How far is Rainbow City, AL from Florence, AL?
The driving distance from Rainbow City, AL to Florence, AL is about 122.3 miles (196.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 110 miles (177.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 51m 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 25m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rainbow City and Florence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rainbow City and Florence.
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1
Start on the route
17 m · 9 sec
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2
Turn sharp left onto Rainbow Drive
38 m · 8 sec · Rainbow Drive
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3
Turn left onto West Grand Avenue
3.9 mi · 7 min · West Grand Avenue
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4
Continue on Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast
4.8 mi · 8 min · Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast
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5
Turn sharp left onto US 278
2.4 mi · 3 min · US 278
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6
Continue on Thompson Bridge Road
157 m · 8 sec · Thompson Bridge Road
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7
Continue on US 278
1.6 mi · 2 min · US 278
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8
Continue on Thompson Bridge Road
37.5 mi · 52 min · Thompson Bridge Road
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9
Turn right
61.5 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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10
Merge slight right onto Wheeler Highway
4.2 mi · 5 min · Wheeler Highway
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11
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
4.2 mi · 7 min · Woodward Avenue
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12
Take the exit slight right
1.8 mi · 3 min
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13
Turn left onto West Doctor Hicks Boulevard
133 m · 16 sec · West Doctor Hicks Boulevard
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14
Turn right onto South Pine Street
1178 ft · 35 sec · South Pine Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Pine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rainbow City and Florence.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn right
61.5 mi · 01h 15m
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 Rainbow City and Mostly Sunny near Florence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rainbow City to Florence?
The road trip is about 122.3 miles (196.9 km) and usually takes 02h 25m 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?
West Point is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.1 miles from Rainbow City and 61.2 miles from Florence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 110 miles (177.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.3 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 1:38 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 Sunny around Rainbow City and Mostly Sunny near Florence.
Stop Ideas Near West Point
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 West Point.
Birmingham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rainbow City and Florence. Straight-line distance: 110.02 mi (177.06 km).
#1 Rainbow City
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 9,611 |
| Coordinates | 33.9548200, -86.0419200 |
| Altitude | 170 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Florence
The county seat of Lauderdale County, Alabama.
| Population | 41,166 |
| Coordinates | 34.7998100, -87.6772500 |
| Altitude | 167 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Pine Street (-87.677322, 34.799779)
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 · Apr 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.