How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from La Fayette, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to La Fayette, AL is about 160.1 miles (257.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.4 miles (205 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 23m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Shelby 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 La Fayette.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and La Fayette.
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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
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
12.6 mi · 18 min · United States Highway 280
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14
Take the exit straight
70 mi · 1 hr 26 min
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15
Turn left
18.2 mi · 32 min
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16
Turn left onto LaFayette Street North
1.2 mi · 2 min · LaFayette Street North
-
17
Turn right onto Alabama Avenue East
17 m · 2 sec · Alabama Avenue East
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Alabama Avenue East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and La Fayette.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
United States Highway 280
Take the exit straight
70 mi · 01h 26m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers near La Fayette.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to La Fayette?
The road trip is about 160.1 miles (257.7 km) and usually takes 03h 23m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Harpersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80 miles from Tuscaloosa and 80.1 miles from La Fayette.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.4 miles (205 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.40 one way or $42.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers near La Fayette.
Stop Ideas Near Harpersville
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 Harpersville.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and La Fayette. Straight-line distance: 127.37 mi (204.98 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 La Fayette
City in Alabama, United States of America
| Population | 2,870 |
| Coordinates | 32.8998500, -85.4010600 |
| Altitude | 257 |
| Country | United States |
End: La Fayette (-85.40106, 32.89985)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.40 | $42.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $24.06 | $48.13 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $26.13 | $52.26 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.59 | $61.19 |
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.