How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Columbiana, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Columbiana, AL is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 55.7 miles (89.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 11m 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 35m.
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Columbiana.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Columbiana.
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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
14.5 mi · 16 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 65: Birmingham, Montgomery
1203 ft · 29 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on I 65 South: Montgomery
3176 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
10.9 mi · 12 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 31, AL 3: Alabaster, Saginaw
1623 ft · 42 sec
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15
Turn straight onto 1st Street South
2.1 mi · 3 min · 1st Street South
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16
Turn left onto County Road 26
9.2 mi · 15 min · County Road 26
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17
Turn left onto Alabama Highway 70
1.1 km · 60 sec · Alabama Highway 70
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18
Continue on West College Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · West College Street
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19
Turn right onto South Main Street
15 m · 2 sec · South Main Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Columbiana.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard South
Merge slight left
34.2 mi · 00h 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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Tuscaloosa and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbiana.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Columbiana?
The road trip is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km) and usually takes 01h 35m 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 39.1 miles from Tuscaloosa and 39.2 miles from Columbiana.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 55.7 miles (89.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.7 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 3:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.45 one way or $20.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Tuscaloosa and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Columbiana.
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 Columbiana. Straight-line distance: 55.66 mi (89.58 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 Columbiana
City in Shelby County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 4,682 |
| Coordinates | 33.1781700, -86.6072100 |
| Altitude | 160 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbiana (-86.60721, 33.17817)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 126 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $10.45 | $20.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $11.75 | $23.51 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $12.76 | $25.53 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $14.95 | $29.89 |
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 · Jun 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.