How far is Smiths Station, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance from Smiths Station, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL is about 181.8 miles (292.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.6 miles (242.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 58m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Smiths Station and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smiths Station and Tuscaloosa.
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1
Start on County Road 243
32 m · 5 sec · County Road 243
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2
Continue on County Road 298
1687 ft · 46 sec · County Road 298
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3
Turn left
17.1 mi · 20 min
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4
Take the exit left toward I-85 South, US 29 South, US 280 West: Auburn, Montgomery
3.1 mi · 3 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
1852 ft · 45 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on US 280 West: Opelika, Birmingham
87 m · 7 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Gateway Drive
1.5 mi · 3 min · Gateway Drive
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8
Continue on Birmingham Highway
3 mi · 4 min · Birmingham Highway
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9
Continue straight
99.4 mi · 2 hr 3 min
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10
Turn left onto I 459 South
2459 ft · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left onto John M. Harbert III Freeway
19.2 mi · 21 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
1.2 mi · 3 min
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13
Merge slight left
33.7 mi · 36 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
2219 ft · 42 sec
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15
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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16
Continue straight
2011 ft · 33 sec
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17
Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
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18
Turn right onto University Boulevard
87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard
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19
Turn left
51 m · 12 sec
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Smiths Station 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.
Birmingham Highway
Continue straight
99.4 mi · 02h 03m
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 Smiths Station and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Smiths Station to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 181.8 miles (292.6 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Mignon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 91.2 miles from Smiths Station and 90.7 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.6 miles (242.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.2 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.27 one way or $48.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Smiths Station and Sunny near Tuscaloosa.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Smiths Station and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 150.65 mi (242.44 km).
#1 Smiths Station
Town in Lee County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 5,804 |
| Coordinates | 32.5401400, -85.0985500 |
| Altitude | 162 |
| 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: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $24.27 | $48.55 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $27.30 | $54.60 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $29.65 | $59.29 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $34.71 | $69.42 |
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.