Origin
Elberta, AL
Morning in Elberta on Friday
Local time
10:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Elberta, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 56m
Distance
244.1 mi
393 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 43m
★
6 AM
4h 56m
8 AM
5h 23m
10 AM
5h 6m
12 PM
5h 3m
3 PM
5h 7m
5 PM
5h 22m
8 PM
4h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Elberta, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Tuscaloosa, AL
Kelly
Trip Overview
This 244.1-mile journey from Elberta, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes, making it a manageable day trip for most travelers. The route predominantly utilizes US 43 and I-20, with a brief segment on I-10, offering an efficient drive through the heart of Alabama. With a projected fuel cost of around $37, this trip is budget-friendly. The drive is primarily highway-focused, so expect a steady pace as you travel from the Southeast region to the same region. This route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
122 miles from Elberta, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 56m. Total distance: 244.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 244.1-mile trip, with 87% of the journey on major roads like US 43 and I-20. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 148.8 miles on US 43, providing a consistent cruising experience. While primarily highway, the route offers a practical progression rather than dramatic scenic shifts. The character is one of efficient travel, designed to get you from point A to point B effectively, with a focus on maintaining speed and covering distance.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 43 is the longest continuous segment at about 148.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 43 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 41.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 244.1 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 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 240.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
41.6 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Take the exit toward US 90, US 98: Government Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 90, US 98: Government Street
6
48.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 65: Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 1B
Toward I 65: Montgomery
8
240.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 51m 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
6
244 mi into trip
|
~4h 55m in
|
University Boulevard
Turn right onto University Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
244 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Elberta, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 430: Satsuma, Creola and 430: Creola.
430: Satsuma
58.2 mi in
|
~1h 13m
Creola
58.2 mi in
|
~1h 13m
430: Creola
58.3 mi in
|
~1h 13m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 43 | 148.8 mi | 2h 57m |
| I 20 | 25.8 mi | 27m |
| I 10 | 21.3 mi | 22m |
| Baldwin Beach Express | 13.1 mi | 18m |
| I 65 | 9.2 mi | 10m |
| Tuscaloosa Street | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| I 165 | 4.5 mi | 5m |
| Foley Beach Express | 3.9 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 43
— 148.8 mi, about 2h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elberta, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on US 98
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
State Avenue
2
Turn right onto AL 161
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Foley Beach Express
3
Turn right onto AL 161
13 mi
·
18 min
·
Baldwin Beach Express
4
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
5
Merge onto I 10
21 mi
·
22 min
·
I 10
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 90, US 98: Government Street
7
Keep slight left at fork
183 ft
·
5 sec
8
Continue on US 98
385 ft
·
12 sec
·
US 98
9
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Bankhead Tunnel
10
Continue on US 98
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Government Street
11
Continue on Government Street
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Government Street
12
Turn left onto South Water Street
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
South Water Street
13
Continue on US 90; US 98 Truck
482 ft
·
11 sec
·
Telegraph Road
14
Turn straight onto I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 1B
Toward I 65: Montgomery
16
Merge onto I 65
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
I 65
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward 430: Satsuma, Creola
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward 430: Creola
19
Keep slight left at fork
124 ft
·
3 sec
Toward 430: Creola
20
Merge onto US 43
82 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
US 43
21
Merge onto US 43
24 mi
·
27 min
·
US 43
22
Turn left onto US 43
17 mi
·
19 min
·
US 43
23
Turn left onto US 43; US 80
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 43; US 80
24
Continue on US 43
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Cedar Avenue
25
Turn left onto US 43
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
East Capitol Street
26
Turn right onto US 43
24 mi
·
34 min
·
US 43
27
Turn right onto 1st Avenue
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
1st Avenue
28
Turn right onto US 11; US 43
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Tuscaloosa Street
29
Turn left onto CR 208
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
M L King Highway
30
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
31
Merge onto I 20; I 59
26 mi
·
27 min
·
I 20; I 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 71B
Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Merge onto I 359; US 11; AL 69
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 359; US 11; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 359; AL 69
35
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
36
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft
·
10 sec
·
University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
37
Turn left
168 ft
·
12 sec
Use the left lane.
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour and 56 minute duration, departing Elberta, AL in the morning is recommended to maximize your daylight hours in Tuscaloosa. The single stop noted suggests you can break up the drive strategically, perhaps midway through the longest stretch on US 43. With a fuel cost estimate of $37, ensure your tank is full before leaving Elberta to avoid unnecessary detours. This route is designed for a single-day journey, so flexibility with your timing is key. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the extended 148.8-mile segment on US 43.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 122 miles from Elberta, AL, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.8 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 54 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122 miles or 2h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h
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 Elberta, 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 Elberta, AL
This is one driving day of about 244.1 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Elberta, AL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 43 for about 148.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 122 mi from Elberta, AL · 2h 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
122 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 122 miles from Elberta, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 43 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 148.8 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.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.86 one way
$73.73 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
85 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $40.47 | $80.94 |
| premium | $4.56 | $43.81 | $87.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.89 | $107.79 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.2 | 0 | $25.63 | $11.72 |
| Efficient EV | 61 | 0 | $21.36 | $9.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97.6 | 1 | $34.17 | $15.62 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Morning in Tuscaloosa on Friday
Local time
10:01 AM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
78°F
Thomasville, AL
122 mi in
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
23 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
4h 56m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Elberta, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 244.1 miles and takes about 4h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 43, I 20, I 10. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 122 miles from Elberta, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.86 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 244.1 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 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 240.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Elberta, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 430: Satsuma, Creola and 430: Creola.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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