How far is Saks, AL from Athens, AL?
The driving distance from Saks, AL to Athens, AL is about 116.2 miles (187 km), with a travel time of about 02h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 100 miles (160.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 20m 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 40m.
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.
Human settlement in Blount County, Alabama, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saks and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saks and Athens.
-
1
Start on West 42nd Street
72 m · 16 sec · West 42nd Street
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2
Turn left onto Skyline Drive
1165 ft · 54 sec · Skyline Drive
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3
Turn right onto West 44th Street
86 m · 16 sec · West 44th Street
-
4
Turn left onto Saks Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Saks Road
-
5
Turn left
30.5 mi · 43 min
-
6
Turn left onto 4th Street Northwest
2438 ft · 51 sec · 4th Street Northwest
-
7
Turn slight right
1.8 mi · 2 min
-
8
Turn left onto US 278
2.9 mi · 4 min · US 278
-
9
Continue on Thompson Bridge Road
157 m · 8 sec · Thompson Bridge Road
-
10
Continue on US 278
1.6 mi · 2 min · US 278
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11
Continue on Thompson Bridge Road
21.8 mi · 31 min · Thompson Bridge Road
-
12
Turn right
1.2 km · 1 min
-
13
Take the exit slight left
43 m · 8 sec
-
14
Turn left
20.5 mi · 28 min
-
15
Continue straight
6.9 mi · 9 min
-
16
Continue straight
7.1 mi · 10 min
-
17
Take the ramp slight right toward I-65 North: Huntsville, Nashville
2174 ft · 53 sec
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18
Merge slight left
17.2 mi · 18 min
-
19
Take the exit slight right toward 72: Athens, Huntsville
1307 ft · 34 sec
-
20
Turn left onto US Highway 72 East
2 mi · 3 min · US Highway 72 East
-
21
Turn right onto Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jefferson Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saks and Athens.
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 left
30.5 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Saks and Mostly Sunny near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saks to Athens?
The road trip is about 116.2 miles (187 km) and usually takes 02h 40m 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?
Snead is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.1 miles from Saks and 58.1 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 100 miles (160.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.2 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 1:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.50 one way or $33.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Saks and Mostly Sunny near Athens.
Stop Ideas Near Snead
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 Snead.
Anniston
Birmingham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saks and Athens. Straight-line distance: 99.99 mi (160.92 km).
#1 Saks
Unincorporated community in Alabama
| Population | 10,744 |
| Coordinates | 33.6987100, -85.8396900 |
| Altitude | 250 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Athens
County seat of Limestone County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 28,643 |
| Coordinates | 34.8024300, -86.9721900 |
| Altitude | 220 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-86.97219, 34.80243)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 187 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.03 | $16.50 | $33.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.49 | $18.43 | $36.85 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $20.10 | $40.20 |
| Diesel | $6.16 | $25.25 | $50.50 |
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 · Sep 23, 2026