How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Rainsville, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Rainsville, AL is about 158.2 miles (254.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.8 miles (213.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 52m 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 56m.
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.
Town in Jefferson County, Alabama, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Rainsville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Rainsville.
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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
-
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
-
8
Merge slight left
58.2 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
88.4 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward 35: Fort Payne, Rainsville
1323 ft · 34 sec
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11
Turn left onto Glenn Boulevard Southwest
3.8 mi · 5 min · Glenn Boulevard Southwest
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12
Continue on East Main Street
3.8 mi · 5 min · East Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
1 m · 1 sec · Main Street West
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Rainsville.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 59 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 59 North: Gadsden
88.4 mi · 01h 35m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rainsville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Rainsville?
The road trip is about 158.2 miles (254.6 km) and usually takes 02h 56m 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?
Argo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.1 miles from Tuscaloosa and 79.1 miles from Rainsville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.8 miles (213.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.4 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 12:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.13 one way or $42.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Tuscaloosa and Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Rainsville.
Stop Ideas Near Argo
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 Argo.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Rainsville. Straight-line distance: 132.78 mi (213.69 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 Rainsville
City in DeKalb County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 5,149 |
| Coordinates | 34.4942500, -85.8477500 |
| Altitude | 391 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rainsville (-85.84775, 34.49425)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 255 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.13 | $42.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $23.77 | $47.53 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $25.81 | $51.62 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.22 | $60.43 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.