How far is Cleveland, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance from Cleveland, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.5 miles (126.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 13m 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 01h 36m.
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 in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States
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 Cleveland and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cleveland and Tuscaloosa.
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1
Start on the route
1.2 km · 1 min
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward the route
85 m · 5 sec
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3
Exit the roundabout
33.9 mi · 49 min
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4
Continue on Tallapoosa Street
1498 ft · 32 sec · Tallapoosa Street
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
1246 ft · 30 sec
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6
Merge slight left
56.3 mi · 1 hr 2 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
-
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 Cleveland 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 left
56.3 mi · 01h 02m
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 Cleveland and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cleveland to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 98.5 miles (158.6 km) and usually takes 01h 36m 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?
Brighton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.3 miles from Cleveland and 51.2 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.5 miles (126.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 20 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 3:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.18 one way or $26.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cleveland and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Brighton
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Adamsville City Hall
Helena City Hall
The Preserve Town Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Brighton.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Marion, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cleveland and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 78.55 mi (126.41 km).
#1 Cleveland
Town in Blount County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 1,315 |
| Coordinates | 33.9909300, -86.5774900 |
| Altitude | 160 |
| 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: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $13.18 | $26.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $14.82 | $29.64 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $16.10 | $32.19 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $18.84 | $37.69 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.