How far is Opelika, AL from Gadsden, AL?
The driving distance from Opelika, AL to Gadsden, AL is about 122.4 miles (197 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 101.3 miles (163 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 55m 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 27m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Opelika and Gadsden.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Opelika and Gadsden.
-
1
Start on South 9th Street
920 ft · 45 sec · South 9th Street
-
2
Turn right onto South Railroad Avenue
130 m · 19 sec · South Railroad Avenue
-
3
Continue on South Railroad Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · South Railroad Avenue
-
4
Turn straight onto Samford Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · Samford Avenue
-
5
Turn left onto Lafayette Parkway
4.6 mi · 6 min · Lafayette Parkway
-
6
Continue on Old Lafayette Parkway
77.6 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Old Lafayette Parkway
-
7
Take the exit left toward I 20 West, US 431 North: Birmingham
3.5 mi · 4 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
1299 ft · 28 sec
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on US 431 North: Oxford, Anniston
2.2 mi · 4 min
-
10
Continue on Henry Road
2366 ft · 37 sec · Henry Road
-
11
Continue on Veterans Memorial Parkway
26.4 mi · 33 min · Veterans Memorial Parkway
-
12
Continue on East Meighan Boulevard
4.9 mi · 8 min · East Meighan Boulevard
-
13
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
1153 ft · 27 sec · North 3rd Street
-
14
Turn right onto Broad Street
1506 ft · 1 min · Broad Street
-
15
Turn left onto South 6th Street
5 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Opelika and Gadsden.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Old Lafayette Parkway
Continue on Old Lafayette Parkway
77.6 mi · 01h 47m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Opelika and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Gadsden.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Opelika to Gadsden?
The road trip is about 122.4 miles (197 km) and usually takes 02h 27m 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?
Wedowee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.1 miles from Opelika and 61.3 miles from Gadsden.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 101.3 miles (163 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.36 one way or $32.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Opelika and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Gadsden.
Stop Ideas Near Wedowee
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 Wedowee.
Anniston
Peachtree Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Opelika and Gadsden. Straight-line distance: 101.3 mi (163.02 km).
#1 Opelika
City in Alabama
| Population | 31,135 |
| Coordinates | 32.6454100, -85.3782800 |
| Altitude | 246 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Gadsden
City in and the county seat of Etowah County in the U.
| Population | 34,816 |
| Coordinates | 34.0143400, -86.0063900 |
| Altitude | 167 |
| Country | United States |
End: North 6th Street (-86.006372, 34.014381)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 197 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $16.36 | $32.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $18.40 | $36.80 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $19.98 | $39.96 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $23.39 | $46.79 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.