How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Rainbow City, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Rainbow City, AL is about 117.3 miles (188.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 101.8 miles (163.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 25m 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 12m.
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.
The most populous city in Alabama.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Rainbow City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Rainbow City.
-
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
58.2 mi · 1 hr 4 min
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
50.8 mi · 55 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward AL 77: Attalla, Rainbow City
3097 ft · 1 min
-
11
Turn right onto Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast
707 ft · 15 sec · Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast
-
12
Continue on West Grand Avenue
3.8 mi · 7 min · West Grand Avenue
-
13
Turn slight right
33 m · 4 sec
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Rainbow City.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Tuscaloosa and Mostly Clear near Rainbow City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Rainbow City?
The road trip is about 117.3 miles (188.7 km) and usually takes 02h 12m 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?
Birmingham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.6 miles from Tuscaloosa and 58.7 miles from Rainbow City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 101.8 miles (163.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.5 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 2:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.68 one way or $31.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Tuscaloosa and Mostly Clear near Rainbow City.
Stop Ideas Near Birmingham
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Adamsville City Hall
Trussville City Hall
The Preserve Town Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Birmingham.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Rainbow City. Straight-line distance: 101.87 mi (163.94 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 Rainbow City
City in Alabama, United States
| Population | 9,611 |
| Coordinates | 33.9548200, -86.0419200 |
| Altitude | 170 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rainbow City (-86.04192, 33.95482)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $15.68 | $31.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $17.63 | $35.26 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $19.15 | $38.29 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $22.42 | $44.84 |
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 · Apr 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.