How far is Athens, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance from Athens, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL is about 149.6 miles (240.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 29m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 14m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Athens and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Tuscaloosa.
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1
Start on Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
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2
Turn left onto US Highway 72 West
1.8 mi · 3 min · US Highway 72 West
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3
Take the exit right toward I-65 South: Birmingham
1118 ft · 27 sec
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4
Merge slight left
84.8 mi · 1 hr 31 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
2715 ft · 38 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 22 West: Memphis
2666 ft · 38 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Montgomery
1940 ft · 28 sec
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8
Merge slight left
3.7 mi · 5 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
2224 ft · 54 sec
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10
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 57 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
2219 ft · 42 sec
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12
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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13
Continue straight
2011 ft · 33 sec
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14
Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
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15
Turn right onto University Boulevard
87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard
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16
Turn left
51 m · 12 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Tuscaloosa.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-65 South
Merge slight left
84.8 mi · 01h 31m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny leaving Athens and Rain Showers near Tuscaloosa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 149.6 miles (240.7 km) and usually takes 02h 14m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Kimberly is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.7 miles from Athens and 74.9 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.00 one way or $39.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny around Athens and Rain Showers near Tuscaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Kimberly
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Adamsville City Hall
marrion city hall
Tarrant City Hall
Brookside Police Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Kimberly.
Birmingham
Anniston
Tuscaloosa
Brent, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 115.23 mi (185.44 km).
#1 Athens
County seat of Limestone County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 28,643 |
| Coordinates | 34.8024300, -86.9721900 |
| Altitude | 220 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tuscaloosa
The most populous city in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
| Population | 102,819 |
| Coordinates | 33.2098400, -87.5691700 |
| Altitude | 68 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-87.569166, 33.209831)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 241 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $20.00 | $39.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $22.49 | $44.98 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $24.42 | $48.84 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $28.59 | $57.18 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Alabama · May 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.