Trip from Mobile, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL

Drive Time

4h 1m

Distance

200.7 mi

323 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 48m ★

6 AM

4h 1m

8 AM

4h 27m

10 AM

4h 10m

12 PM

4h 8m

3 PM

4h 12m

5 PM

4h 26m

8 PM

3h 53m

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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Mobile, AL

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Tuscaloosa, AL

Kelly

Trip Overview

Traveling from Mobile to Tuscaloosa covers 200.7 miles through the heart of Alabama. You should plan for a total drive time of approximately 4 hours and 1 minute, making this an ideal candidate for a single-day journey. With a fuel budget of about $31, the trip is quite economical for a solo traveler or a small group. Since the route is entirely contained within the Southeast region, you will experience a consistent cultural and geographical landscape throughout the transit. While you could easily complete this in one go, having the flexibility to make at least one scheduled stop will make the time behind the wheel feel much shorter. Overall, this is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that prioritizes efficiency over meandering backroads.

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

100.3 miles from Mobile, AL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 56m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highly efficient transit, as 95% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time on major thoroughfares, including I-65, I-20, and US 43. Be prepared for a significant stretch of focus, as your longest uninterrupted segment covers 148.8 miles on US 43 alone. Because the route relies so heavily on these fast-paced roads, the driving experience is consistent and predictable rather than technical. You will find that the rhythm of the drive stays steady from start to finish, allowing you to maintain a reliable pace without the need for constant navigation adjustments.

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

There are about 31 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 5.1 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 200.7 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 5.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 14.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 197.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 23 key points

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

5.1 mi into trip | ~7m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 65: Montgomery

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 1B Toward I 65: Montgomery

14.9 mi into trip | ~17m in

Take the exit toward 430: Satsuma, Creola

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward 430: Satsuma, Creola

197.5 mi into trip | ~3h 56m 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

200.6 mi into trip | ~4h in | University Boulevard

Turn right onto University Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

200.7 mi into trip | ~4h in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Mobile, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 430: Satsuma, Creola and 430: Creola.

430: Satsuma

14.9 mi in | ~17m

Creola

14.9 mi in | ~17m

430: Creola

15 mi in | ~18m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 43	148.8 mi	2h 57m
I 20	25.8 mi	27m
I 65	9.2 mi	10m
Tuscaloosa Street	4.6 mi	6m
I 165	4.5 mi	5m
I 359	2.5 mi	2m
M L King Highway	1.2 mi	2m
South Cedar Avenue	1 mi	1m

Longest stretch: US 43 — 148.8 mi, about 2h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Saint Louis Street

389 ft · 22 sec · Saint Louis Street

Turn left onto North Royal Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · North Royal Street

Turn right onto Congress Street

260 ft · 11 sec · Congress Street

Take the ramp

411 ft · 12 sec

Merge onto North Water Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · North Water Street

Continue on US 90; US 98 Truck

482 ft · 11 sec · Telegraph Road

Turn straight onto I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 165; US 90; US 98 Truck

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 33 sec

Exit 1B Toward I 65: Montgomery

Merge onto I 65

9.2 mi · 10 min · I 65

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec

Toward 430: Satsuma, Creola

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward 430: Creola

Keep slight left at fork

124 ft · 3 sec

Toward 430: Creola

Merge onto US 43

82 mi · 1 hr 34 min · US 43

Merge onto US 43

24 mi · 27 min · US 43

Turn left onto US 43

17 mi · 19 min · US 43

Turn left onto US 43; US 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 43; US 80

Continue on US 43

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Cedar Avenue

Turn left onto US 43

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East Capitol Street

Turn right onto US 43

24 mi · 34 min · US 43

Turn right onto 1st Avenue

0.1 mi · 27 sec · 1st Avenue

Turn right onto US 11; US 43

4.6 mi · 6 min · Tuscaloosa Street

Turn left onto CR 208

1.2 mi · 2 min · M L King Highway

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Merge onto I 20; I 59

26 mi · 27 min · I 20; I 59

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec

Exit 71B Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 359; US 11; AL 69

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 359; US 11; AL 69

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 359; AL 69

0.4 mi · 33 sec · I 359; AL 69

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 43; AL 69

0.5 mi · 1 min · Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North

Use the straight / left lanes.

Turn right onto University Boulevard

284 ft · 10 sec · University Boulevard

Use the right lane.

Turn left

168 ft · 12 sec

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 4-hour drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours near the urban centers of Mobile or Tuscaloosa. Since the itinerary includes one recommended stop, use that break to stretch your legs and refresh your fuel levels, especially given the lengthy 148.8-mile stretch on US 43. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long segment, as consistent highway speeds will influence your total consumption. Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the advantage of being able to leave mid-morning or early afternoon without worrying about losing daylight. Staying mindful of your pacing during the highway-heavy portions will ensure you arrive in Tuscaloosa feeling rested rather than fatigued.

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 100.3 miles from Mobile, AL, or about 1h 56m 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 80 miles or 1h 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 100.3 miles or 1h 56m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 16m

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 Mobile, 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 Mobile, AL

This is one driving day of about 200.7 miles and 4h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Mobile, 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 100.3 mi from Mobile, AL · 1h 56m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Butler, AL

100 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

Butler, AL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Butler, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 100.3 miles from Mobile, 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 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

$30.68 one way

$61.36 round trip

$3.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.26	$33.65	$67.31
premium	$4.61	$36.43	$72.85
diesel	$5.64	$44.59	$89.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	60.2	0	$21.07	$9.63
Efficient EV	50.2	0	$17.56	$8.03
EV Truck/SUV	80.3	1	$28.10	$12.84

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Mobile, AL

Evening in Mobile on Sunday

Local time

6:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tuscaloosa, AL

Evening in Tuscaloosa on Sunday

Local time

6:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Butler, AL

100 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

4 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 1m 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 Mobile, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 200.7 miles and takes about 4h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 43, I 20, I 65. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 100.3 miles from Mobile, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.68 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.

Between Mobile, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs point toward 430: Satsuma, Creola and 430: Creola.

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Trip from Mobile, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Tuscaloosa, AL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Mobile, AL

Tuscaloosa, AL

Same local time

4 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 1m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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