Origin
Moody, AL
Morning in Moody on Monday
Local time
7:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Moody, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
Drive Time
1h 28m
Distance
77.2 mi
124 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 22m
★
6 AM
1h 28m
8 AM
1h 42m
10 AM
1h 33m
12 PM
1h 32m
3 PM
1h 34m
5 PM
1h 41m
8 PM
1h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tuscaloosa, AL
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 77.2 miles across Alabama, this quick trip between Moody and Tuscaloosa typically takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable distance and duration, you can easily tackle this as a single-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $12 for fuel to cover the journey, making it a very economical route. The path primarily utilizes Park Avenue, Moody Parkway, and I-20 West to get you from the eastern outskirts of the Birmingham area toward the central part of the state. It serves as a straightforward connection within the Southeast region, ideal for travelers who value efficiency over a lengthy road trip experience.
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
38.6 miles from Moody, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive as you navigate the initial segments of this 77.2-mile route. You will start by maneuvering through local roads like Park Avenue and Moody Parkway before transitioning onto I-20 West. While there is no significant highway percentage to speak of, the character of the road shifts from local thoroughfares to a more consistent interstate pace. This drive is best described as a practical transition rather than a scenic cruise, requiring your full attention during the initial turns before settling into the flow of the interstate. You won't find one long, uninterrupted stretch here, so be prepared for the transition between local navigation and highway travel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 40.4 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
690 ft
179 ft
Total Climb
567 ft
Total Descent
1,032 ft
Highest Point
690 ft
Elevation Range
511 ft
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 9.5 miles in.
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 77.2 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 9.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39 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.
8
9.5 mi into trip
|
~12m 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
6
9.8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
8
39 mi into trip
|
~44m 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
74 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m 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
7
77.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Moody, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Gadsden along the way.
Gadsden
9.5 mi in
|
~12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 20 | 40.4 mi | 43m |
| John M. Harbert III Freeway | 28.4 mi | 30m |
| I 359 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Moody Parkway | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Park Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Daniel Drive | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| University Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 40.4 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Moody, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL.
1
Start on Daniel Drive
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Daniel Drive
2
At end of road, turn right onto CR 10
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Park Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 411
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Moody Parkway
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 20 West: Birmingham
5
Merge onto I 20
6.7 mi
·
7 min
·
I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 136
Toward I 459: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 459 South: Montgomery, Tuscaloosa
8
Merge onto I 459
28 mi
·
30 min
·
John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 20 West, I 59 South: Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 20; I 59; US 11; AL 5
34 mi
·
36 min
·
I 20; I 59; US 11; AL 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 71B
Toward I 359 North, I 69 North: Tuscaloosa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 359; US 11; AL 69
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 359; US 11; AL 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 359; AL 69
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
I 359; AL 69
14
Continue on US 43; AL 69
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard North
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Turn right onto University Boulevard
284 ft
·
10 sec
·
University Boulevard
Use the right lane.
16
Turn left
168 ft
·
12 sec
Use the left lane.
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 1 hour and 11 minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can skip planning for any long-haul stops, as the trip is designed to be completed in one go without the need for intermediate breaks. Keep a close eye on your navigation during the first few miles in Moody, as the transition from local roads like Park Avenue to the interstate is the most technical part of your drive. Filling up your tank before you head out will easily cover the $12 fuel cost, allowing you to reach Tuscaloosa without worrying about mid-trip refueling. Planning your departure to avoid peak local traffic around the Birmingham corridor will ensure the smoothest possible experience.
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 38.6 miles from Moody, AL, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.4 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 77.2 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.6 miles or 44m 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 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 Moody, 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 Moody, AL
This is one driving day of about 77.2 miles and 1h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Moody, 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 40.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.6 mi from Moody, AL · 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
39 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 77.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 38.6 miles from Moody, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
$11.80 one way
$23.60 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.26 | $12.94 | $25.89 |
| premium | $4.61 | $14.01 | $28.02 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $17.15 | $34.30 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.2 | 0 | $8.11 | $3.71 |
| Efficient EV | 19.3 | 0 | $6.76 | $3.09 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 30.9 | 0 | $10.81 | $4.94 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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
Morning in Tuscaloosa on Monday
Local time
7:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Columbiana, AL
39 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
2 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
1h 28m 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 Moody, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 77.2 miles and takes about 1h 28m 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, I 359. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.6 miles from Moody, AL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.80 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 77.2 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 9.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Moody, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Gadsden along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 179 ft to 690 ft elevation with about 567 ft of total climbing.
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