Trip from Florence, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

2h 50m

Distance

121.6 mi

196 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

2h 40m ★

6 AM

2h 51m

8 AM

3h 13m

10 AM

2h 59m

12 PM

2h 56m

3 PM

3h 0m

5 PM

3h 12m

8 PM

2h 44m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Trip Overview

The drive from Florence, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 121.6 miles and takes about 2h 50m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 43, AL 13, Woodward Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 81.8 miles on US 43. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.36 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

60.8 miles from Florence, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 50m. Total distance: 121.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 50m highway drive covering 121.6 miles, with most of the trip on US 43 and AL 13. The longest continuous stretch is about 81.8 miles on US 43.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 16 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 81.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 43 and AL 13. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near Crest Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 50m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Crest Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17): Navigation decision point; at 57.5 miles (AL 13): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4

0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | Crest Street

Turn left onto Crest Street

Navigation decision point

4

0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17

Turn right onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17

Navigation decision point

6

57.5 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in | AL 13

Turn left onto AL 13

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

5

121.4 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in | University Boulevard

Turn left onto University Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.

7

121.6 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 43	81.8 mi	1h 51m
AL 13	33.3 mi	47m
Woodward Avenue	3.2 mi	5m
Main Avenue	1.7 mi	3m
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard	0.6 mi	<1m
North Pine Street	0.5 mi	1m
University Boulevard	0.1 mi	<1m
5th Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 43 — 81.8 mi, about 1h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Florence, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.

1

Start on North Pine Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Pine Street

2

Turn left onto Crest Street

131 ft · 11 sec · Crest Street

3

Turn right onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17

1.5 mi · 2 min · US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17

4

Turn left onto US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20

3.2 mi · 5 min · Woodward Avenue

Use the left lane.

5

Continue on US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20

1.0 mi · 1 min · US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20

Use the straight lane.

6

Continue on US 43; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20

51 mi · 1 hr 7 min · US 43; AL 13; AL 17; AL 20

Use the straight lane.

7

Take the ramp onto AL 13

0.4 mi · 45 sec · AL 13

8

Turn left onto AL 13

33 mi · 46 min · AL 13

Use the left lane.

9

Continue on US 43

29 mi · 39 min · US 43

10

Continue on Main Avenue

1.7 mi · 3 min · Main Avenue

11

Turn left onto 5th Street

364 ft · 12 sec · 5th Street

12

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec

13

Merge onto US 43; AL 69

0.6 mi · 56 sec · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard

14

Turn left onto University Boulevard

0.1 mi · 19 sec · University Boulevard

Use the straight / left lanes.

15

Turn left

168 ft · 12 sec

Use the left lane.

16

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 60.8 miles from Florence, AL, or about 1h 24m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.8 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 27 miles or 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 60.8 miles or 1h 24m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 19m

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 Florence, 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 Florence, AL

This is one driving day of about 121.6 miles and 2h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Florence, 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 81.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 60.8 mi from Florence, AL · 1h 24m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bear Creek, AL

61 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

Russellville, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Texas, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 60.8 miles from Florence, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 43 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81.8 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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.6

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12053490505

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Monarch Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.6

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Bama

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

1 mi

Café de Frida

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Florence, Alabama

1.4 mi

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+12053490505

Visit website

Swen Chinese Restaurant

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12053919887

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12057525100

Visit website

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tuscaloosa Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+12057222045

Visit website

Whataburger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12053494506

Visit website

Glencoe's Gladden Restaurant

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Monarch Espresso

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+12052108751

Visit website

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Bama

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 5:30 am–12 pm

+12054697250

Visit website

Café de Frida

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Florence, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12562753601

Toasty Cafe & Health Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Florence, Alabama

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12563492283

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 8.7

Tuscumbia, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12563830321

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

2.7 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 8.7

Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Flo Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 43.4

Haleyville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18883568911

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 8.7

Tuscumbia, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 8.7

Tuscumbia, Alabama

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 8.7

Tuscumbia, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Children's Hands-On Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12053494235

Visit website

McFarland Park Shoalsfest

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Florence, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12567408817

Visit website

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 121.6

Northport, Alabama

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12057581257

Visit website

Paul W. Bryant Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+12053484668

Visit website

Alabama Museum of Natural History

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+12053487550

Visit website

Van De Graaff Park and Arboretum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 121.6

Northport, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12055623220

Visit website

Harmon Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Randall Family Park & Trailhead

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 121.6

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.36 one way

$36.73 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$20.16	$40.32
premium	$4.56	$21.83	$43.65
diesel	$5.61	$26.85	$53.70

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: 42.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	36.5	$12.77	$5.84
Efficient EV	30.4	$10.64	$4.86
EV Truck/SUV	48.6	$17.02	$7.78

Gas CO2

43 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Florence, AL

Late night in Florence on Friday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tuscaloosa, AL

Late night in Tuscaloosa on Friday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

85°F

Sunny

SW 5 mph 7% chance Live forecast

46°F

Bear Creek, AL

61 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

8 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 50m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Florence, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 121.6 miles and takes about 2h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 43, AL 13, Woodward Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 60.8 miles from Florence, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.36 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.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a straightforward 2h 50m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Crest Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (US 43; US 72; AL 13; AL 17): Navigation decision point; at 57.5 miles (AL 13): Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Florence, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Tuscaloosa, AL to Florence, AL

Plan the drive back the other way.

121.7 mi 2h 51m

Explore more options from Florence, AL or browse trips ending in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AL road trips.

Trip from Florence, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Tuscaloosa, AL

Nearby Places

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

Monarch Espresso

Glory Bound Gyro Co.

Swen Chinese Restaurant

Subway

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tuscaloosa Restaurant

Whataburger

Glencoe's Gladden Restaurant

Monarch Espresso

Strange Brew Coffeehouse Bama

Café de Frida

Toasty Cafe & Health Bar

ChargePoint Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

Flo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

Children's Hands-On Museum

McFarland Park Shoalsfest

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

Paul W. Bryant Museum

Alabama Museum of Natural History

Van De Graaff Park and Arboretum

Harmon Park

Randall Family Park & Trailhead

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Florence, AL

Tuscaloosa, AL

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 50m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

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