Taking a Road Trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Waco, Texas: Best Routes, Driving Times, and Fun Stops Along the Way
Are you ready to hit the road and explore some of America's most charming small towns along with breathtaking scenery? If so, we have the perfect destination in mind! In this article, we will take you on a journey from Birmingham, Alabama to Waco, Texas, and compare several routes that you can take to make the most of your road trip.
Route 1: The Fastest Way
If you're in a hurry and want to get to Waco, Texas as quickly as possible, then this route is for you. Starting from Birmingham, take I-22 W and I-65 South. Then, follow I-20 W to TX-164 Loop in McLennan County. Take Exit 330A from I-35 S, and follow the service road to TX-340 Loop W, which leads you to Waco.
This route is the fastest, and it covers around 825 miles in about 12 hours, depending on traffic conditions. If you're traveling with kids, we recommend scheduling decent meal and restroom stops along the way.
Route 2: The Scenic Way
If you're looking for a more scenic route that also allows you to explore some of America's hidden gems, then we recommend going through Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. This route covers around 965 miles, and it takes you around 14 hours.
From Birmingham, take I-20 W to Vicksburg, Mississippi, a town that holds Civil War history close to its heart. After lunch, take US-80 W through Louisiana's rolling hills with cotton and sugar plantations. Of course, a stop at the state capital, Baton Rouge’s 63-story Capitol Building, is a must.
Then, jump on I-10 West to Houston, where you can spend a night and check out the museum district. The next day, make your way to Waco via TX-6 N, which offers breathtaking views of central Texas hills and valleys.
Route 3: The Quirky Way
This route is for those who want to add a bit of quirkiness and fun to their road trip. Starting from Birmingham, take I-22 W and I-65 S until you reach Exit 234 for AL-8. This leads you to Union Grove, the home to the unmissable Peaches and Cream Fudge. After filling up on fudge, take AL-24 W and AL-157 S, and then turn left onto AL-24. This 102-mile route will take you to Russellville, a small town that boasts America's oldest accredited live mascot, the famous bulldog of Phil Campbell High School.
After taking photos with the bulldog, stay on AL-24 to Red Bay for a biscuit at Colston's Fried Chicken. From there, take US-78 W to Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and check out the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum.
Then, continue on US-78 W and MS-6 W to Clarksdale, Mississippi, known for its blues music and the dazzling displays at the Rock & Blues Museum. Continue on US-49 and MS-3 to Yazoo City, where you can visit the Witch's Cemetery. Finally, continue on MS-3, and take I-20 W to Waco. This route covers around 1,100 miles, and it can take you around 20 hours, depending on how many stops you make and how long you spend at each stop.
Final thoughts
No matter which route you choose, there's no doubt that this trip from Birmingham to Waco is both an adventure and an unforgettable experience. From the Civil War sites to the small towns with their local delicacies, and iconic music venues, there are plenty of pitstops to make your journey enjoyable. So pack your snacks, get your camera ready, and buckle up for an exciting trip that only America can offer!