Alabama sits where the Deep South meets the Gulf, with rivers, roads and a short coastline shaping how it connects to neighbors. A quick look at those borders helps with travel planning, regional context and map reading.
There are 4 states that border alabama, ranging from Florida to Tennessee; for each you’ll find below Direction,Border length (km),Major crossing or nearest city.
States that Border Alabama
State | Direction | Border length (km) | Major crossing or nearest city |
---|---|---|---|
Florida | South | 97 | U.S. Route 29 crossing near Flomaton, AL, and Century, FL |
Georgia | East | 422 | The twin cities of Phenix City, AL, and Columbus, GA, on the Chattahoochee River |
Mississippi | West | 573 | Interstate 20 / 59 crossing near Cuba, AL, connecting to Meridian, MS |
Tennessee | North | 229 | Interstate 65 crosses the border near Ardmore, connecting Huntsville with Nashville |
Descriptions
Florida
Alabama’s southern border connects with the Florida panhandle, forming a gateway to Gulf Coast beaches. This relatively short, straight border is a key travel corridor for tourists and commerce heading to popular destinations like Pensacola and Destin, with many small towns dotting the state line.
Georgia
The eastern border with Georgia is largely defined by the Chattahoochee River’s western bank. This river boundary creates a vital economic and cultural link, most notably between the connected metropolitan areas of Phenix City, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia, which function as a single community.
Mississippi
Alabama’s entire western flank is shared with Mississippi, making it the longest land border. This boundary cuts through the historic Black Belt region and the Tombigbee National Forest, with major interstates like I-20/59 serving as crucial links between cities like Meridian and Tuscaloosa.
Tennessee
This northern border is a straight line along the 35th parallel north. It runs through rural areas and is crossed by major routes like I-65, connecting industrial and agricultural regions of both states and linking cities like Huntsville, AL, with Nashville, TN.