Origin
Madison, AL
Evening in Madison on Sunday
Local time
6:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Madison, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
Drive Time
2h 44m
Distance
146.8 mi
236 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 33m
★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 52m
12 PM
2h 50m
3 PM
2h 53m
5 PM
3h 5m
8 PM
2h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Madison, AL
Muhammad Nabeel
Tuscaloosa, AL
Kelly
Trip Overview
Connecting Madison to Tuscaloosa is a straightforward 146.8-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes. Because this route is a compact, highway-focused drive within the Southeast, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip. You should budget approximately $22 for fuel to complete the transit between these two Alabama cities. Relying primarily on I-565, I-65, and I-20, the trip is designed for efficiency rather than leisure. Whether you are heading to Tuscaloosa for a game, a meeting, or a visit, this route offers a reliable path that requires no overnight stops.
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
73.4 miles from Madison, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 96% of this trip is spent on major interstates. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, especially during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 77.4 miles along I-65. While the path is dominated by multi-lane highways, the transition between the northern and central Alabama corridors keeps the drive functional and direct. You won't encounter technical mountain passes or winding backroads here, as the focus remains strictly on interstate travel. This is a practical, no-nonsense commute that favors consistency over variety.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 65 is the longest continuous segment at about 77.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and I 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Sullivan Street.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 146.8 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 0.6 miles (Sullivan Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Sullivan Street
Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
10.8 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 1
Toward I 65 South: Birmingham
8
85.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
7
85.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 22 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
8
143.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m 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
Between Madison, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale and Montgomery.
Nashville
10.6 mi in
|
~13m
Fultondale
85.3 mi in
|
~1h 34m
Montgomery
86.3 mi in
|
~1h 35m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 77.4 mi | 1h 23m |
| I 20 | 52.8 mi | 57m |
| I 565 | 8.5 mi | 9m |
| I 359 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Sullivan Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Church Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Main Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 77.4 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on Church Street
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Church Street
2
Continue on this road
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
this road
3
Continue on Main Street
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
Main Street
4
Turn sharp left onto Sullivan Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Sullivan Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on Wall Triana Highway
454 ft
·
11 sec
·
Wall Triana Highway
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward 565: Decatur
7
Merge onto I 565; US 72 Alt
8.5 mi
·
9 min
·
I 565; US 72 Alt
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 1
Toward I 65: Birmingham, Nashville
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1
Toward I 65 South: Birmingham
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 65
74 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
I 65
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 265
Toward I 22 West, US 31: Memphis, Fultondale
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 22 West: Memphis
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Montgomery
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 65
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 65
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 261C
Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
16
Merge onto I 20; I 59
53 mi
·
57 min
·
I 20; I 59
Use the none lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 71B
Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
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.
19
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 359; AL 69
Use the none lane.
20
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft
·
10 sec
·
University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
22
Turn left
168 ft
·
12 sec
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is simple since the total travel time is under three hours, but keeping an eye on interstate traffic near major junctions is always a smart move. With only one recommended stop needed to break up the drive, you have plenty of flexibility to stretch your legs at your own pace. If you are traveling during peak hours, factor in extra time for potential congestion on the I-65 and I-20 corridors. Since you are looking at a $22 fuel estimate, topping off your tank before you leave Madison ensures you won't need to worry about refueling mid-trip. Use your single planned stop strategically to balance the 146.8-mile distance comfortably.
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 73.4 miles from Madison, AL, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.4 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 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.4 miles or 1h 21m 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 14m
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 Madison, 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 Madison, AL
This is one driving day of about 146.8 miles and 2h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Madison, 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 I 65 for about 77.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 73.4 mi from Madison, AL · 1h 21m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
73 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 73.4 miles from Madison, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.4 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
$22.44 one way
$44.88 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
51 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $24.62 | $49.23 |
| premium | $4.61 | $26.64 | $53.29 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $32.61 | $65.23 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44 | 0 | $15.41 | $7.05 |
| Efficient EV | 36.7 | 0 | $12.85 | $5.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 58.7 | 0 | $20.55 | $9.40 |
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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
Along the Route
86°F
Hayden, AL
73 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 44m 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 Madison, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 146.8 miles and takes about 2h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 65, I 20, I 565. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 73.4 miles from Madison, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.44 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 demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 146.8 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 0.6 miles (Sullivan Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Madison, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward Nashville, Fultondale and Montgomery.
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