How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Chelsea, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Chelsea, AL is about 155.7 miles (250.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116.1 miles (186.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 48m 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 54m.
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.
City in Jefferson and Blount counties in the State of Alabama, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Chelsea.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Chelsea.
-
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
52.9 mi · 57 min
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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
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11
Merge slight right
78.6 mi · 1 hr 25 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 565 East, AL 20 West, US 72 Alternate: Decatur, Huntsville
1665 ft · 41 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on I 565 East, US 72 Alternate East: Huntsville
2761 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left
16.3 mi · 18 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward AL 53: Jordan Lane
1417 ft · 30 sec
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16
Turn right onto Jordan Lane Southwest
2054 ft · 46 sec · Jordan Lane Southwest
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17
Continue on Patton Road Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · Patton Road Southwest
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18
Turn left onto Drake Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · Drake Avenue Southwest
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19
Turn right onto Triana Boulevard Southwest
2730 ft · 1 min · Triana Boulevard Southwest
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Triana Boulevard Southwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Chelsea.
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
78.6 mi · 01h 25m
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 Tuscaloosa and Rain Showers Likely near Chelsea.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Chelsea?
The road trip is about 155.7 miles (250.6 km) and usually takes 02h 54m 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?
Warrior is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.9 miles from Tuscaloosa and 77.8 miles from Chelsea.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116.1 miles (186.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.6 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.79 one way or $41.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Tuscaloosa and Rain Showers Likely near Chelsea.
Stop Ideas Near Warrior
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
marrion city hall
City of Kimberly City Hall
Brookside Police Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Warrior.
Birmingham
Anniston
Tuscaloosa
Brent, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Chelsea. Straight-line distance: 116.15 mi (186.92 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 Chelsea
City in Madison County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 14,608 |
| Coordinates | 34.6906500, -86.6099900 |
| Altitude | 184 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chelsea (-86.60999, 34.69065)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 251 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $20.79 | $41.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.38 | $46.76 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.39 | $50.78 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $29.73 | $59.46 |
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 · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.