How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Saks, AL?
The driving distance from Tuscaloosa, AL to Saks, AL is about 122.8 miles (197.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.3 miles (169.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 43m 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 21m.
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.
Neighborhood of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tuscaloosa and Saks.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tuscaloosa and Saks.
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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
42.1 mi · 45 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward AL 202: Munford, Coldwater
846 ft · 29 sec
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15
Turn left onto Priebes Mill Road
1 mi · 2 min · Priebes Mill Road
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16
Continue on Coldwater Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Coldwater Road
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17
Turn left onto Bynum Leatherwood Road
6.1 mi · 9 min · Bynum Leatherwood Road
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18
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Old Gadsden Highway
9 m · 1 sec · Old Gadsden Highway
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19
Exit the roundabout onto Old Gadsden Highway
2.2 mi · 4 min · Old Gadsden Highway
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20
Turn left onto Rice Avenue
1046 ft · 47 sec · Rice Avenue
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21
At the end of the road, turn right onto West 42nd Street
55 m · 8 sec · West 42nd Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 42nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tuscaloosa and Saks.
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
42.1 mi · 00h 45m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Tuscaloosa and Showers And Thunderstorms near Saks.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tuscaloosa to Saks?
The road trip is about 122.8 miles (197.6 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Cahaba Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.3 miles from Tuscaloosa and 61.5 miles from Saks.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.3 miles (169.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.5 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 1:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.40 one way or $32.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Tuscaloosa and Showers And Thunderstorms near Saks.
Stop Ideas Near Cahaba Heights
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 Cahaba Heights.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tuscaloosa and Saks. Straight-line distance: 105.26 mi (169.4 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 Saks
Unincorporated community in Alabama
| Population | 10,744 |
| Coordinates | 33.6987100, -85.8396900 |
| Altitude | 250 |
| Country | United States |
End: Saks (-85.83969, 33.69871)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 198 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $16.40 | $32.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $18.44 | $36.88 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $20.03 | $40.05 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $23.45 | $46.89 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.