How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Decatur, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Decatur, AL is about 142 miles (228.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 102.2 miles (164.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 13m 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 06m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Decatur.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Decatur.
-
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
-
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
-
10
Continue on I 65 North: Huntsville
1027 ft · 25 sec
-
11
Merge slight right
72.1 mi · 1 hr 18 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward 67: Decatur, Priceville, Somerville
2021 ft · 51 sec
-
13
Turn left onto Point Mallard Parkway Southeast
4.5 mi · 7 min · Point Mallard Parkway Southeast
-
14
Turn right onto 6th Avenue Southeast
3 mi · 6 min · 6th Avenue Southeast
-
15
Continue on 6th Avenue Northeast
580 ft · 15 sec · 6th Avenue Northeast
-
16
Turn left onto Lee Street Northeast
1085 ft · 38 sec · Lee Street Northeast
-
17
Turn right
25 m · 6 sec
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Decatur.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 65 North
Merge slight right
72.1 mi · 01h 18m
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 Rain Showers Likely near Decatur.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Decatur?
The road trip is about 142 miles (228.6 km) and usually takes 02h 06m 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?
Gardendale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.5 miles from Tuscaloosa and 73.4 miles from Decatur.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102.2 miles (164.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.8 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 2:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.97 one way or $37.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Tuscaloosa and Rain Showers Likely near Decatur.
Stop Ideas Near Gardendale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Adamsville City Hall
Trussville City Hall
Mountain Brook Municipal Court
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Gardendale.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Decatur. Straight-line distance: 102.14 mi (164.38 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 Decatur
The most populous city in Morgan County, Alabama.
| Population | 54,381 |
| Coordinates | 34.6059300, -86.9833400 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-86.983514, 34.605804)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $18.97 | $37.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $21.34 | $42.68 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $23.17 | $46.34 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $27.13 | $54.26 |
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.