17 sec · 19th Street North
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13
Turn right onto 5th Avenue North
2431 ft · 51 sec · 5th Avenue North
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14
Turn right onto 24th Street North
14 m · 1 sec · 24th Street North
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 24th Street North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gulf Shores and Birmingham.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Rabun Road
Merge slight left
221 mi · 04h 00m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Gulf Shores and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Birmingham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gulf Shores to Birmingham?
The road trip is about 278.6 miles (448.4 km) and usually takes 04h 31m 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?
Greenville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 138.4 miles from Gulf Shores and 140.2 miles from Birmingham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 232.3 miles (373.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 46.3 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 7:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.23 one way or $74.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Gulf Shores and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Birmingham.
Stop Ideas Near Greenville
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 Greenville.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gulf Shores and Birmingham. Straight-line distance: 232.31 mi (373.86 km).
#1 Gulf Shores
City in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 13,166 |
| Coordinates | 30.2460400, -87.7008200 |
| Altitude | 2 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Birmingham
The most populous city in Alabama.
| Population | 206,950 |
| Coordinates | 33.5206600, -86.8024900 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
End: 24th Street North (-86.802565, 33.520626)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 448 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $37.23 | $74.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $41.87 | $83.73 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $45.46 | $90.93 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $53.23 | $106.46 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.