How far is Sylacauga, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance from Sylacauga, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL is about 97.4 miles (156.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 76.2 miles (122.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 22m 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 41m.
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.
The most populous city in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sylacauga and Tuscaloosa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sylacauga and Tuscaloosa.
-
1
Start on the route
53 m · 18 sec
-
2
Turn left onto Norton Avenue
2185 ft · 1 min · Norton Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto West Fort Williams Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · West Fort Williams Street
-
4
Turn right
37.8 mi · 50 min
-
5
Turn left onto I 459 South
2459 ft · 1 min
-
6
Merge slight left onto John M. Harbert III Freeway
19.2 mi · 21 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
8
Merge slight left
33.7 mi · 36 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
2219 ft · 42 sec
-
10
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
-
11
Continue straight
2011 ft · 33 sec
-
12
Continue on Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
2540 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
-
13
Turn right onto University Boulevard
87 m · 10 sec · University Boulevard
-
14
Turn left
51 m · 12 sec
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sylacauga 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.
Longest stretch
Turn right
37.8 mi · 00h 50m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Sylacauga 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 Sylacauga to Tuscaloosa?
The road trip is about 97.4 miles (156.7 km) and usually takes 01h 41m 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?
Hoover is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.7 miles from Sylacauga and 48.7 miles from Tuscaloosa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 76.2 miles (122.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.2 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 3:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.99 one way or $25.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Sylacauga and Showers And Thunderstorms near Tuscaloosa.
Stop Ideas Near Hoover
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 Hoover.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sylacauga and Tuscaloosa. Straight-line distance: 76.22 mi (122.67 km).
#1 Sylacauga
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 11,939 |
| Coordinates | 33.1731700, -86.2516400 |
| Altitude | 166 |
| 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: 157 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $12.99 | $25.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $14.61 | $29.22 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $15.86 | $31.73 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $18.57 | $37.15 |
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 06, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.