The Ultimate Guide to Driving From Athens, Alabama to Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Are you planning a road trip from Athens, Alabama to Hattiesburg, Mississippi? While the distance between these two cities may seem daunting, driving can be a great way to see the sights and enjoy the open road. But how long will it take to make the trip? In this guide, I’ll outline the fastest and slowest routes, including the distance, traffic patterns, and peak driving time.

The Fastest Route: Through Tuscaloosa

Driving from Athens, Alabama to Hattiesburg, Mississippi via Tuscaloosa is the fastest route, covering a distance of approximately 342 miles. To take this route, you’ll travel on I-65 South towards Birmingham, then merge onto I-59 South towards Tuscaloosa. You’ll continue to follow I-59 South into Mississippi, then take US-11 South and US-98 West to Hattiesburg.

In perfect conditions, you can expect this drive to take around 5 hours and 30 minutes. However, it’s essential to note that this time will increase during peak traffic periods, such as rush hour or holiday weekends. During these times, you may need to factor in an additional hour or more to your driving time.

The Scenic Route: Through Huntsville

If you have the time to spare, taking the route through Huntsville can be a beautiful drive. This route covers a distance of roughly 380 miles and runs through the rolling hills of northern Alabama and southeastern Tennessee. To take this route, you’ll head north from Athens towards Huntsville, then take US-72 West through Mississippi. This will eventually merge into US-45 South, leading into Hattiesburg.

While this drive will take slightly longer, at around 6 hours and 20 minutes, it provides a unique opportunity to take in some stunning scenery along the way.

The Slowest Route: Through Montgomery

If you have plenty of time to get to Hattiesburg, then taking the route through Montgomery may be your best bet. This route covers a distance of approximately 438 miles and takes you through some of Alabama’s historic towns, such as Selma and Demopolis. After traveling through Montgomery, you’ll take US-80 West towards Mississippi before turning onto US-98 West to Hattiesburg.

This drive will take roughly 7 hours and 20 minutes and can become quite congested during peak traffic times. If you’re not in a rush and looking to take in some sites along the way, then this route may be perfect you.

In conclusion, there are several routes to choose from when driving from Athens, Alabama to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The route you take will likely depend on how much time you have and what your priorities are. Remember to factor in peak traffic times, and plan accordingly, to avoid unexpected delays. No matter which route you choose, secure your seat belt, and prepare yourself for an enjoyable drive through some of the most beautiful areas of the southeastern United States.