The Ultimate Guide: Time It Takes To Drive From Ashland, Alabama to Destin, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Ashland to Destin? If so, you might be wondering how long the drive will take. After all, travel time can affect your entire trip. The good news is, you have a few options when it comes to routes, which can impact your travel time. Let's break it down.

The Fastest Route

If you're looking to get to Destin as quickly as possible, the fastest route is via I-85 S and I-65 S. The distance is approximately 280 miles, and it takes around 4.5 hours without stops. However, this route is not always the most scenic. Expect heavy traffic between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and between 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, adding around an hour or two to your driving time.

The Slowest Route

Alternatively, you can take the slowest but most enjoyable route on AL-77 S and then join I-10 W towards Destin. This route is approximately 340 miles long, taking you approximately 6 hours for one-way travel. While this route could consume some extra time, it's an incredibly picturesque route filled with mountains, forests, and rivers, passing through fun destinations like Birmingham and Montgomery.

The Middle Ground

If you're looking for a balance between speed and scenery, we think driving via Montgomery along AL-77 S and then switching to US-231 S is the perfect middle ground, leading you straight to the western edge of the Florida Panhandle. This route is about 305 miles, and it would take approximately 5 hours without making any significant stops.

It's worth considering the time of day you choose to leave. Avoid peak hours when traffic is at its heaviest, and this will save you a lot of valuable time. Usually, heavy traffic on the Interstate system near the city will add more than an hour to your driving time.

Conclusion

In the end, the drive from Ashland to Destin really boils down to the amount of time you want to spend on the road. You could choose the fastest route, which might mean sacrificing aesthetic pleasure to shave off some time. Or you could take your time, embracing the slower scenic route. Either way, there are plenty of options available, and it's up to you to decide which one best suits your style. Happy Travels!