How far is Fultondale, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?

Fastest route

The route from Fultondale, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama takes approximately 56 minutes and covers a distance of 63.9 miles. The fastest route is via I-20 W/I-59 S, considering current traffic conditions.

Directions

  1. Get on I-65 S: Head north on US-31 N toward Walker Chapel Rd, then turn left at the 1st cross street onto Walker Chapel Rd. Proceed and take a slight right onto the Interstate 65 S ramp. Continue on I-65 S.

  2. Take I-20 W/I-59 S to AL-69 N in Tuscaloosa: Merge onto I-20 W/I-59 S and follow the highway. Take exit 261C to merge onto I-20 W/I-59 S toward Tuscaloosa.

  3. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 71B: Merge onto AL-69 N/I-359 N toward Tuscaloosa. Keep following AL-69 N.

  4. Continue on AL-69 N to your destination: Stay on AL-69 N and it will continue as Lurleen B Wallace N Blvd. Keep straight.

  5. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto 24th Ave/Greensboro Ave.

  6. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto University Blvd.

Tips & Suggestions

  • 🚗 Check traffic conditions: Before starting your journey, consider checking real-time traffic updates to ensure you choose the fastest route.
  • ⛽ Refuel if needed: Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey, especially for longer drives.
  • 📱 Use navigation apps: Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to receive turn-by-turn directions and real-time updates during your trip.
  • 🚧 Be aware of road closures: Stay informed about any ongoing road construction or closures that might affect your route.
  • 🕑 Allow extra time: Depending on traffic and other factors, the estimated travel time may vary. It's advisable to allow some extra time for unexpected delays.
  • 📍Pay attention to signs and signals: Follow road signs and traffic signals to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
  • 🚙 Drive safely: Observe speed limits, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and drive attentively to reach your destination without any incidents.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
62.88 mi
00h 59m
Flight
52.39 mi
84.31 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Fultondale.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
52.39 mi
Kilometers
84.31 km
Flight Time
00h 06m

Driving Distance

Road route
62.88 mi
Kilometers
101.19 km
Drive Time
00h 59m

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 59m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Tuscaloosa
Tue, May 26, 8:57 AM CDT
Return by in Fultondale
Tue, May 26, 9:56 AM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Fultondale
2026-05-26T07:58
Arrive Tuscaloosa
Tue, May 26, 8:57 AM CDT
Route Timing
00h 59m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
8:59 AM to 10:59 AM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
4:32 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Fultondale
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Lake View
AL

City of Iowa, USA

From Fultondale
31.4 mi
00h 29m
To Tuscaloosa
31.5 mi
00h 29m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
82°F
Tuesday

Showers And Thunderstorms

Starts
Tue, May 26 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
5 to 10 mph S
Destination
82°F
Tuesday

Showers And Thunderstorms

Starts
Tue, May 26 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
5 mph S

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Fultondale and Tuscaloosa.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fultondale and Tuscaloosa.

  1. 1

    Start on Whaley Road

    1295 ft · 1 min · Whaley Road

  2. 2

    At the end of the road, turn left onto Decatur Highway

    1.3 mi · 2 min · Decatur Highway

  3. 3

    Take the ramp slight right toward I 65 South: Birmingham

    1.3 km · 1 min

  4. 4

    Keep slight left to continue on Montgomery

    1940 ft · 28 sec

  5. 5

    Merge slight left

    3.7 mi · 5 min

  6. 6

    Take the exit slight right toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa

    2224 ft · 54 sec

  7. 7

    Merge slight left

    52.8 mi · 57 min

  8. 8

    Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa

    2219 ft · 42 sec

  9. 9

    Merge slight left

    1.8 mi · 2 min

  10. 10

    Continue straight

    2011 ft · 33 sec

  11. 11

    Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North

    2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North

  12. 12

    Turn right onto University Boulevard

    87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard

  13. 13

    Turn left

    51 m · 12 sec

  14. 14

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Fultondale and Tuscaloosa.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Highway-focused drive

Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.

Directions
14 steps
3 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
6
3 merges, 3 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
22.3 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
I 20 West
53.2 mi · 85%
Montgomery
4.12 mi · 7%
I 359 North
2.6 mi · 4%
Decatur Highway
1.32 mi · 2%
I 65 South
0.79 mi · 1%
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
0.48 mi · 1%
Longest Stretch

I 20 West

Merge slight left

52.8 mi · 00h 57m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
00h 59m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
01h 58m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+10.5 mi
52.4 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Lake View
00h 29m from Fultondale
Leave By
4:32 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Fultondale and Showers And Thunderstorms near Tuscaloosa.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Fultondale to Tuscaloosa?

The road trip is about 62.9 miles (101.2 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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 31.4 miles from Fultondale and 31.5 miles from Tuscaloosa.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 52.4 miles (84.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 4:32 PM CDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.41 one way or $16.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.7 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Fultondale and Showers And Thunderstorms near Tuscaloosa.

Stop Ideas Near Lake View

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
Local place coverage is thin around Lake View, so nearby transit and meeting points are shown instead.
Reviewed stop coverage is still thin around this midpoint, so practical transit waypoints are shown on the right.

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lake View.

BUS

Brent, AL

36 mi away
10393 Alabama Highway 5
RAIL

Birmingham

40 mi away
1819 Morris Ave.
RAIL

Tuscaloosa

41 mi away
2105 Greensboro Ave
BUS

Marion, AL

74 mi away
26400 Alabama Highway 14

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Fultondale and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 52.39 mi (84.31 km).

Fultondale

#1 Fultondale

City in Jefferson County, Alabama

Population9,269
Coordinates33.6048300, -86.7938800
Altitude186
CountryUnited States
Tuscaloosa

#2 Tuscaloosa

The most populous city in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Population102,819
Coordinates33.2098400, -87.5691700
Altitude68
CountryUnited States
Start: Whaley Road (-86.793876, 33.604822)
End: (-87.569166, 33.209831)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 101 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)02h 05m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)01h 34m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)01h 15m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)01h 02m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)00h 53m
80 mph (129 km/h)00h 47m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
2.22 gal
8.4 L · about $8.41
Round trip
$16.81
4.44 gal · 16.8 L
Estimated CO2
19.7 kg one way
Round trip: 39.5 kg / 87 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.79 $8.41 $16.81
Mid-grade $4.26 $9.45 $18.91
Premium $4.63 $10.27 $20.54
Diesel $5.42 $12.02 $24.04

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 26, 2026

There is no time difference between Fultondale and Tuscaloosa. The current time is 07:58:06.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.