How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Athens, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Athens, AL is about 149.8 miles (241.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 33m 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 46m.
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.
Human settlement in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Athens.
-
1
Start on the route
40 m · 12 sec
-
2
Turn right onto University Boulevard
718 ft · 22 sec · University Boulevard
-
3
Turn left onto Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
2802 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
-
4
Continue straight
1785 ft · 25 sec
-
5
Continue straight
1.7 mi · 2 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right
772 ft · 19 sec
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7
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 2 min
-
8
Merge slight left
52.9 mi · 57 min
-
9
Take the exit slight left toward I 65 North: Huntsville
45 m · 4 sec
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10
Continue on I 65 North: Huntsville
1027 ft · 25 sec
-
11
Merge slight right
90 mi · 1 hr 37 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward 72: Athens, Huntsville
1307 ft · 34 sec
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13
Turn left onto US Highway 72 East
2 mi · 3 min · US Highway 72 East
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14
Turn right onto Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jefferson Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Athens.
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 65 North
Merge slight right
90 mi · 01h 37m
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.
Rain Showers leaving Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Athens?
The road trip is about 149.8 miles (241.1 km) and usually takes 02h 46m 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?
Kimberly is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75 miles from Tuscaloosa and 74.8 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.6 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 12:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.03 one way or $40.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Athens.
Stop Ideas Near Kimberly
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Adamsville City Hall
marrion city hall
Tarrant City Hall
Brookside Police Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Kimberly.
Birmingham
Anniston
Tuscaloosa
Brent, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Athens. Straight-line distance: 115.23 mi (185.44 km).
#1 Tuscaloosa
The most populous city in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
| Population | 102,819 |
| Coordinates | 33.2098400, -87.5691700 |
| Altitude | 68 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Athens
County seat of Limestone County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 28,643 |
| Coordinates | 34.8024300, -86.9721900 |
| Altitude | 220 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-86.97219, 34.80243)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 241 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $20.03 | $40.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $22.53 | $45.06 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $24.47 | $48.93 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $28.65 | $57.29 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.