How far is Birmingham, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
Fastest route
To travel from Birmingham, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the fastest route is via I-20 W/I-59 S, covering a distance of approximately 57.5 miles (92.6 kilometers). The estimated travel time is around 51 minutes.
Directions
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Get on I-20 W/I-59 S from 18th St N: Head southwest on 6th Ave N toward 18th St N. Turn right at the first cross street onto 18th St N. Then, turn left onto 11th Ave N. Keep left at the fork, following signs for Tuscaloosa/I-20, and merge onto I-20 W/I-59 S.
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Follow I-20 W/I-59 S to AL-69 N in Tuscaloosa: Continue on I-20 W/I-59 S until you reach exit 71B. Use the right 2 lanes to take this exit and merge onto AL-69 N/I-359 N toward Tuscaloosa.
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Continue on AL-69 N to your destination: Stay on AL-69 N and continue onto Lurleen B Wallace N Blvd.
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Turn left at the 1st cross street onto 24th Ave/Greensboro Ave: Finally, turn left at the first cross street onto University Blvd.
Tips & Suggestions
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🚗 Plan for Traffic: Keep in mind that travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, so it's a good idea to check for real-time updates before starting your journey.
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🛣️ Stay on I-20 W/I-59 S: This major highway route offers a faster and more direct path to Tuscaloosa.
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🚦 Use GPS Navigation: To ensure a smooth journey, consider using a GPS navigation app to guide you along the route.
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⛽ Fuel Up: Before embarking on your trip, make sure your vehicle has enough fuel to cover the distance.
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🚧 Check for Road Closures: Before setting out, check for any road closures or construction updates that may affect your route.
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🍽️ Pack Snacks: If you anticipate a longer journey, pack some snacks and water to keep you refreshed along the way.
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🚙 Maintain Vehicle Condition: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition to avoid any unexpected breakdowns during the trip.
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 00h 54m.
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.
City of Iowa, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
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1
Start on 24th Street North
159 m · 20 sec · 24th Street North
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2
Turn left onto 6th Avenue North
1.2 mi · 2 min · 6th Avenue North
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 65 North
880 ft · 21 sec
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4
Merge slight left
1777 ft · 30 sec
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
1222 ft · 30 sec
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6
Merge slight right
52.9 mi · 57 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
2219 ft · 42 sec
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8
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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9
Continue straight
2011 ft · 33 sec
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10
Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
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11
Turn right onto University Boulevard
87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard
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12
Turn left
51 m · 12 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Birmingham 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 20 West
Merge slight right
52.9 mi · 00h 57m
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.
Sunny leaving Birmingham and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 58.7 miles (94.4 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Lake View is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29 miles from Birmingham and 29.6 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.2 miles (79.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 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 4:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.84 one way or $15.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Birmingham and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Lake View
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 Lake View.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 49.18 mi (79.14 km).
#1 Birmingham
The most populous city in Alabama.
| Population | 206,950 |
| Coordinates | 33.5206600, -86.8024900 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| 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: 94 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $7.84 | $15.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $8.82 | $17.63 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $9.57 | $19.15 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $11.21 | $22.42 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.