Road Trip from Baton Rouge to Birmingham: Know Your ETA!

Looking to hit the road from Baton Rouge to Birmingham? Whether it's for a weekend getaway or for a business trip, knowing the time it will take to reach your destination can ease your worries and help you plan better. While there are different routes you can take, we've got you covered on the best and worst way to go, as well as what you can expect for your journey time.

Fastest Route: I-12 E and I-59 N

Covering a distance of approximately 335 miles, this is the fastest route to Birmingham from Baton Rouge if you’re looking to shave off some time. With a driving time of around 5 hours and 24 minutes, this route is the quickest way to get from point A to point B. The roads are well-maintained, and traffic is typically light to moderate throughout the journey.

Slowest Route: US-80 E

Although the US-80 E route covers a slightly shorter distance of around 330 miles, it's the slowest route to Birmingham from Baton Rouge. With a driving time of around 6 hours and 8 minutes, this route can be a real test of endurance. While there are some beautiful sights to behold along the way, especially through the Bienville National Forest and through Vicksburg National Military Park, the route is lined with many stop signs, lights, and smaller towns which can take longer to navigate.

Traffic-based Route: I-12 E and I-20 E

The fastest route isn't always the most pleasant to take during rush hour. If you're traveling on a workday, you'll want to avoid the bulk of the rush hour traffic on the I-59 N, where traffic can build up significantly during peak times. The alternative is to take I-20 E, which is less congested during busy times. While it covers a slightly longer distance of around 345 miles, it still takes a similar travel time of around 5 hours and 33 minutes.

No matter what route you take, the drive from Baton Rouge to Birmingham offers some sights that you won't want to miss. Sumptuous regional cuisine, exciting natural and historical landmarks, and a dose of Southern hospitality, will make the journey worth it. So, plan ahead, take your time, and enjoy the beautiful drive.