How far is Roanoke, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance from Roanoke, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL is about 162.3 miles (261.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 06m 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 33m.
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.
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 Roanoke and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke and Tuscaloosa.
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1
Start on Main Street
2.1 mi · 3 min · Main Street
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2
Merge slight right
38.2 mi · 52 min
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3
Take the exit left toward I 20 West, US 431 North: Birmingham
54.4 mi · 59 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
1768 ft · 34 sec
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
1.2 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto John M. Harbert III Freeway
28.4 mi · 30 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
1.2 mi · 3 min
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8
Merge slight left
33.7 mi · 36 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
2219 ft · 42 sec
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10
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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11
Continue straight
2011 ft · 33 sec
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12
Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
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13
Turn right onto University Boulevard
87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard
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14
Turn left
51 m · 12 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Roanoke 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
Take the exit left toward I 20 West, US 431 North: Birmingham
54.4 mi · 00h 59m
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 Roanoke and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roanoke to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 162.3 miles (261.2 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Moody is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.1 miles from Roanoke and 81.3 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.2 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 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.70 one way or $43.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Roanoke and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Moody
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Pell City Recreation Hall
Trussville City Hall
Pell City City Council
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Moody.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Roanoke and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 127.11 mi (204.56 km).
#1 Roanoke
City in Randolph County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 5,940 |
| Coordinates | 33.1512300, -85.3721700 |
| Altitude | 258 |
| 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: 261 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.70 | $43.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $24.40 | $48.81 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $26.50 | $53.00 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $31.03 | $62.06 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.