Bristol
Bristol
Birmingham
Birmingham
Driving

Bristol to Birmingham

Updated: 31 May 2026

The drive from Bristol to Birmingham is a 350-mile journey across Tennessee and Alabama. You will take I-81 South to I-59 South, with the trip taking approximately 5.5 hours. This route takes you through the heart of the South, passing through the mountains and the rolling hills of Alabama.

Total Distance: 563 km driving distance, 480 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving via I-81 and I-59 is the fastest, taking 5.5 hours.
Cheapest Way
Driving your own vehicle is the most cost-effective option.
Compare Bristol to Birmingham Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
5 hours 30 mins
Avg Price
60-85 USD
Operator
Personal Vehicle
Route
I-81 South to I-59 South.

I-59 can be busy near Birmingham.

Travel Tips
  • Traffic
    Avoid Birmingham rush hour traffic.
  • Navigation
    Use GPS to navigate through the mountains.
  • Parking
    Downtown Birmingham has many parking garages.
  • Dining
    Try local Alabama barbecue.
  • Weather
    Check the forecast for mountain weather.
Safety Tips
  • Truck Traffic
    Maintain a safe distance from large trucks on I-81.
  • Speeding
    Follow the speed limits in Alabama.
  • Vehicle Safety
    Check your brakes before the trip.
  • Emergency
    Keep a roadside emergency kit in your car.
People Also Ask
  • Is there a train to Birmingham?
    Yes, Amtrak serves Birmingham, but there is no direct train from Bristol.
  • How long is the drive?
    The drive takes about 5.5 hours.
  • Are there tolls?
    No, the route is toll-free.
  • Is it a safe route?
    Yes, it is a major interstate highway.
  • Can I fly?
    There are no direct commercial flights between Bristol and Birmingham.
Quick Info
  • From Bristol, Tennessee, United States
  • To Birmingham, Alabama, United States
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

Spring or Fall for the best scenery.

Things to Do in Birmingham
1
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
2
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
See the world's largest motorcycle collection.
3
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Enjoy a beautiful garden with seasonal displays.
4
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Tour the historic iron furnace.
Tags
Bristol to Birmingham drive I-81 to I-59 route Birmingham travel guide Bristol TN to Birmingham AL driving to Birmingham fastest way to Birmingham Alabama road trip Birmingham attractions