How far is Gulf Shores, AL from Huntsville, AL?
Fastest route
The route from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Huntsville, Alabama takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes, covering a distance of 370 miles. The directions include using roads such as AL-59 N, AL-41 N, I-20 E/I-59 N, I-65 N, and I-565 E. The endpoint is Spring St SW in Huntsville.
Directions
- From Gulf Shores, head north toward W Beach Blvd.
- Turn right onto W Beach Blvd and use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Gulf Shores Pkwy.
- Continue straight onto AL-59 N/Gulf Shores Pkwy.
- Continue straight onto AL-59 N/S McKenzie St and follow AL-59 N.
- Continue on AL-59 N to Co Rd 1 in Monroe County.
- Continue straight onto Bay Minette Bypass/McMeans Ave and continue onto Bay Minette Bypass.
- Take AL-41 N, AL-5 N, I-20 E/I-59 N, I-65 N, and I-565 E to Jefferson St N in Huntsville. Take exit 19C from I-565 E.
- Turn right onto Lena Landegger Hwy, then slight left onto AL-221 N.
- Turn left to stay on AL-5 N and continue onto AL-5 N/AL-25 Truck N.
- Take the ramp onto I-20 E/I-59 N and then take exit 124C on the left to merge onto I-65 N toward Huntsville.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 340 to merge onto I-565 E toward Huntsville.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 19C for Jefferson St toward Downtown.
- Follow Jefferson St N and turn right onto Spring St SW, which will be your destination.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to check the road conditions and any potential traffic updates before starting your journey.
- ⛽ Plan your fuel stops along the way to ensure you have enough gas for the entire trip.
- 📱 Consider using a GPS or navigation app to help you stay on track and navigate through any unfamiliar areas.
- 🍴 Pack some snacks or plan for meal stops during the trip to keep yourself energized.
- 💡 If possible, try to avoid peak traffic hours to have a smoother and less congested drive.
- 🛣️ Stay attentive to road signs and follow the indicated directions to ensure you don't miss any turns.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and regulations for a safe and enjoyable journey.
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 54m.
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gulf Shores and Huntsville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gulf Shores and Huntsville.
-
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
-
4
Continue on McKenzie Street
3 mi · 4 min · McKenzie Street
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on South McKenzie Street
34.3 mi · 50 min · South McKenzie Street
-
6
Continue on Bay Minette Bypass
5.3 mi · 9 min · Bay Minette Bypass
-
7
Continue on Rabun Road
4.2 mi · 6 min · Rabun Road
-
8
Take the ramp straight
1421 ft · 35 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
301.3 mi · 5 hr 27 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
1665 ft · 41 sec
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
2761 ft · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left
18.9 mi · 20 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
985 ft · 24 sec
-
14
Continue on Wasthington Street, Jefferson Street, Downtown
120 m · 10 sec
-
15
Keep slight right to continue on Jefferson Street, Downtown
104 m · 8 sec
-
16
Turn straight onto Jefferson Street North
2688 ft · 1 min · Jefferson Street North
-
17
Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest
1 m · 1 sec · Spring Street Southwest
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Spring Street Southwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gulf Shores and Huntsville.
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
301 mi · 05h 27m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Huntsville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gulf Shores to Huntsville?
The road trip is about 376.3 miles (605.6 km) and usually takes 05h 54m 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 188 miles from Gulf Shores and 188.4 miles from Huntsville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 316.6 miles (509.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 59.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $50.29 one way or $100.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 118 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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Huntsville.
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 Huntsville. Straight-line distance: 316.57 mi (509.47 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 Huntsville
The second most populous city in Alabama.
| Population | 202,964 |
| Coordinates | 34.7304000, -86.5859400 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jefferson Street South (-86.585936, 34.730413)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 606 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $50.29 | $100.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $56.56 | $113.12 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $61.42 | $122.84 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $71.91 | $143.82 |
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.