How far is Fort Payne, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance from Fort Payne, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL is about 154.8 miles (249.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.1 miles (219.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 45m 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 22m.
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 Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Payne and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Payne and Tuscaloosa.
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1
Start on Gault Avenue North
1 mi · 3 min · Gault Avenue North
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2
Turn right onto Glenn Boulevard Southwest
1.2 mi · 2 min · Glenn Boulevard Southwest
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3
Take the ramp left
1413 ft · 34 sec
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4
Merge slight left
146.5 mi · 2 hr 40 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
2219 ft · 42 sec
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6
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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7
Continue straight
2011 ft · 33 sec
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8
Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
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9
Turn right onto University Boulevard
87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard
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10
Turn left
51 m · 12 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Payne and Tuscaloosa.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Glenn Boulevard Southwest
Merge slight left
147 mi · 02h 40m
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 Fort Payne 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 Fort Payne to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 154.8 miles (249.1 km) and usually takes 02h 22m 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?
Clay is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.1 miles from Fort Payne and 78.7 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.1 miles (219.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.7 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 1:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.68 one way or $41.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Fort Payne and Mostly Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Clay
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 Clay.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Payne and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 136.17 mi (219.14 km).
#1 Fort Payne
City in Alabama, US
| Population | 14,041 |
| Coordinates | 34.4442500, -85.7196900 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| 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: 249 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $20.68 | $41.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.25 | $46.51 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.25 | $50.51 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $29.57 | $59.13 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.