How far is Montgomery, AL from Muscle Shoals, AL?
The driving distance from Montgomery, AL to Muscle Shoals, AL is about 202 miles (325.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 182.2 miles (293.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 41m 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 03h 50m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Montgomery and Muscle Shoals.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montgomery and Muscle Shoals.
-
1
Start on South Union Street
573 ft · 21 sec · South Union Street
-
2
Turn left onto East South Street
2751 ft · 1 min · East South Street
-
3
Take the ramp straight
828 ft · 20 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
2014 ft · 34 sec
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on I-65 North: Birmingham
1759 ft · 43 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
138.3 mi · 2 hr 32 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward AL 157: Cullman, Moulton
1215 ft · 29 sec
-
8
Turn left onto Section Line Road
61 m · 4 sec · Section Line Road
-
9
Continue on University of North Alabama Highway
55.4 mi · 1 hr 6 min · University of North Alabama Highway
-
10
Merge slight right onto Wheeler Highway
4.2 mi · 5 min · Wheeler Highway
-
11
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Woodward Avenue
-
12
Turn right onto Avalon Avenue
15 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Avalon Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Montgomery and Muscle Shoals.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-65 North
Merge slight left
138 mi · 02h 32m
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 leaving Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Muscle Shoals?
The road trip is about 202 miles (325.1 km) and usually takes 03h 50m 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?
Gardendale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.1 miles from Montgomery and 100.9 miles from Muscle Shoals.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 182.2 miles (293.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.8 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 9:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.00 one way or $54.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Montgomery and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Muscle Shoals.
Stop Ideas Near Gardendale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Adamsville City Hall
Trussville City Hall
Mountain Brook Municipal Court
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Gardendale.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Montgomery and Muscle Shoals. Straight-line distance: 182.19 mi (293.21 km).
#1 Montgomery
The capital of Alabama.
| Population | 196,268 |
| Coordinates | 32.3668100, -86.2999700 |
| Altitude | 73 |
| 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: 325 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $27.00 | $54.00 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $30.37 | $60.73 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $32.98 | $65.95 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $38.61 | $77.22 |
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.