How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Roanoke, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Roanoke, AL is about 162.2 miles (261.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 20m 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 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
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 Roanoke.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Roanoke.
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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
28.5 mi · 31 min · John M. Harbert III Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 20: Birmingham, Atlanta
883 ft · 17 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on I 20 East: Atlanta
3180 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
54.3 mi · 58 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 431 South
1004 ft · 21 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on US 431 South
26.5 mi · 36 min
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16
Continue straight
11.6 mi · 16 min
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17
Turn right onto Main Street
2.1 mi · 3 min · Main Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Roanoke.
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 20 East
Merge slight left
54.3 mi · 00h 58m
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.
Sunny leaving Tuscaloosa and Sunny near Roanoke.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Roanoke?
The road trip is about 162.2 miles (261.1 km) and usually takes 03h 10m 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?
Moody is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.1 miles from Tuscaloosa and 81.2 miles from Roanoke.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.1 miles (204.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.1 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 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.66 one way or $43.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tuscaloosa and Sunny near Roanoke.
Stop Ideas Near Moody
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Pell City Recreation Hall
Trussville City Hall
Pell City City Council
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Moody.
Birmingham
Anniston
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Roanoke. Straight-line distance: 127.11 mi (204.56 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 Roanoke
City in Randolph County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 5,940 |
| Coordinates | 33.1512300, -85.3721700 |
| Altitude | 258 |
| Country | United States |
End: Roanoke (-85.37217, 33.15123)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 261 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $21.66 | $43.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $24.36 | $48.72 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $26.46 | $52.91 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $30.97 | $61.95 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.