How far is Auburn, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance from Auburn, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL is about 157.6 miles (253.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128 miles (206 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 21m 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 40m.
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.
Town in Shelby County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Auburn and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Auburn and Tuscaloosa.
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1
Start on the route
89 m · 24 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto North College Street
4 mi · 6 min · North College Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North College Street
24 m · 1 sec · North College Street
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4
Exit the roundabout onto North College Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North College Street
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5
Take the ramp slight left toward North College Street
50 m · 3 sec · North College Street
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6
Continue straight
13.8 mi · 16 min
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7
Continue straight
6.4 mi · 8 min
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8
Continue straight
12.9 mi · 15 min
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9
Continue straight
25.5 mi · 31 min
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10
Continue straight
38.4 mi · 51 min
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11
Turn left onto I 459 South
2459 ft · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left onto John M. Harbert III Freeway
19.2 mi · 21 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
1.2 mi · 3 min
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14
Merge slight left
33.7 mi · 36 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
2219 ft · 42 sec
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16
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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17
Continue straight
2011 ft · 33 sec
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18
Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
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19
Turn right onto University Boulevard
87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard
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20
Turn left
51 m · 12 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Auburn and Tuscaloosa.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North College Street
Continue straight
38.4 mi · 00h 51m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Auburn and Mostly Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Auburn to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 157.6 miles (253.7 km) and usually takes 02h 40m 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?
Harpersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.7 miles from Auburn and 77.9 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128 miles (206 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.6 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 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.06 one way or $42.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Auburn and Mostly Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Harpersville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Harpersville.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Auburn and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 128.03 mi (206.05 km).
#1 Auburn
The most populous city in Lee County, Alabama.
| Population | 68,343 |
| Coordinates | 32.6098600, -85.4807800 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| 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: 254 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.06 | $42.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.68 | $47.36 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.72 | $51.43 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.11 | $60.21 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.