How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Highland Lakes, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Highland Lakes, AL is about 65.9 miles (106 km), with a travel time of about 01h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 54.6 miles (87.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 39m 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 19m.
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 of Iowa, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Highland Lakes.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Highland Lakes.
-
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
-
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
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
6 mi · 9 min · United States Highway 280
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14
Turn left onto Highland Lakes Drive
1.2 mi · 3 min · Highland Lakes Drive
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15
Turn left onto Highland Lakes Trail
2006 ft · 1 min · Highland Lakes Trail
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16
Turn right onto Blue Heron Point
812 ft · 36 sec · Blue Heron Point
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Blue Heron Point
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Highland Lakes.
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.
Sunny leaving Tuscaloosa and Sunny near Highland Lakes.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Highland Lakes?
The road trip is about 65.9 miles (106 km) and usually takes 01h 19m 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?
Lake View is a useful midpoint, sitting about 32.9 miles from Tuscaloosa and 32.9 miles from Highland Lakes.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 54.6 miles (87.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.3 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 3:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.17 one way or $18.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tuscaloosa and Sunny near Highland Lakes.
Stop Ideas Near Lake View
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 Lake View.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Highland Lakes. Straight-line distance: 54.58 mi (87.84 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 Highland Lakes
Highland Lakes is a census-designated place situated in Shelby County, Alabama, within the Birmingham metropolitan area.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 33.3983800, -86.6513000 |
| Altitude | - |
| Country | United States |
End: Highland Lakes (-86.6513, 33.39838)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 106 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $9.17 | $18.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $10.28 | $20.55 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $11.22 | $22.43 |
| Diesel | $5.93 | $13.77 | $27.53 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026