How far is Opelika, AL from Clay, AL?
The driving distance from Opelika, AL to Clay, AL is about 128.1 miles (206.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 101.6 miles (163.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 22m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Opelika and Clay.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Opelika and Clay.
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1
Start on South 9th Street
25 m · 9 sec · South 9th Street
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2
Turn left onto Avenue B
142 m · 24 sec · Avenue B
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3
Turn right onto South 10th Street
1793 ft · 51 sec · South 10th Street
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4
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · 2nd Avenue
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5
Continue on Pepperell Parkway
1.4 km · 2 min · Pepperell Parkway
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6
Take the ramp slight right
125 m · 11 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Birmingham Highway
2.9 mi · 4 min · Birmingham Highway
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8
Continue straight
99.3 mi · 2 hr 3 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 459 North
1565 ft · 38 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto John M. Harbert III Freeway
12.8 mi · 14 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
1756 ft · 41 sec
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12
Continue on I-59 North: Gadsden
890 ft · 15 sec
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13
Merge slight left
6 mi · 6 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Deerfoot Parkway
1347 ft · 33 sec
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15
Turn right onto Deerfoot Parkway
3.3 mi · 6 min · Deerfoot Parkway
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16
Turn right onto Old Springville Road
2395 ft · 52 sec · Old Springville Road
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Old Springville Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Opelika and Clay.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Birmingham Highway
Continue straight
99.3 mi · 02h 03m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Opelika and Mostly Clear near Clay.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Opelika to Clay?
The road trip is about 128.1 miles (206.1 km) and usually takes 02h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Sylacauga is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64 miles from Opelika and 64.1 miles from Clay.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 101.6 miles (163.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.12 one way or $34.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Opelika and Mostly Clear near Clay.
Stop Ideas Near Sylacauga
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 Sylacauga.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Montgomery, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Opelika and Clay. Straight-line distance: 101.61 mi (163.53 km).
#1 Opelika
City in Alabama
| Population | 31,135 |
| Coordinates | 32.6454100, -85.3782800 |
| Altitude | 246 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clay
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 10,042 |
| Coordinates | 33.7026000, -86.5997100 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clay (-86.59971, 33.7026)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $17.12 | $34.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $19.25 | $38.50 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $20.90 | $41.81 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $24.48 | $48.95 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.