How far is Gulf Shores, AL from Decatur, AL?
The driving distance from Gulf Shores, AL to Decatur, AL is about 362.2 miles (582.9 km), with a travel time of about 05h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 304.1 miles (489.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 26m 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 43m.
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.
The capital of Alabama.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gulf Shores and Decatur.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gulf Shores and Decatur.
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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
294.8 mi · 5 hr 20 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward 67: Decatur, Priceville, Somerville
2021 ft · 51 sec
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11
Turn left onto Point Mallard Parkway Southeast
4.5 mi · 7 min · Point Mallard Parkway Southeast
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12
Turn right onto 6th Avenue Southeast
3 mi · 6 min · 6th Avenue Southeast
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13
Continue on 6th Avenue Northeast
580 ft · 15 sec · 6th Avenue Northeast
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14
Turn left onto Lee Street Northeast
1085 ft · 38 sec · Lee Street Northeast
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15
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gulf Shores and Decatur.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Rabun Road
Merge slight left
295 mi · 05h 20m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Gulf Shores and Chance Rain Showers near Decatur.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gulf Shores to Decatur?
The road trip is about 362.2 miles (582.9 km) and usually takes 05h 43m 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?
Montgomery is a useful midpoint, sitting about 178.5 miles from Gulf Shores and 183.7 miles from Decatur.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 304.1 miles (489.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.1 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 5:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $48.40 one way or $96.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 113.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Gulf Shores and Chance Rain Showers near Decatur.
Stop Ideas Near Montgomery
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 Montgomery.
Montgomery, AL
Selma, AL
Marion, AL
Camden, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gulf Shores and Decatur. Straight-line distance: 304.13 mi (489.45 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 Decatur
The most populous city in Morgan County, Alabama.
| Population | 54,381 |
| Coordinates | 34.6059300, -86.9833400 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-86.983514, 34.605804)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 583 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $48.40 | $96.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $54.43 | $108.86 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $59.11 | $118.21 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $69.20 | $138.41 |
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 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.