Origin
Anniston, AL
Evening in Anniston on Sunday
Local time
6:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Anniston, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
Drive Time
2h 15m
Distance
119.1 mi
192 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 6m
★
6 AM
2h 16m
8 AM
2h 35m
10 AM
2h 22m
12 PM
2h 21m
3 PM
2h 23m
5 PM
2h 34m
8 PM
2h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Anniston, AL
Muhammad Nabeel
Tuscaloosa, AL
Kelly
Trip Overview
Connecting Anniston to Tuscaloosa, this 119.1-mile journey is an efficient Southeast transit that typically takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Because the trip is straightforward and relatively short, it serves perfectly as a quick day trip rather than requiring an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $18 on fuel, making it an affordable connection between these two Alabama hubs. By utilizing I-20 and the John M. Harbert III Freeway, you stay on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of the time. This route is ideal if you are looking for a practical, no-nonsense way to traverse the state without the need for complex planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
59.6 miles from Anniston, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 89% of your trip consists of high-speed travel. The drive is defined by a significant 75.7-mile stretch on I-20, which acts as the backbone of your journey before you transition onto the Albert P. Brewer Highway. While the route is efficient, be prepared for the steady, rhythmic nature of interstate driving that dominates the landscape. Because this is a high-speed transit route, you will find consistent pavement conditions that allow for steady pacing behind the wheel. The personality of this drive is strictly functional, prioritizing speed and connectivity as you move through the region.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 75.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and John M. Harbert III Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near AL 202 / Albert P Brewer Highway.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 119.1 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (AL 202 / Albert P Brewer Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
AL 202 / Albert P Brewer Highway
At end of road, turn right onto AL 202 / Albert P Brewer Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
51.5 mi into trip
|
~59m in
Take the exit toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 136
Toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
8
51.8 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
8
81 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
8
116 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 71B
Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Anniston, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Gadsden along the way.
Gadsden
51.5 mi in
|
~59m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 75.7 mi | 1h 21m |
| John M. Harbert III Freeway | 28.4 mi | 30m |
| Albert P Brewer Highway | 7.9 mi | 11m |
| I 359 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Donald G. Holmes Bypass | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Gurnee Avenue | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| University Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 75.7 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anniston, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on this road
0.1 mi
·
45 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto Gurnee Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Gurnee Avenue
3
At end of road, turn right onto AL 202
7.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Albert P Brewer Highway
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on AL 202
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Donald G. Holmes Bypass
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto I 20
42 mi
·
44 min
·
I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 136
Toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
Use the none lane.
9
Merge onto I 459
28 mi
·
30 min
·
John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 20; I 59; US 11; AL 5
34 mi
·
36 min
·
I 20; I 59; US 11; AL 5
Use the none lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 71B
Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 359; US 11; AL 69
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 359; US 11; AL 69
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 359; AL 69
Use the none lane.
15
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
16
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft
·
10 sec
·
University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left
168 ft
·
12 sec
Use the left lane.
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable 2-hour and 15-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily make the entire 119.1-mile trip without any mandatory stops, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge to ensure you stay within your $18 budget. Because the longest stretch of 75.7 miles on I-20 offers few breaks, plan to check your tire pressure and fluid levels before you leave Anniston. If you prefer to avoid potential congestion on the interstates, try to time your departure to steer clear of peak morning or evening commute hours. This route’s simplicity is its biggest advantage, so keep your itinerary light and enjoy the ease of travel.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 59.6 miles from Anniston, AL, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.6 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tuscaloosa, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anniston, AL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Anniston, AL
This is one driving day of about 119.1 miles and 2h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Anniston, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 20 for about 75.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 59.6 mi from Anniston, AL · 1h 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59.6 miles from Anniston, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.7 miles.
Arriving in Tuscaloosa, AL
The final approach into Tuscaloosa, AL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Tuscaloosa, AL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.21 one way
$36.41 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $19.97 | $39.94 |
| premium | $4.61 | $21.62 | $43.23 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $26.46 | $52.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.51 | $5.72 |
| Efficient EV | 29.8 | 0 | $10.42 | $4.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.67 | $7.62 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Tuscaloosa, AL
Evening in Tuscaloosa on Sunday
Local time
6:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
25 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 15m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Anniston, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 119.1 miles and takes about 2h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 20, John M. Harbert III Freeway, Albert P Brewer Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59.6 miles from Anniston, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.21 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 119.1 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (AL 202 / Albert P Brewer Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Anniston, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Gadsden along the way.
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