How far is Rainbow City, AL from Madison, AL?
The driving distance from Rainbow City, AL to Madison, AL is about 89.1 miles (143.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.4 miles (105.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 35m 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 01h 47m.
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 Marshall County, Alabama, United States
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 Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rainbow City and Madison.
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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
5.2 mi · 9 min · Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast
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5
At the end of the road, turn left
25.9 mi · 38 min
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6
Continue on Gunter Avenue
2733 ft · 58 sec · Gunter Avenue
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7
Turn right onto May Street
97 m · 6 sec · May Street
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8
Turn slight left onto Blount Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · Blount Avenue
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9
Continue on Paddle Wheel Drive
788 ft · 15 sec · Paddle Wheel Drive
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10
Continue on Florida Short Route
4.7 mi · 6 min · Florida Short Route
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11
Continue on Florida Short Route
17.7 mi · 21 min · Florida Short Route
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12
Continue straight
15.6 mi · 23 min
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13
Take the ramp slight left toward I-565 West: Decatur
1770 ft · 43 sec
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14
Merge slight left
3.3 mi · 4 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward Madison Boulevard
1.2 km · 2 min
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16
Continue on Madison Boulevard
2.5 mi · 4 min · Madison Boulevard
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17
Turn right onto Hughes Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Hughes Road
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18
Turn left onto Mill Road
1847 ft · 50 sec · Mill Road
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19
Turn left onto Church Street
21 m · 2 sec · Church Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rainbow City and Madison.
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
At the end of the road, turn left
25.9 mi · 00h 38m
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 Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rainbow City to Madison?
The road trip is about 89.1 miles (143.4 km) and usually takes 01h 47m 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?
Guntersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.1 miles from Rainbow City and 47 miles from Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.4 miles (105.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.89 one way or $23.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rainbow City and Mostly Sunny near Madison.
Stop Ideas Near Guntersville
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 Guntersville.
Anniston
Birmingham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rainbow City and Madison. Straight-line distance: 65.35 mi (105.17 km).
#1 Rainbow City
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 9,611 |
| Coordinates | 33.9548200, -86.0419200 |
| Altitude | 170 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Madison
The most populous city in Madison County, Alabama.
| Population | 52,654 |
| Coordinates | 34.6992600, -86.7483300 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
End: Church Street (-86.748391, 34.699261)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 143 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $11.89 | $23.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $13.37 | $26.75 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $14.52 | $29.05 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $17.00 | $34.01 |
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.