How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Auburn, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Auburn, AL is about 158.8 miles (255.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 128 miles (206 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 24m 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 42m.
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.
Town in Shelby County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Auburn.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Auburn.
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1
Start on the route
40 m · 12 sec
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2
Turn right onto University Boulevard
718 ft · 22 sec · University Boulevard
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3
Turn left onto Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
2802 ft · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
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4
Continue straight
1785 ft · 25 sec
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5
Continue straight
1.7 mi · 2 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
772 ft · 19 sec
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7
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
34.2 mi · 37 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 459 North: Gadsden, Atlanta
2902 ft · 1 min
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10
Continue on John M. Harbert III Freeway
19.1 mi · 20 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 280: Mountain Brook, Childersburg
769 ft · 19 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on US 280 East: Childersburg
2963 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left onto United States Highway 280
12.6 mi · 18 min · United States Highway 280
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14
Take the exit straight
84.1 mi · 1 hr 43 min
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15
Turn right onto North College Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North College Street
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North College Street
23 m · 1 sec · North College Street
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17
Exit the roundabout onto North College Street
4 mi · 6 min · North College Street
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18
Turn left
89 m · 21 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Auburn.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
United States Highway 280
Take the exit straight
84.1 mi · 01h 43m
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 Tuscaloosa and Mostly Sunny near Auburn.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Auburn?
The road trip is about 158.8 miles (255.5 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Harpersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.8 miles from Tuscaloosa and 79 miles from Auburn.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 128 miles (206 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.8 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 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.21 one way or $42.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Tuscaloosa and Mostly Sunny near Auburn.
Stop Ideas Near Harpersville
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 Harpersville.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Auburn. Straight-line distance: 128.03 mi (206.05 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 Auburn
The most populous city in Lee County, Alabama.
| Population | 68,343 |
| Coordinates | 32.6098600, -85.4807800 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-85.480913, 32.609482)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 255 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.21 | $42.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.85 | $47.70 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.90 | $51.80 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.32 | $60.65 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.