How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Clay, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Clay, AL is about 79.6 miles (128.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.4 miles (105.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 05m 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 32m.
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 County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Clay.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Clay.
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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
-
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
58.2 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
13.7 mi · 15 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Deerfoot Parkway
1347 ft · 33 sec
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11
Turn right onto Deerfoot Parkway
3.3 mi · 6 min · Deerfoot Parkway
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12
Turn right onto Old Springville Road
2395 ft · 52 sec · Old Springville Road
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Old Springville Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Clay.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
Merge slight left
58.2 mi · 01h 04m
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 Rain Showers leaving Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers near Clay.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Clay?
The road trip is about 79.6 miles (128.1 km) and usually takes 01h 32m 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?
Bessemer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.8 miles from Tuscaloosa and 39.8 miles from Clay.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.4 miles (105.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.2 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 3:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.64 one way or $21.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers near Clay.
Stop Ideas Near Bessemer
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 Bessemer.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Marion, AL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Clay. Straight-line distance: 65.44 mi (105.31 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 Clay
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 10,042 |
| Coordinates | 33.7026000, -86.5997100 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clay (-86.59971, 33.7026)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 128 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $10.64 | $21.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $11.97 | $23.94 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $13.00 | $25.99 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $15.22 | $30.43 |
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 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.