Alabama is a Deep South state rich in civil rights history, space exploration heritage, Gulf Coast beaches, and some of the South's finest barbecue. From Birmingham's Renaissance to Huntsville's NASA legacy, and from the Civil Rights landmarks of Selma and Montgomery to the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama offers a profoundly American story told across diverse landscapes.
Alabama requires a rental car for most visitors. The state has three commercial airports, minimal intercity rail (one Amtrak route), and limited urban public transit. I-65 is the main north-south spine connecting Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile. I-20 connects Birmingham to Atlanta (east) and Tuscaloosa (west). A car is essential outside major city centers.
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
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Local transport
Getting around the city.
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Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
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Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
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- Route
- Birmingham to Huntsville
- Options
- Mode Car · Duration 1.5 hours via I-65 N (100 miles) · Cost ~$15 gas · Mode Greyhound · Duration 2-2.5 hours · Cost $20-35 · Info greyhound.com; Birmingham station: 618 19th St N; Huntsville station: 601 Monroe St
- Route
- Birmingham to Montgomery
- Options
- Mode Car · Duration 1.5 hours via I-65 S (90 miles) · Cost ~$12 gas · Mode Greyhound · Duration 1.5-2 hours · Cost $15-30 · Info greyhound.com · Mode Amtrak Crescent · Duration 1.5 hours (southbound only stops at Birmingham) · Cost $25-60 · Info amtrak.com; BHM station: 1819 Morris Ave
- Route
- Birmingham to Mobile
- Options
- Mode Car · Duration 3 hours via I-65 S (270 miles) · Cost ~$35 gas · Mode Greyhound · Duration 3.5-4 hours · Cost $35-55 · Info greyhound.com
- Route
- Huntsville to Nashville, TN (day trip or connection)
- Options
- Mode Car · Duration 2 hours via I-65 N (110 miles) · Cost ~$15 gas · Mode Greyhound · Duration 2.5 hours · Cost $25-45 · Info greyhound.com
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Alabama is a car-centric state. Rental cars are available at all three airports and in major city centers. The interstate highway system is excellent and well-maintained.
Airports
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book rental cars in advance — rates jump significantly within 48 hours of pickup at Alabama airports.
I-65 between Birmingham and Montgomery sees heavy weekday traffic 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM; plan around rush hours.
Alabama's speed limits are typically 70 mph on interstates — strictly enforced; state troopers are active on I-65.
Download the Alabama 511 app or visit al511.com before driving during tornado season (March-May) for real-time road closures.
Gulf Shores via I-65 South through Mobile then AL-59 South is the main beach access route; expect heavy traffic on summer Friday afternoons.